Located in a former Stetson Hat Company store on Sansom Street, a fashionable back alley in central Philadelphia, Raw is a sleek venue for sampling its signature sushi and sake. More than 40 sakes, with most available by the glass, offer a fitting complement to its wide variety of creative and adventurous sushi concoctions.
Raw Sushi and Sake Lounge, 1225 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA, USA, +1 215 238 1903
Debuting in the Philadelphia neighborhood of Callowhill, Gyu-Kaku brings a pioneering approach to hands-on Japanese cuisine after having experienced success across a number of other American cities. Serving yakinuku cuisine, Gyu-Kaku’s speciality involves ordering raw seafood, veggies and meats marinated according to the customer’s wishes. Diners then take the matter into their own hands, grilling the choice cuts to taste on miniature grills inserted into each of the tables.
Gyu-Kaku, 1901 Callowhill St, Philadelphia, PA, USA, +1 267 603 9482
With two locations in northwest Philadelphia, one in the picturesque and affluent Chestnut Hill neighborhood and the other in historic Lansdale, Osaka is worth the trek for diners looking to experience one of the city’s best hibachi grills. With a menu that combines both Eastern and Western influences, authentic Japanese dishes including an extensive selection of sushi, sashimi and nigiri are available alongside options such as filet mignon, lobster and shrimp.
Osaka, 8605 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA, USA, +1 215 242 5900/1598 Sumneytown Pike, Lansdale, PA, USA, +1 267 222 8308
Zama is central Philadelphia’s go-to location for sushi and features more than 30 a la carte sashimi options, an extensive selection of maki rolls and vegetarian options. Options include the bibou roll and the Philadelphia, served with premier Japanese beef and provolone; a Japanese take on the Philly cheesesteak.
Zama, 128 S 19th St, Philadelphia, PA, USA, +1 215 568 1027
Located in the theatre district of Philadelphia’s Centre City, Shiroi Hana offers a down-to-earth, uncomplicated approach to traditional Japanese cuisine which is sure to please purists. Steering clear of all-too-common fusion approaches, Shiroi Hana believes that Japanese food should remain simple in order to bring out the natural flavours and textures of fine ingredients. Shiroi Hana naturally excels in sushi, bringing the quality of fish to the forefront of any dining experience. Fortunately, Shiroi Hana has forgone purist Japanese fare when it comes to dessert as demonstrated by its popular fried ice cream which is not to be missed.
Shiroi Hana, 222 S 15th St, Philadelphia, PA, USA, +1 215 735 4444
