Rebecca DavisCraving a good Japanese meal in Philly can send you down a long rabbit hole of sushi counters, ramen bowls, grilled skewers, and omakase menus.
I get it because the local food scene is packed with intense, sensory-rich spots serving everything from crispy tempura to delicate sashimi.
To make the choice easier, I narrowed this guide to the best Japanese restaurants in Philadelphia for different moods, whether you want a date-night splurge, a quick lunch bowl, or a fun group dinner.
How much does Japanese cuisine cost in Philadelphia?
Dining at a Japanese restaurant in Philadelphia typically ranges from $15 for casual fare to $350+ for premium tasting experiences.
| Dining Style | Estimated Cost Per Person |
| Casual (Sushi Rolls, Ramen) | $15 – $35 |
| Upscale (Omakase, Premium Wagyu) | $100 – $350+ |
1. Double Knot
Website: https://www.doubleknotphilly.com/
Address: 120 S 13th St,
Contact: (215) 631-3868
Hours: Sunday to Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Wednesday to Thursday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM; Friday to Saturday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Double Knot is the kind of place that makes dinner feel like a full night out.
Chef and restaurateur Michael Schulson built a clever two-story setup with a bright coffee and cocktail lounge upstairs and a moodier hidden izakaya (informal Japanese pub) downstairs.
I went with a few friends recently, and the best part was jumping around the massive menu. The robatayaki grilled skewers were fun to share, and the pork belly had the rich, savory flavor I wanted with a cocktail.
The catch is the happy-hour setup, because deals are walk-in only. So, you may wait longer than expected. Still, if you’re hunting for sushi restaurants in Philadelphia, the raw selections here feel fresh, polished, and easy to enjoy.
Renowned Japanese restaurant
The new year had to begin with a bang, so on the very first Friday we chose this renowned Japanese restaurant to satisfy our craving for authentic Japanese cuisine. Every dish felt like a work of art, showcasing creativity and attention to detail. The hospitality was exceptional, and our server curated the perfect selection for us. Highly recommended.
- Kinka Mondal | Google Review
I enjoy myself every time
If you were looking for it, you would walk by it. It’s a door to enter this grand restaurant! They have a downstairs and a bigger dining area in the back. The Japanese cuisine is good. I enjoy myself every time I go to this lil spot. Oh, and they have happy hour, too.
- Shelly Rice | Google Review
2. Morimoto
Website: https://morimotorestaurant.com/
Address: 723 Chestnut Street
Contact: (215) 413-9070
Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Friday and Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Sometimes you just need an ultra-premium dining room for a birthday, anniversary, or major milestone.
Morimoto fits that mood beautifully, serving as the flagship location for Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and blending traditional Japanese techniques with sharp modern touches.
The menu feels chef-driven in the best way. You can go big with buttery A5 Olive Wagyu from Seto Island, build a meal around seasonal sashimi, or keep things alcohol-free with playful zero-proof drinks like “Call Me When You’re Soba.”
That said, this isn’t the place I’d choose for a casual budget night. Specialty items like Certified Kobe Beef quickly push the bill up, so it makes more sense when you want the full splurge.
Every dish was delectable
I am a lover of Japanese food, and coming to Morimoto was a long-awaited dream come true! Everything we had was excellent. The service was exceptional, the staff was super friendly, and every dish was delectable. It is very pricey, but if you are celebrating or just feel like eating the best food ever, choose this place!
- Renata Jackson | Google Review
One of the best Japanese meals we have ever had
We decided to splurge on the omakase dinner, and it was one of the best Japanese meals we have ever had. The ambiance is entrancing with changing colors, the service was professional and impeccable, and the fish was artful, fresh, and amazingly delicious. This was a truly memorable meal.
- C R | Google Review
3. Umami Steak and Sushi Bar
Website: https://umamisteakandsushi.com/
Address: 727 Walnut St
Contact: (267) 534-5395
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 12:00 PM – 2:45 PM, 4:30 PM – 9:15 PM; Friday: 12:00 PM – 2:45 PM, 4:30 PM – 10:15 PM; Saturday: 4:30 PM – 10:15 PM; Sunday: 4:30 PM – 9:15 PM
Plant-based diners can sometimes feel boxed out at steak-and-seafood-heavy Japanese restaurants, so Umami Steak and Sushi Bar stands out for its more adaptable menu.
