50 Best Japanese Restaurants in Philadelphia

“Awesome menu, great vibes and really tasty food. Must try this place.“

“What is the specialty of this sushi restaurant?“

“Delicious food, attractive atmosphere.“

“Everything was so good. No fishy or stale flavors. Staff were very friendly and very informative on all the different types of sushi. Will be coming back. The A5 Wagu Uni hand roll was amazing!“

“Awesome experience!!!! The freshest fish I’ve ever had. Shipped from Japan daily. Great place!!!“

“We happened upon this gem purely by chance. We had an amazing meal from A-Z (!!!) The sushi is phenomenal; sit at the newly designed sushi bar in the back and enjoy unique daily catches that come in through the connections the owner has with local fishermen. The restaurant is also known for their aged steaks, and Kobe prime rib, which we will try next time. I had the miso black bass and it was one of the best flavors with fish I have ever had. The broth had such a delicate shiitake mushroom flavor, which I loved. I literally couldn’t have had enough of this delicate, delicious dish. I could have had two orders and eaten it all! I think this dish epitomizes what the word UMAMI means. I also had the sautéed mushroom extravaganza, a treat for every taste bud of incredible flavors melted with a delicate sauce. My husband had their unique collection of sushi and sashimi choices that were all enjoyed at their stunningly beautiful sushi bar, complete with two young, passionate chefs who love what they do, and treasure their personal designs of the fish and rolls. All the rolls are presented in this great wooden cradle design, which I thought was so unique and functional. The owner was all smiles and genuinely happy to have had us try his new restaurant. I recommend it highly for either an exceptional steak meal (all are btw, so reasonably priced so order them for sure), or the traditional sushi. You won’t be disappointed. This will be our weekly go-to restaurant and we are counting the days until we will return, which actually will be next Tuesday the 9th! Bravo to the whole team at Umami and thank you for your passion for Japanese food, and for doing it right from A-Z. We will see you soon! Debbie and Gene“

“Ordered Shiso for delivery on Saturday night after reading some glowing reviews online and it did not disappoint - will be my new go-to for sushi takeout. Got the Chef's choice sushi and tuna/aji sushi and every piece was amazing and so fresh. Also got the spicy tuna crispy rice (don't have a photo) but would skip this next time, it just doesn't travel well. Can't wait to try Shiso in person!“

“Always love this place. I try to visit every time I’m in Philly.“

“I came here to eat with my girlfriend, and we also ordered takeout a different day. We both agreed this is the best sushi we had so far here in the city. Lived here for 5 years, and the sushi and sashimi here are great and taste fresh. The takoyaki unfortunately was very cold when we got it, but I understand it's takeout and would be better in the restaurant. Definitely give this place a try.“

“My boyfriend and I wanted to try something new in the Northern Liberty area as we frequent the area quite a bit, and decided to give Yanaga a try. After just one dine in experience, it's become one of our new favorite spots to eat, and it's definitely on the restaurant rotation for when we go out to eat!

The place is very decked out with anime stickers, manga panels, and the like, while also playing different kinds of anime on the TVs they have on premise. I really recommend the spot, for just the food alone even if you don't like anime.“

“A gem in south philly and definitely the best sushi in the area. Super friendly service, always easy to get a table, and BYOB is a plus. The salmon lover's sushi entree is my go-to and is accompanied by a salad and soup. Haven't been disappointed with any of the rolls - always the perfect rice-to-fish ratio and all of the ingredients are super fresh.“

“Amazing food and service!

I ordered the mushroom gyoza (steamed), crispy rice, single sashimi, treasure roll, and crispy chocolate wonton.

