Top Sushi In Philadelphia
See our first round up of Philadelphia's Best Sushi
3636 Sansom St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 387-1803
www.podrestaurant.com
The futuristic vibe and delicious Asian-fusion cuisine prepared by Chef Hugh makes Pod a popular spot in University City. Visit during lunch and grab a seat at the elongated sushi bar. As you sit upon your light-up stool, a conveyor belt moves by with plates of edamame, hand-rolled sushi and sashimi. Dragon, Rainbow, Rio Grande and Spicy Tuna are just a few of the favorites from the sushi line-up. And while the sushi menu is available at both lunch and dinner, the dinner menu includes more elaborate dishes such as wasabi-crusted filet mignon and miso-glazed sea bass. If you're visiting with a group of friends, consider reserving one of the "pods," an egg-shaped private dining space that lights up in a rotating array of neon colors as you enjoy your meal. With its unique setting and top-quality food, it's no surprise that Pod is a part of the Stephen Starr restaurant empire.
Related: Top Cheesy Dishes In Philadelphia
2035 Sansom St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 564-4339
www.vic-sushi.com
When fans warn that Vic Sushi Bar is small, it's not an exaggeration. But if you can manage to secure a seat at this tiny Rittenhouse BYOB, it's worth the wait. Bright and lively, with more of a bar feel than some of the trendier sushi spots, this is a great place for gathering a few friends or a solo sushi meal rather than a romantic date. And for those nights where you simply can't deal with the close quarters, there's always take-out! Two of the most recommended menu options are the three-roll special for $10.95 or the 39-piece party platter at $32.50, which is perfect for sharing. Known for the tuna dumplings with a creamy avocado filling, other Vic favorites are the Yellow Dragon roll with mango and eel and the spicy tuna tartar.
719 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 928-8881
www.fatsalmonsushi.com
Formerly located at 10th and Locust Streets under the name Shinju, Fat Salmon is at a new location, with a new name and recently, a liquor license. Like many of the trendier city sushi spots, Fat Salmon's dim lighting, sleek seating and colorful neon lights makes it a hip spot for dates or a night out with the girls. While Fat Salmon offers the usual sushi and sashimi favorites, the special rolls seem to get the most rave reviews. Try the "Dancing Vampire," a roll filled with cucumber and asparagus and topped with salmon and tuna in a sweet and spicy chili sauce. Another popular option (that's actually not seafood) is the "B.C.T." -- a roll filled with bacon, cream cheese, cucumber and tomato and topped with avocado and a spicy sauce.
723 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 413-9070
www.morimotorestaurant.com
Morimoto lives up to the quality one would expect when partnering big names like Stephen Starr and Iron Chef Morimoto. The sushi is exquisite and is, perhaps, the driving force behind the restaurant being named to Gourmet magazine's "Best Restaurants in America" list as well as Conde Nast Traveler's "50 Hot Tables in America." With its extensive sushi bar, raw bar and entrees such as monkfish, strip steak, duck and striped bass, it can be difficult to make a decision. If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed, try the omakase. This multi-course tasting menu is selected by Chef Morimoto himself and includes his best dishes for the complete experience. An excellent way to try a few things from each section of the menu, the omakase also gives you the option of adding on the beverage omakase list and enjoy drink pairings with each course.
Related: Top Ways To Party Like A Movie Star In Philadelphia
1601 E. Passyunk Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19148
(215) 271-1222
www.izumiphilly.com
Izumi proves that South Philly is more than just a haven for Italian and Mexican cuisine. Nestled at the corner of Passyunk Avenue, this tiny Japanese spot serves Asian fusion with an exceptional sushi bar. With a focus on quality and attention to detail, the sushi menu offers a few less common options such as horse mackerel, sweet white albacore and fluke in addition to the usual mainstays. Be sure to visit on a nice day when the café windows are open and the seating area essentially turns into outdoor dining.
Head to Philadelphia's Best Of pages for more local tips on family fun, shopping, nightlife, food, culture and more!
Michelle Hein is a copy editor for a women's fashion company in Bucks County by day and a self-proclaimed food and drink fanatic by night and weekend. She enjoys attending wine classes, trying new recipes in the kitchen and going to old favorites and new restaurants alike in the Bucks County and Philadelphia area. If the writing gig doesn't pan out, she constantly dreams of owning her own bakery...perhaps connected to the restaurant/bar that her lawyer boyfriend would love to open. Examiner.com
