The 10 best restaurants for sushi in Philadelphia

Chef Jessie Ito was a named 2024 James Beard Awards finalist for his Old City resto. Royal Sushi & Izakaya's vibe is moody and cool. There, you can order sushi, sashimi, buns and cocktails, but in the back, you’ll find the top-notch, 17-course, $300 omakase. It’s notoriously tough to snag a table, but once you do, you’ll likely be able to set a regular date to dine.

Time Out tip: Reviewers rave about the Royal Chirashi box, which comes complete with fish, uni, scallop and caviar.

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Also in Old City, this laid-back place serves next-level hand rolls, maki and appetizers. With 19 vegan rolls, four vegan and vegetarian ramen and noodle options and dairy-free mochi on the menu, Tomo Sushi & Ramen is a no-brainer for parties with plant-based eaters. Go meatless with eggplant “eel,” seitan “steak” and vegetable gyoza, for starters.

Time Out tip: It’s BYOB, so bring a bottle of white wine or sake to wash down your seafood smorgasbord.

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For sushi and then some, there’s Fuji Mountain, which is frequented for its teriyaki, noodles, katsu and bibimbap and sashimi, maki, temaki and the like. Cozy up to a few special rolls (which are crowned with everything from chopped bulgogi to oyster tempura) before hitting the karaoke room. And as exquisite as the sushi is, don’t sleep on the impressive sake selection and house-made soju.

Time Out tip: Sharing? Order the Sakura combination, which includes 24 pieces of chef’s choice sushi, 20 pieces of sashimi and three rolls for $120.

Upstairs, you’ll find a chic, bustling cocktail bar. Head to the basement for an enchanting, illuminated sushi bar and izakaya. If you’ve never tried robatayaki before (it’s a Japanese cooking method of slowly grilling skewered food over hot coals), Double Knot is a great place to do it. If it’s your first time, go for the ten-course chef’s tasting menu for $68.

Time Out tip: Score $7 rolls, $8 bao and dumplings, $5 beers and $7 cocktails during happy hour, which is daily from 4 to 7pm.

If it’s splurge-worthy sushi in Philadelphia that you’re after, look no further than HIROKI, named for executive chef and Morimoto alum Hiroki Fujiyama. The sophisticated ambiance alone (vaguely reminiscent of The Menu’s Hawthorn) is an experience, but the 20-course, $185 seasonal omakase menu, inspired by the chef’s Kyoto upbringing, is plain revelatory.

Time Out tip: If you’re craving a hot plate, spring for the daily selection of Japanese wagyu.

Zama was that spot in Philly soon after opening in 2009, and it’s no surprise why. The menu spotlights fish that’s imported daily from around the world, and features modern spins on classic dishes (see the Philly Style maki, a mix of wagyu, provolone, spicy mayo and bibb lettuce, wrapped in red pepper soy paper).

Time Out tip: Visit between noon and 5pm for the relatively affordable sushi lunch sets, which come with edamame, salad and tempura-udon soup.

In vogue from the moment its doors opened in 2001, Morimoto is a timeless choice for sushi in Philadelphia. A collaboration between Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr, the destination is as exhilarating for the eyes as it is the palate. Glowing, color-changing booths and the signature $165 omakase alike will ignite your senses.

Time Out tip: Peruse the seasonal menu for impossibly fresh seafood of the moment, like barracuda and pen shell clam.

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To satisfy your thirst for sashimi without a fuss, head here. The atmosphere at Umai Umai is no-frills and comfortable, while the sushi selection is equal parts authentic and creative. Charm your taste buds with the Krakken, a roll teeming with soft shell crab, eel and cherries, or the Ping Pong, starring spicy tuna and pineapple salsa.

Time Out tip: First-timers should order the signature oyster shooter, which calls for topping oyster and sea urchin in citrus-soy with salmon roe and quail egg, then knocking it all back.

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Steps away from Washington Square, Fat Salmon has brought the buzz since 2007, and even more so after opening a full bar. Avant-garde rolls—including 15 vegan and vegetarian options—abound, with cameos from unlikely ingredients like karaage chicken, pico de gallo and bacon. But if you don’t feel like straying from the OGs, the more traditional options are just as reliable.

Time Out tip: Fat Salmon knows a thing or two about fried fare. Reviewers suggest the crispy rice and paper-thin, shatteringly crunchy katsu.

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This West Philadelphia favorite went from a pan-Asian eatery to a Japanese restaurant with a penchant for seriously delicious sushi. Another Starr Restaurant to add to your list, Pod delivers raw seafood *and* hot dishes, like fried chicken, wagyu beef and curry noodles, of equally exceptional quality.

Time Out tip: For an omakase-like experience on a budget, order the Seven Fishes, a chef’s selection of seasonal sushi for $32.