From spicy scallop rolls to omakase, these local sushi restaurants are sure to curb your cravings.
Royal Sushi & Izakaya's charred toro with caviar
Azie on Main
Azie’s sushi stands at the pinnacle of America’s New Asian movement, which elevates Southeast Asian regional cuisine with hints of European flair. Beyond classic rolls, the restaurant offers an extensive collection of surprising yet sophisticated sushi like the strawberry jalapeño with spicy tuna and soy wrap and the New Philly with Kobe beef and gruyere cheese. 789 E. Lancaster Ave., Villanova, 610.527.5700, azieonmain.com
Double Knot
Descend to the underground izakaya at Michael Schulson’s Double Knot to enjoy your sushi in an intimate candle-lit experience. Double Knot’s specialty sushi, like the octopus roll with soy and lemon or the red snapper with kombu and ponzu, are sure to please your palate. 120 S. 13th St., 215.631.3868, doubleknotphilly.com
Fat Salmon Sushi
Known for its adventurous fare, this Washington Square restaurant serves authentic Japanese sushi. From classic choices like spicy tuna and salmon skin to specialty rolls like kimchi and yam tempura, you won’t be disappointed. 719 Walnut St., 215.928.8881, fatsalmonsushi.com
Izakaya Atlantic City
After tasting chef Michael Schulson’s tasty sushi, it’s no surprise he lived in Japan. Each sushi roll and sashimi is crafted with the freshest ingredients, like the toro scallion and miso-glazed sea bass, featuring cucumber, shiso and chili soy paper. 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, 609.317.1000, borgata.mgmresorts.com
Izakaya Fishtown
Whether you opt for the omakase menu or peruse the okonomi menu, Izakaya Fishtown has something for everyone. Delight your tastebuds with sushi specialties like spicy hamachi with housemade mayo, bluefin tuna and chirasi sauce. 1832 Frankford Ave., 267.310.3554, byyanaga.com
Kuro
Led by chef Shingo Inoue, who holds more than 40 years of experience in sushi restaurants worldwide, Kuro is a must-try in Atlantic City’s Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Complement bites like the toro scallion and Kuro California by ordering a specialty cocktail—the Kiiro, a mix of shishito Japanese whisky and lemon, is sure to delight. 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ, 609.449.1000, hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com
Morimoto
Pulling from both Japanese tradition and Western culinary techniques, world-renowned chef Masaharu Morimoto offers a symphony of flavors at Morimoto. Try sublime rolls, such as the spicy crunchy yellowtail, or opt for a vegetarian option like the ume, shiso and cucumber. 723 Chestnut St., 215.413.9070, morimotorestaurant.com
Nobu's spicy shrimp tempura roll
Nobu Atlantic City
Don’t miss out on this world-renowned Japanese restaurant during your next Shore excursion. Created by Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper, the Caesars Atlantic City eatery invites visitors to sample its most popular rolls like the yellowtail and jalapeno or spicy scallop. 2100 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City, NJ, caesars.com
Don't miss the sanma at Royal Sushi & Izakaya.
Royal Sushi & Izakaya
When sushi cravings take over, a table at Royal Sushi & Izakaya is the cure-all. Choose between classic sushi rolls like fatty tuna and soft shell crab pair, or test your palate with chef/owner Jesse Ito’s most innovative bites—roasted red pepper avocado with asparagus, braised shiitake mushroom, fried garlic and wasabi olive oil, or the Metapod with wasabi tobiko, tuna, avocado, spicy miso mayo sauce and sesame seeds. 780 S. Second St., 267.909.9002, royalsushiandizakaya.com
Tuna Bar
Created by owner and executive chef Kenneth Sze, Tuna Bar boasts a relaxing yet luxurious environment that beckons sushi connoisseurs to indulge in their endless assortment of hand-selected fish. Treat yourself to an unforgettable dinner with the Dynamite White Tuna roll featuring spicy walu, crunch and shishitos or The Rittenhouse—spicy tuna, cucumber, avocado, kombu soy paper, lobster tempura and truffle masago sauce. 205 Race St., 215.238.8862, tunabar.com
Umami Steak and Sushi
Meaning pleasant, savory taste, Umami lives up to its name with a variety of delectable bites. Our recommendation? The chef or kaiseki omakase. The multicourse tasting experience welcomes guests to dine on traditional sushi made with the highest-quality fish. 727 Walnut St., 267.534.5395, umamisteakandsushi.com
Yanako
Yanako is all about the Japanese value of finding beauty in simplicity. Offering both an a la carte menu and an extensive selection of sushi, Yanako is known for its unique sushi concoctions. Indulge in the Ocean Safari featuring a lobster salad topping or the Almond Joy, garnished with roasted almonds and microgreens. 4345 Main St., 267.297.8151, theyanako.com
Zama's wasabi lobster roll
Zama
Since 2009, chef Hiroyuki Tanaka has blessed the Philadelphia community with a wide variety of fish flown in from around the world, reflected in Zama’s ever-changing daily menus. Pair the Truffle Eel Daikon—a crunchy eel roll wrapped in daikon drizzled with truffle eel sauce and topped with cucumber noodles tossed in uni sauce—with a sip of the chef’s own private sake called Drunken Zama. 128 S. 19th St., 215.568.1027, zamaphilly.com
Photography by: Jesse Ito; Courtesy of Nobu; Jesse Ito; Courtesy of Zama