I would definitely come back and get the mushroom gyoza again. If you love mushroom, definitely order this! The crispy rice was also amazing.
All the fish melted in your mouth. The chocolate wonton wasn’t my favorite but it was an innovative concept and nice to try something new.“

“Went here as part of a food tour, so just had small bites, but everything was so good! Tried some sushi, a unique take on edamame that was roasted/grilled, and crispy tofu - all delicious! And the staff was so warm and friendly. Would recommend.“

“Just visiting Philly for the weekend and stopped by to try this place, as it was on my way to the subway. Had the vegetable bao and it was AMAZING! I don’t know how or why it was so good but it was and I felt compelled to leave a review. We were the only ones in there and it took a few minutes for them to make the bao but it was totally worth it!“

“Fiancé and I stopped by because our other meal plans fell through. He’s had ramen before I have not. For my first experience it was absolutely fantastic! Tiny out of the way place which was cozy, sushi and sashimi were excellent and fresh, spicy miso ramen was unbelievable!! Portions were large as well so come hungry!! The young man that served us was very courteous and friendly! We will definitely be back!!!“

“Nakama made our first omakase a night to remember! Chef Mitsutaka made the most incredible sushi. He explained everything and answered any questions we had. You could tell he really cared that we had a great experience! Very special experience and well worth the money especially for a special occasion!“

“Tuna Bar is one of my favorite restaurants! Especially love that cocktail with the gin wasabi & cucumber 🍸😍🍣“

“I had been eyeing on this mari mari restaurant awhile, finally had a time to try them out omg the inari was so good, the tonkotsu ramen was delicious but I maybe I’m alittle confused about small portions protein of the meat but the dishes was good and satisfying might go here with a friends next time ☺️“

“If it’s your first omakase experience then you’ll like it. If you’ve had more expensive omakase before, then this one doesn’t really have the same experience factor. The quality of the fish was good but it was fast(less than 1h) and felt rushed. The sushi chef didn’t really explain anything other than state the obvious name of the fish. But it’s good for the price.“

“I really like how the owners of that shop is pretty nice and hospitable. The atmosphere of the shop is pretty good too and it’s clean there. Thee food? 100000/10 THEIR FOOD IS JUST 👌🏻 IT’S SO GOOD!!:3 I really recommend this shop“

“Went to Uni Sushi Last Week, food comes out fast and the taste is perfectly good. My child also like to eat there.“

“Great food , must have the tea cold tea .“

“clean, friendly staff, good food, good selections, and fast service“

“Well, let’s start off with the fact that the food here is amazing, so far, every single time I’ve eaten the ramen here with my girlfriend, we both were in for an amazing treat, the ramen is delicious and the broth is flavorful, and we also have gotten onigiri and spam masubi, both of which were also delicious, and the place and atmosphere are very cute and very cozy, not only that, the service here is often very friendly and sweet and welcoming, and they seem to really care about their customers and their experience, highly recommend! 10/10“

“My husband and I come from Atco nj and will not go anywhere else! We get the California rolls they are amazing!and the fried rice out of this world. and the bartender is right there getting you anything you need at an instant! Our very happy date night♥️“

“First time here yesterday and we will absolutely be back! I’ve been craving sushi for some time now and this absolutely hit the spot! The portions are bigger than expected and every single bite was delicious. First time in a long time I’ve kept eating even when so full. The service was great and not pushy and I love that the windows by the bar open up fully so you’re looking onto the street. 10/10, thank you Urban Sushi family!“

“The wife and I ordered from here tonight. the indoor atmosphere is for cozy and definitely family friendly. The guy that helped us was very friendly. We ordered appetizers which were perfect sized and delicious. The sushi rolls were the best we have had in ages. We will definitely be coming back. A++++“

“So happy I made this discovery! Black garlic ramen was delicious! They have probably the best bubble milk tea I’ve ever had. Wish they had another location in West Chester!“

“Another great little hidden gem so many in philadelphia, we had an awesome cold soba noodle salad and spicy marinated cucumbers on the side.The bowl was very big so we were able to share what a nice place.Great place to come and just relax and enjoy nice summer night. People were very nice“

“Sushi was great, miso was great. Steamed Gyoza was ok.

