Cheu Fishtown in Philadelphia is a vibrant spot that’s become a neighborhood favorite. Known for its creative Asian-inspired noodle bowls and small plates, it’s a place where the food is as much a conversation starter as it is satisfying. The brisket ramen is a standout, and the service is consistently friendly and attentive. With a diverse drink menu to complement the dishes, Cheu Fishtown offers a casual yet memorable dining experience that locals and visitors alike adore.
Unearthed like a 3.5 billion-year-old Archaean rock, I stumbled upon the findings of a lifetime at local ramen joint Cheu Fishtown. Upon a quick glance at the menu, waiters surrounded my table, slapped a fat bowl of brothy ramen down so hard the chili oil splashed six feet into the air and down directly into my left cornea, and demanded that I eat.Not wanting to be rude (in spite of the blinding pain the oil caused on my eye), I humored the staff and ate it. And boy O boy, was that a correct decision. The flavors exploded like fireworks in July, and I suddenly blacked out, waking up six miles east with my WaWa rewards card stolen, and $5 added to my wallet. I assume that was the staff’s doing, or maybe God. Either way, the service was excellent and the ramen sapid, and for the rest of my life, I’ll have sweet dreams taking me back to the open doorway of Cheu Fishtown, this time with eyes open, graciously accepting that sweet broth directly into not just one, but both corneas. Would go again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ping Regis
Cheu was a fun little date spot. The service is efficient and they checked in on us the perfect amount-- careful to keep our drinks full, remove used dishes, offer seconds, etc. without interrupting us or rushing us. It was not super busy despite being a beautiful Sunday night so it was easier to chat and we LOVED how spacious it felt.Cocktails were great! A little sweet for my preference but the season of spring may be part of that influence. Food was nothing mind-blowing. We got wings and both versions of the poke bowls. I appreciate how fresh the ingredients were but the balance was... one-note? The tofu bowl was especially anti-climactic. There's a large price difference between the ahi tuna cause you don't get the tuna or the tobiko... instead you get what appears like regular, cubed, cold tofu. If it were grilled, fried, or treated in some way it might shine more than something you could toss together at a salad bar in a grocery store.I am willing to try it again cause the wings were cooked well and I want to try more of the cocktails. We'll see if we order foodVegetarian options: The vegetarian poke bowl I got was kinda whack not gonna lie but I'd try their other items like the curry noodles or apps!Dietary restrictions: Menu is clearly labeled with major ingredients and allergens. The staff took positive initiative to ask us if we had dietary restrictions which was nice.Parking: Parking in Fishtown is a stuggle anywhere you go, even if paying haha.Kid-friendliness: I was suprised there was a child dining at the table next to us but they seemed to be enjoying the food! No "kids" menu.Wheelchair accessibility: No steps to get inside! there are a few low tables towards the front to bring a mobility device up to.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Black Garlic Wings
Sara Parente
The food , service and drinks at cheu are always great! This particular time I was waiting for friends to meet me and after sitting alone at my table for a while the bartender came over and gave me a drink. So sweet!
Be kinder. I ordered takeout, the time for pick up changed from 30 min to over 50. I get there early and the hostess pushes back on it being ready at the time it was designated. Then offers to see if the kitchen can fire it up. She comes back and says they’ll try but they’re backed up. I said it’s fine I’ll come back. I come like 15 min. She says it’s not ready yet while on the phone. Another woman comes up and asks if I need help. I say I’m just waiting on my food it isn’t ready yet. She looks at another area and it is ready. It was placed not where it should be and I could have been waiting another 16 minutes or so. I don’t appreciate the games some hostesses at restaurants like to play on customers. Food was delicious but that experience was not right.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 2
valerie tray
Went there on a casual Wednesday and hit them at happy hour! My boo & I were very pleased! We got about 4 appetizers and 2 ramen bowls and 2 drinks, priced a bit over $100, total tab w tip $130. To give you an idea we left so satisfied. We were sat at the bar which had open concept, and could watch the cooks from our seats. We got the Rangoon twice, the chicken wings, pork shumai (kind of plate), their miso ramen (creamy) and brisket ramen (hearty). You can also add items such as extra meats or egg at additional cost. Our first time was fantastic, great cuisine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Brisket Ramen with Kimchi, Black Garlic Wings
Ethan Hoefert
The Mapo tofu, roasted carrot w tofu hummus, and pork dumplings were fire.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Red Curry Pork Dumplings
Allan Kyle
Service poor. Surly waitress, dismissive staff. Why do we need to wait until all are seated to get water? Why are appetizers coming after entrees? Why are children be kicked out of their seats? Why are common sense solutions being rejected? We will not be back.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