I like that you can find vegetarian u-temaki (hand rolls), veggie sides, and lighter rice-free cucumber rolls without feeling like an afterthought.
Meat and seafood fans still get plenty to work with, including A5 Wagyu Ramen and Seafood Mazemen from the noodle bar. The menu leans toward rich, savory dishes, which fits the restaurant’s name well.
However, there’s no vegetarian ramen option here, which feels like a missed opportunity given how flexible the rest of the menu can be.
After a salty, tangy round of pickles, though, I’d happily walk over to one of the top dessert shops in Philadelphia nearby.
Service is amazing and great ambience
Most underrated sushi and Japanese steak house in Philly! The fish is so fresh and even rivals that of Japan. Service is amazing and great ambience, so don’t let the basement location deter you. Definitely splurge on the premium chef’s choice, it is so worth it. The steak was tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.
- Katherine Liang | Google Review
A hidden gem
We were looking for a Japanese restaurant and found this one with a 5-star rating. The bar is located at the underground level and has a very nice atmosphere. We sat at the bar and enjoyed seeing the chefs prepare the food. The ingredients are fresh and top-quality, the cooking is perfect, and the people are kind.
- Mo Pike | Google Review
4. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
Website: https://www.gyu-kaku.com/philadelphia/
Address: 1901 Callowhill St
Contact: (267) 603-9482
Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM; Friday to Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Gathering around a hot grill turns a standard dinner into an interactive party, and Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ nails that energy.
Here, every table comes with a personal smokeless grill, so you can cook marinated meats right in front of your group.
I celebrated a family birthday here, and grilling Prime Kalbi Short Ribs kept everyone involved instead of just waiting for plates to land. The curated multi-course menus are helpful too, especially when nobody wants to overthink an order for a large table.
This self-cooking setup isn’t for you if you want a quick, quiet meal since it may feel like too much work.
Bonus tip: The value is strongest during daily happy hour, when drinks and bites feel easier on the wallet.
And if yoou’re ordering takeout, though, be sure to time it right. Takeout orders cut off 15 minutes before closing.
Love all of their options
This place never fails to deliver. I love the concept of cooking in the middle of the table, and it’s so fresh. I love all of their options, and you have to try everything at least once because the flavors are truly authentic Japanese. Great cocktails, strong too! It’s a great date night or get-together spot.
- Kyle Lennon | Google Review
Perfect weekday lunch
Best Japanese BBQ, and perhaps the best BBQ in the Philly area! I was a bit scared off by the wagyu prices, but even the cheaper cuts are so delicious and tender. I ordered à la carte, and I think that’s great value. It was a perfect weekday lunch for two people.
- Weelic Chong | Google Review
5. Royal Sushi & Izakaya
Website: http://royalizakaya.com/
Address: 780 S 2nd St
Contact: (267) 909-9002
Hours: Tuesday to Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Friday to Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Royal Sushi & Izakaya is the kind of place serious sushi fans talk about for a reason. The biggest draw here is the tiny eight-seat counter, where diners can settle in for a seventeen-course omakase (chef’s choice) that feels intimate and highly focused.
The restaurant also keeps a more relaxed walk-in izakaya section, so you aren’t completely out of luck if the tasting counter is booked.
That side serves chirashi (scattered sushi) bowls with fatty tuna, sea urchin, and other luxurious cuts while keeping the mood casual.
However, their reservation policy for the tasting counter is notoriously strict. In particular, if you arrive more than 15 minutes late, the staff cannot guarantee you will receive the full menu, which is a stressful start to an expensive meal.
Top tier Japanese spot
An incredible gem in Queen Village. I heard the noise for years and decided to bring my dad, who isn’t the most adventurous, but he loved every dish here. This is a top-tier Japanese spot that also has a great bar selection.
- BTS Reviews | Google Review
One of the best Japanese restaurants in the United States
My favorite restaurant in the city. Probably one of the best Japanese restaurants in the United States. I’ve been to Japan several times, so I don’t say that lightly. Expansive menu with plenty of choices for a special occasion or just a regular night out. Amazing staff as well.
- Ben Conrad | Google Review