They did forgot our salad but after eating the food we aren’t even too upset. The sushi was good and fresh. Rice was perfect.

Will definitely be back soon!“

“Will definitely be coming back soon when I'm in Chinatown. The place was nice and clean and super attentive. The sashimi was super fresh and just a welcoming place with so many options of sushi to choose from. Me and my boyfriend got their Valentines course and it was beautiful. I got a rose when I was leaving out from one of the servers which was so sweet!! Thank you guys for the amazing experience.“

“This place was great!! We had the pork and chicken katsu and it was delicious especially with a side of the shrimp tempura and melon soda. The service was also great along with the calm and cozy atmosphere. Can’t wait to come back again!! (Friend’s pic)“

“It was clean the waitress was nice and the food was soooo good“

“I'm shocked I do not have a photo of the Salmon Bento that I have gotten at least 20 times already. I usually have it delivered via Uber Eats and it's so good that I dive right in when I get it! It comes with perfectly cooked salmon on a bed of sauteed broccoli and onions in a yummy teriyaki sauce. The sides are shrimp and veggie tempura, gyoza, California rolls, and white rice. You know when you find that one go-to restaurant that eases even the worst day at work? Sakura is that restaurant for me!

If you want the bento at a cheaper price - try the lunch specials; it's equally delicious!

I highly recommend this place and will continue to order hopefully for years to come!

Thank you Sakura owner and employees for bringing joy to my day!“

“Honestly amazing food. I got takoyaki and tonkatsu ramen, both of which were amazing. The takoyaki were obviously freshly made, and tasted delicious, and the ramen was flavorful and rich. I got chashu pork in my ramen and my only regret is not ordering extra meat, because it was so tender and flavorful. It was all very reasonably priced, especially considering how massive the portion of ramen was. My entire meal came out to around $20.“

“อร่อยทุกอย่างเลยค่ะ ชอบสลัดอร่อย บริการเร็ว พนักงานบริการดี อาหารอร่อย 🫶🏻🥓🥢🥙“

“We visited Kura Revolving Sushi Bar on a Friday during dinner time, and it was definitely busy, but the wait line moved surprisingly fast. The restaurant was clean and had a very interesting setup. It took us a few minutes to figure out how the food belt system worked, but once we got the hang of it, it was fun and unique! We tried sushi and some sushi wraps – the food was fresh and tasty, though the portions were small for the price. Overall, it’s a cool experience, but it can be a bit pricey. Worth a visit for the novelty!“

“The ambience was very lovely and the food was very delicious.“

“honestly this place is great. i’ve been here twice, once for dinner and once for lunch. the prices were really reasonable for the such fresh food. i loved the staff, really sweet and considerate.“

“Great service and excellent food!“

“the suchi was delicious I'm sorry I'm so hungry I didn't take a photo the light vegetable soup and ramen was very good I'm Mexican and my palate is quite demanding I liked the experience. I told my husband I recommend the Japanese pozole !! mexican joke !!!“

“Great spot! Really was impressed with the food and how creative and extremely tasty everything was. The service was good and fit within the price point and decor - it’s not high dining, so don’t expect white glove service. Expect friendly and helpful service with very, very tasty and one of a kind dinner!“

“City Ave Gem 🍜🍣
🍽️ Food Quality & Taste
The food here is nice and fresh, and you can absolutely taste it. Everything felt thoughtfully prepared, clean, and satisfying without being heavy. It’s the kind of meal that leaves you full but still happy you stopped in.

💰 Value for the Price
Prices are very reasonable, especially for the quality you’re getting. It feels like a solid win—good food without feeling like you overpaid.

🧼 Cleanliness
The restaurant is clean and well-kept, which always makes the experience better. Nothing distracted from the meal, and that’s exactly how it should be.

🤝 Customer Service
Top tier. Friendly, attentive, and welcoming without being overbearing. You feel taken care of from the moment you walk in.