Stephanie Sobczak
I wish every restaurant would run as efficiently as Cheu. They set the bar high! The food always comes out so quickly, and somehow the timing is always perfect. I think the most impressive thing about them is the attention to detail. Every time I order the wings, there are always equal numbers of drums and flats. Literally *every* time.There are so many restaurants nearby that can be pretty hit or miss, but Cheu is one that I can always count on because the quality always remains the same, no matter who is cooking/ serving/ bartending that night. With so many other things to worry about during the day, it’s nice to be able to breathe a sigh of relief and know that Cheu will never disappoint.I love Cheu!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brisket Ramen with Kimchi, Matzo Ball Ramen, Black Garlic Wings, Spicy Tuna Rice Cracker
Neema Patel
Cheu has upbeat vibes, and is a great spot for dinner ! They have tons of options on their menu even for vegetarians.Appetizers- Tandoei Squash Rangoon’sMain entree- Coconut Curry ramen- Miso Ramen
Great food, great ambiance. Dom is the best server. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rebecca Carvalho
Obsessed with their happy hour and the staff is so sweet!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Thy Vu
Purely for the fact that we had a reservation at 5:30 and still had to wait for our table. We left after 15 mins of waiting. It was our anniversary dinner too
Service: 1
Aria Jiang
The sea bream special is pretty good. The pork bun plate was ok. The brisket ramen was def good. The Brussels sprouts with tofu is ok (wish the portion was larger). The garlic chicken fries is not bad either. Everything’s pretty good. The owners are Jewish and Japanese and this really reflects in the design of the dishes. The service is a bit chaotic albeit friendly. Very cute restroom. Hip spot to hang out. They don’t have a lot of tables for over 2 people. They do have a nice alley semi-outdoor space. Go early or there would be a wait.
Recommended dishes: Miso Ramen
Jeremy Yowell
Cheu Fishtown was an overall tasty Wednesday dinner experience, although it was a tad pricey for the end result. Vibes were upbeat and lively - definitely make sure to have a reservation. The drink menu was interesting and fun, although I didn't adore my selection. The appetizers were phenomenal, particularly the hoagie roll. The speciality bun and brisket ramen however we thought were only above average. Cool spot, probably won't come back unless asked by friends.
Cheu Fishtown in Philadelphia is a vibrant spot that’s become a neighborhood favorite. Known for its creative Asian-inspired noodle bowls and small plates, it’s a place where the food is as much a conversation starter as it is satisfying. The brisket ramen is a standout, and the service is consistently friendly and attentive. With a diverse drink menu to complement the dishes, Cheu Fishtown offers a casual yet memorable dining experience that locals and visitors alike adore.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Mushroom Scrapple Steamed Buns, Brisket Ramen with Kimchi, Lemongrass Chicken Dumplings, Impossible Grain Bowl, Black Garlic Wings, Spicy Tuna Rice Cracker, Fried Chicken, Chicken Wings, Coconut Curry Noodles
Unearthed like a 3.5 billion-year-old Archaean rock, I stumbled upon the findings of a lifetime at local ramen joint Cheu Fishtown. Upon a quick glance at the menu, waiters surrounded my table, slapped a fat bowl of brothy ramen down so hard the chili oil splashed six feet into the air and down directly into my left cornea, and demanded that I eat.Not wanting to be rude (in spite of the blinding pain the oil caused on my eye), I humored the staff and ate it. And boy O boy, was that a correct decision. The flavors exploded like fireworks in July, and I suddenly blacked out, waking up six miles east with my WaWa rewards card stolen, and $5 added to my wallet. I assume that was the staff’s doing, or maybe God. Either way, the service was excellent and the ramen sapid, and for the rest of my life, I’ll have sweet dreams taking me back to the open doorway of Cheu Fishtown, this time with eyes open, graciously accepting that sweet broth directly into not just one, but both corneas. Would go again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cheu was a fun little date spot. The service is efficient and they checked in on us the perfect amount-- careful to keep our drinks full, remove used dishes, offer seconds, etc. without interrupting us or rushing us. It was not super busy despite being a beautiful Sunday night so it was easier to chat and we LOVED how spacious it felt.Cocktails were great! A little sweet for my preference but the season of spring may be part of that influence. Food was nothing mind-blowing. We got wings and both versions of the poke bowls. I appreciate how fresh the ingredients were but the balance was... one-note? The tofu bowl was especially anti-climactic. There's a large price difference between the ahi tuna cause you don't get the tuna or the tobiko... instead you get what appears like regular, cubed, cold tofu. If it were grilled, fried, or treated in some way it might shine more than something you could toss together at a salad bar in a grocery store.I am willing to try it again cause the wings were cooked well and I want to try more of the cocktails. We'll see if we order foodVegetarian options: The vegetarian poke bowl I got was kinda whack not gonna lie but I'd try their other items like the curry noodles or apps!Dietary restrictions: Menu is clearly labeled with major ingredients and allergens. The staff took positive initiative to ask us if we had dietary restrictions which was nice.Parking: Parking in Fishtown is a stuggle anywhere you go, even if paying haha.Kid-friendliness: I was suprised there was a child dining at the table next to us but they seemed to be enjoying the food! No "kids" menu.Wheelchair accessibility: No steps to get inside! there are a few low tables towards the front to bring a mobility device up to.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Black Garlic Wings
