From creative rolls to omakase, these local sushi spots are serving up innovative twists on classic Japanese favorites.
Azie on Main
Azie’s sushi stands at the pinnacle of America’s New Asian movement, elevating Southeast Asian regional cuisine with European flair. The restaurant offers several sophisticated sushi rolls like the strawberry jalapeño with spicy tuna and the New Philly with Kobe beef. 789 E. Lancaster Ave., Villanova, azieonmain.com
Double Knot
Descend to the underground izakaya at Michael Schulson’s restaurant, experiencing sushi in an intimate environment. Double Knot’s specialty sushi and sashimi, like the octopus with soy and lemon or the red snapper with kombu and ponzu, will please any palate. 120 S. 13th St., doubleknotphilly.com
Kuro
Led by chef Shingo Inoue, 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. 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ, hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com
Morimoto
Pulling from Japanese tradition and Western culinary techniques, world-renowned chef Masaharu Morimoto offers a symphony of flavors at Morimoto. Try sublime rolls, like the spicy crunchy yellowtail, or opt for a vegetarian option with the ume, shiso and cucumber. 723 Chestnut St., morimotorestaurant.com
Ogawa Sushi & Kappo
Engage in a unique omakase experience with an extensive 23-course menu created daily by chef Carlos Wills. With a 12-seat sushi counter, lucky customers can experience an exceptional meal featuring nigiri and specialty dishes that will treat your taste buds. 310 Market St., ogawaphilly.com
Royal Sushi & Izakaya
When sushi cravings take over, a table at Royal Sushi & Izakaya is the cure-all. Indulge in chef/owner Jesse Ito’s most innovative bites, like the roasted red pepper with avocado, asparagus, braised shiitake mushroom, fried garlic and wasabi olive oil. 780 S. Second St., royalsushiandizakaya.com
Sushi Suite’s akami, chutoro and otoro nigiri.
Sushi Suite
Behind a private door in Izakaya Fishtown, Sushi Suite awaits. The intimate eatery exudes 1920s glamour with beaded backdrops and ornate mirrors. Eight lucky guests can savor 17 pieces of nigiri featuring sustainable fish like botan ebi and Hokkaido uni. 1832 Frankford Ave., sushisuite.com
Tuna Bar
Tuna Bar boasts a luxurious environment beckoning customers to enjoy endless hand-selected fish. Try 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., tunabar.com
Yanako
Yanako is all about the Japanese value of finding beauty in simplicity. Indulge in the Ocean Safari featuring a lobster salad topping or the Almond Joy, garnished with roasted almonds and microgreens. 4345 Main St., theyanako.com
Zama
Since 2009, Zama’s daily menus reflect a variety of fish flown in from around the world. Indulge in the Truffle Eel Daikon—a crunchy eel roll wrapped in daikon drizzled with truffle eel sauce topped with cucumber noodles with uni sauce. 128 S. 19th St., zamaphilly.com
Photography by: Courtesy of Azie on Main; Courtesy of Schulson Collective; Courtesy of Morimoto; Ogawa Sushi & Kappo Photo by Mike Prince; courtesy of Royal Sushi; Tuna Bar photo by Cortney Sze; Courtesy of Zama; Sushi Suite photo by NEIL BURGER
