Just Roll With It!

I'm usually a compulsive planner, especially when it comes to meal prepping. But every once in a while when things don't go as planned and I have to roll with the punches, I know one food that will never let me down: sushi. Rice or seaweed, veggie or fish, raw or cooked, the varieties are endless, and in the era of takeout and delivery being the only dining options, sushi is one of the few dishes that tastes just as good at home as it would in a restaurant. So, until it is safe to travel to Tokyo, let the good times roll at these Philadelphia sushi restaurants!

1. Sushi Garden 425 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Sushi Garden is relatively new to the Philly sushi scene, but they have quickly made their mark. If you are on a budget, but you also want a filling meal (because who is actually full off of one sushi roll?), then this place is your best bet. They offer a 3 for $15 combo, and it's not just limited to a California roll. You can pick any three eight-piece rolls from the regular menu for a cheaper price than one specialty roll from a typical sushi restaurant. And if you're lucky, they might serve it to you in a boat! I wouldn't recommend this place if you're in a rush, however; I've waited a fairly long time twice despite being one of the only patrons, but once the sushi finally comes, it tastes so good that I find myself coming back anyway.

2. Umai Umai 533 N 22nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19130

Umai Umai was one of the first sushi restaurants I tried in the city before I officially moved here, and it set the bar high. Like Sushi Garden, there was a bit of a wait, but unlike Sushi Garden, the rolls are not budget-friendly. Nevertheless, every roll is the Brad Pitt of sushi. After you have captured all of the angles, you will either be excited to dig in or nervous to mar its beauty. However, once you take your first bite, you'll be saying "oh my..." involuntarily with your mouth full. That's okay. We won't tell.

3. 1225Raw Sushi and Sake Lounge 1225 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

It may have taken longer than it should have for us to find this place, but thank God we did because the sushi is not something you want to miss. Although Raw is also on the expensive side, this isn't the kind of place you go to on a random Tuesday night. If you're celebrating a special occasion- like the eventual reopening of restaurants in the city- then I suggest you check this place out for the delicious specialty rolls and the colorful venue, which I unfortunately did not capture. You'll just have to go and see it yourself.

4. Morimoto 723 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

This sushi platter proves that Steven Starr really can do it all. From American, to French, to Japanese, every one of his restaurants I have tried has been a success, and Morimoto kept that streak going. If you're like me and you're the kind of person who likes to try a little bit of everything, then this platter is perfect for you. I can't even remember each type of nigiri/roll on this dish, which was almost as wide as the table, but I do remember each being better than the last. Although I shared this, I love sushi so much that I could probably eat the whole thing myself. Make sure to update your Instagram with a picture of you reclining on one of their futuristic teal and white booths while drinking a glass of sake, and you'll be the envy of your followers who wish they were dining at one of the most elite sushi restaurants in Philly.

5. Roe Thai and Japanese Restaurant 138 Chestnut St #69, Philadelphia, PA 19106

This small restaurant is the underdog of sushi in Philadelphia. Although the restaurant is unknown and underrated, the sushi is unforgettable. Yes, that is a sushi volcano with a tiny umbrella and piped wasabi. If there was a sushi pageant, these ravishing rolls would win in a landslide. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What really matters is how they taste, and all of these rolls don't just have the looks; they also have the personality. Granted, this isn't exactly the healthiest sushi on the planet, but it is definitely the most photogenic. If you've already had sushi every day this week and need a break, go with the pineapple fried rice in the shape of a pineapple!

6. Bubblefish 909 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107

I present you a traditional and nontraditional form of sushi, respectively. Bubblefish has many aesthetically pleasing rolls that will also please your taste buds, but I recommend trying something you don't see every day, a sushi burger. I'm not sure if it's more sushi or burger, but either way, it's messy! Comprised of lettuce, a tuna "patty," salmon "cheese," and a sesame "bun," this pescetarian burger reminds me of a Krabby Patty.

7. Tuna Bar 205 Race St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

I don't know why I have so much trouble finding sushi restaurants, but I also walked around in circles trying to discern the GPS for at least five minutes before realizing Tuna Bar was right in front of me. It's a little dark inside (hence the flash), but the sushi is made so fast, you may wonder if it's pre-made. However, if the picture isn't enough to contradict that theory, then take one bite and try to look me in the eyes and say it's pre-made. You won't be able to because it's the freshest sushi in the city! My favorite roll is a spicy tuna roll, and you can't go wrong ordering anything with tuna off the menu of a restaurant called Tuna Bar. Speaking of which, Tuna Bar also has a huge bar and lots of great apps- perfect for happy hour!