The food , service and drinks at cheu are always great! This particular time I was waiting for friends to meet me and after sitting alone at my table for a while the bartender came over and gave me a drink. So sweet!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brisket Ramen with Kimchi, Wings, Spicy Tuna Rice Cracker
Be kinder. I ordered takeout, the time for pick up changed from 30 min to over 50. I get there early and the hostess pushes back on it being ready at the time it was designated. Then offers to see if the kitchen can fire it up. She comes back and says they’ll try but they’re backed up. I said it’s fine I’ll come back. I come like 15 min. She says it’s not ready yet while on the phone. Another woman comes up and asks if I need help. I say I’m just waiting on my food it isn’t ready yet. She looks at another area and it is ready. It was placed not where it should be and I could have been waiting another 16 minutes or so. I don’t appreciate the games some hostesses at restaurants like to play on customers. Food was delicious but that experience was not right.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 5
Service: 2
Went there on a casual Wednesday and hit them at happy hour! My boo & I were very pleased! We got about 4 appetizers and 2 ramen bowls and 2 drinks, priced a bit over $100, total tab w tip $130. To give you an idea we left so satisfied. We were sat at the bar which had open concept, and could watch the cooks from our seats. We got the Rangoon twice, the chicken wings, pork shumai (kind of plate), their miso ramen (creamy) and brisket ramen (hearty). You can also add items such as extra meats or egg at additional cost. Our first time was fantastic, great cuisine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Brisket Ramen with Kimchi, Black Garlic Wings
The Mapo tofu, roasted carrot w tofu hummus, and pork dumplings were fire.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Red Curry Pork Dumplings
Service poor. Surly waitress, dismissive staff. Why do we need to wait until all are seated to get water? Why are appetizers coming after entrees? Why are children be kicked out of their seats? Why are common sense solutions being rejected? We will not be back.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 1
I wish every restaurant would run as efficiently as Cheu. They set the bar high! The food always comes out so quickly, and somehow the timing is always perfect. I think the most impressive thing about them is the attention to detail. Every time I order the wings, there are always equal numbers of drums and flats. Literally *every* time.There are so many restaurants nearby that can be pretty hit or miss, but Cheu is one that I can always count on because the quality always remains the same, no matter who is cooking/ serving/ bartending that night. With so many other things to worry about during the day, it’s nice to be able to breathe a sigh of relief and know that Cheu will never disappoint.I love Cheu!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brisket Ramen with Kimchi, Matzo Ball Ramen, Black Garlic Wings, Spicy Tuna Rice Cracker
Cheu has upbeat vibes, and is a great spot for dinner ! They have tons of options on their menu even for vegetarians.Appetizers- Tandoei Squash Rangoon’sMain entree- Coconut Curry ramen- Miso Ramen
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Great food, great ambiance. Dom is the best server. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Obsessed with their happy hour and the staff is so sweet!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Purely for the fact that we had a reservation at 5:30 and still had to wait for our table. We left after 15 mins of waiting. It was our anniversary dinner too
Service: 1
The sea bream special is pretty good. The pork bun plate was ok. The brisket ramen was def good. The Brussels sprouts with tofu is ok (wish the portion was larger). The garlic chicken fries is not bad either. Everything’s pretty good. The owners are Jewish and Japanese and this really reflects in the design of the dishes. The service is a bit chaotic albeit friendly. Very cute restroom. Hip spot to hang out. They don’t have a lot of tables for over 2 people. They do have a nice alley semi-outdoor space. Go early or there would be a wait.
Recommended dishes: Miso Ramen
Cheu Fishtown was an overall tasty Wednesday dinner experience, although it was a tad pricey for the end result. Vibes were upbeat and lively - definitely make sure to have a reservation. The drink menu was interesting and fun, although I didn't adore my selection. The appetizers were phenomenal, particularly the hoagie roll. The speciality bun and brisket ramen however we thought were only above average. Cool spot, probably won't come back unless asked by friends.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4