Philly's Best Sushi

By SARAH BAICKER

Updated 1:10 PM EST, Mon, Feb 9, 2009

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Sushi’s popularity has skyrocketed these past few years. Think about it—you can’t walk into an Acme or a corner store without seeing a selection of tuna sushi, salmon maki and other typical raw offerings. But just because it’s available doesn’t mean it’s any good.

That’s why we’re here. Read on for the best of the Philly area sushi joints, so the next time you’re craving some of Japan’s finest in the City of Brotherly Love, you know where to go.

Philadelphia magazine: Sagami
37 West Crescent Boulevard
Collingswood, N.J.
Sagami may not be in Philadelphia—or even in Pennsylvania, for that matter—but there’s more than a few reasons sushi lovers from the tri-state area have driven to its Collingswood locale for more than 30 years. Don’t be fooled by Sagami’s weathered exterior or simple dining room design; the sashimi is melt-in-your-mouth good and the maki rolls are as near to perfection as it gets. It’s a BYO, too, so if you’re happier drinking merlot alongside your dragon roll, Sagami’s got you covered.

Best of Citysearch: Morimoto
723 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia
We can’t say enough about Morimoto. Stephen Starr’s Japanese flagship restaurant takes its name from esteemed chef Masaharu Morimoto—yeah, that Chef Morimoto, of Iron Chef fame. The interior is hip and predictably Starr-like, but the food is enough to make you forget about the color-changing booths and sensual art works on the wall. The comprehensive sushi menu is divine; even seemingly simple rolls and sashimi are created with obvious care, cut and presented so that the diner enjoys the distinct tastes of each fish.

AOL City’s Best: 1224 Raw Sushi and Sake Lounge
1225 Sansom St.
Philadelphia
The traditional maki is predictably flavorful, tender and nicely presented at Raw. But it’s the specialty rolls that really make the Sansom Street destination worth the trip. Try the Trifena Roll (shrimp tempura topped with eel, avocado and spicy tuna, garnished with a dab of mayo and spicy dressing) or the Torimy Roll (spicy tuna and eel topped with torched squid, and garnished with eel and spicy sauce) if you’re looking for a complex, satisfying treat. And when the weather’s nice, request to be seated in Raw’s outdoor pavilion, where you’ll feel instantly transported out of Center City.

Around Town pick: Uzu
104 Market St.
Philadelphia
This cozy Old City sushi joint often flies under the radar of Philly foodies—but it shouldn’t. Resist ordering meals from Uzu’s dinner menu, and go for a la carte options instead. Don’t miss the chef’s special maki (just imagine what you’ll find in creatively named rolls like “Invisible Baby,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and “Abracadabra”.) Insiders know to ask for Uzu’s pressed rolls—they’re just like typical maki rolls, just sans-seaweed, and about twice as tasty.

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Philly's Best Cocktail
Philly's Best Brunch
Philly's Best Mexican
Philly's Best Dessert
Philly's Best BYOB
Philly's Best Lunch
Philly's Best Seafood
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