Heads up, sushi lovers. It’s International Sushi Day on June 18 (I know right—who knew?!), and whether you’re looking for some simple sashimi or a gussied-up roll with shrimp tempura inside, you’ll find oodles of popular eateries in Philly to feast on this Japanese dish in celebration. Here, seven of our favorites to try.
Stop by this modern and sleek spot in Old City for lunch or dinner to discover the restaurant’s secret menu item: the sunomono. This sashimi item on Tuesday’s menu can consist of Japanese Uni, salmon, tuna, king crab, scallion oil and vinegar. Note, the fish may vary depending on what Chef Kenneth Sze picks up fresh from the market that day. Pair the under-wraps dish with some sake-tinis and a side bowl of edamame. Prices vary, 205 Race St., 215.238.TUNA, tunabar.com
If there was ever a time to go the omakase route, this is definitely it. Feast your eyes on a handpicked, multi-course tasting menu of some of the best fare Morimoto has to offer that’s also tailored to your tastes—meaning you can try any one of their top notch specialty sushis, if you so desire, including their classic shiitake mushroom roll or maguro tuna sashimi. Omakase from $125, 723 Chestnut St., 215.413.9070, morimotorestaurant.com
Served in a lounge-y space with dim lights, Fat Salmon dishes up dozens of specialty rolls, all with their own quirky names and delicious blends of flavors and textures. Enjoy eight pieces of the sweet meadow—a concoction of cream cheese, cucumber, avocado, spicy mayo and eggplant tempura that’s been drenched in teriyaki sauce. $13, 719 Walnut St., 215.928.8881, fatsalmonsushi.com
For one night only, sushi-obsessed guests can fill their stomachs up with Ocean Prime’s lavish surf & turf roll. The over-the-top sushi is made with tempura fried shrimp, cream cheese and scallion, wrapped in beef carpaccio and topped with spicy mayo-tossed tempura shrimp and togarashi seasoning. $20, 124 S. 15th St., 215.563.0163, ocean-prime.com
It’s a two-for-one deal when you step through the doors of Queen Village’s izakaya destination. Designed with intricate anime sketches on the brick wall, the front room allows guests to indulge in maki made with salmon skin or unagi and avocado. Guests can also plan ahead and reserve a seat at the luxurious, sectioned-off sushi bar to try 18 pieces from Chef Jesse Ito’s omakase-style menu. Omakase $130, 780 S. Second St., 267.909.9002, royalsushiandizakaya.com
Nestled in the homey neighborhood of Fairmont, this BYOB spot covers all the sushi essentials with its inventive designer rolls like the henrietta, a mash-up of lobster tempura, mango, spicy tuna tartare, avocado, cashew bits and eel sauce; and the krakken, which dresses up shrimp tempura with eel, avocado, soft shell crab, cherries, worcestershire aioli and almond bits. Prices vary, 553 N. 22nd St., 215.988.0707, umai-umai.com
Settle in for the night at Chef Michael Schulson’s low-lit, basement level Japanese restaurant in Center City. Devour mouth-watering ume hirame rolls or a sashimi combination of foie gras, miso and pearl rice. Share a $135 bottle of cabernet sauvignon with each meal. Prices vary, 120 S. 13th St., 215.631.3868, doubleknotphilly.com
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