⏱️ Wait Time & Convenience
Huge plus here—I was able to walk right in and get a table. Perfect for a quick stop while running errands on City Ave without needing to plan ahead.

📸 Presentation & Atmosphere
The space is intimate and not very big, which actually works in its favor. It’s cozy, calm, and a great spot to sit down, reset, and enjoy a good meal without the chaos of a larger restaurant.

⚠️ Red Flags or Warnings
None to note. Just keep in mind it’s a smaller space, so it’s more of a cozy dine-in experience than a big group hangout.

Overall:
Fuki Ramen and Sushi is a great little neighborhood spot—fresh food, fair prices, excellent service, and a comfortable atmosphere. Definitely a solid choice when you want quality without the fuss.“

“I ordered several party trays from Tokyo Sushi and it was an amazing experience.
Everything was incredibly fresh, and the presentation was beautiful. As soon as I put the trays out, everyone was impressed!

The staff was very friendly and helpful, and there were so many great options to choose from. Everyone at the party found something they loved, and the vegetarian options were especially well done and thoughtfully prepared, which I really appreciated.

Great quality, variety, and service all around!
I would absolutely order from them again for future gatherings and highly recommend their catering.“

“Great tasty eclectic Japanese food“

“Went here for a little sushi date. Perfect spot.

Not too fancy, also not too casual.

Arrived around 8:30 PM - they said that they typically close the kitchen around 9:00 PM, so it was “last call,” but they also didn’t make us feel rushed.

Fei, our server, was incredible - extremely friendly, attentive, and social.

I’ll definitely be back!“

“Honestly some of the best sushi I've had in while. Prices are reasonable too! This is definitely my new favorite spot. Going to be coming here alot more! Don't judge this place by the way it looks or the location. Please come here! You won't regret it. :))))“

“Their Karoke Room was Amazing! Definitely booking for our next Private Event. My family are huge fans of Sushi and the selection at Samurai certainly didn't disappoint. I'm a fan of the Tuna Lover. I can't wait to return!“

“I had an intimate birthday dinner at Uchi recently. This restaurant has been on my “want to go” list for quite some time, and I was not disappointed in the slightest. From the bold yet harmonious flavors of the nigiri to the delicious appetizers and small plates to the friendliness of the staff, I was so glad they opened up a location in Philadelphia. Highly, highly recommend. If I wasn’t from out of town, I’d be a regular.“

“Kasumi Sushi is located in a newer strip mall with ample, but tight parking. The inside was bright and nicely decorated. The floors were a little sticky and didn't look mopped. 

There are split booth's along the wall and quad tables throughout the inside. I sat at the long wooden sushi counter which was a little low for my liking, but I could still see the sushi chef in action. 

The staff was very attentive and nice. I was the only patron in there for a little while before it began to fill up around noon.

Their menu contains apps, classic rolls/signature rolls/sushi/sashimi, soups, salads, yaki soba/udon, Japanese ramen and teriyaki. They seem to be a QSR Japanese offering (no big bloated menu) with simple, but plenty of well thought out choices.

I ordered miso soup - $2.50 - was salty and had an off flavor. I would skip it next time. 

For sushi I went with the Angel Roll - $13.95 shrimp tempura, avocado topped with spicy crab meat with mayo, old bay powder - sizable pieces of eight that had a nice mix of flavors. I would have liked more spice, but a good choice and I also chose the Cowboy - $15.95 eight pieces, pepper tuna, avocado topped with seared beef with spicy mayo, hot chili, scallion, fried onion - big portion, tender beef, would have liked more spice, but overall the flavors went well together. The ingredients were fresh and the rolls were tight and held together.

I left absolutely stuffed. For this area of the city and for the parking, I think this spot is great. The roll varieties were creative, presentation was good and wait time was minimal (sushi chef was quick on the draw!) with fair prices. 

The bathroom was ok, but needed a good cleaning. 

I would repeat.

Thanks guys!“