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Kisso Sushi<br />
205 N. 4th Street, 215–922–1770.<br />
($$) At Kisso, you’ll find traditional<br />
Japanese tavern food, from edamame<br />
(boiled soy beans) to sashimi to seaweed<br />
salad to broiled eel and classic<br />
sushi such as tekka maki (tuna roll).<br />
Wacky local inventions like the six–<br />
piece “hot dog” roll with broiled yellowtail,<br />
asparagus and scallions are a<br />
must. Non–sushi standouts include<br />
broiled salmon with ponzu, a soy–<br />
citrus–wasabi sauce. Web: kissosushibar.com<br />
Le Champignon de Tokio Sushi Bar<br />
124–126 Lombard Street, 215–922–<br />
2515. ($$) Enjoy the classic French<br />
and Japanese atmosphere with candlelight,<br />
fresh flowers, wine and sake.<br />
Swing–ballroom and Argentine tango<br />
lessons. Bed and breakfast. Sushi catering<br />
now available. Sushi workshop<br />
from Madame Saito. Web: sushi.madamesaito.com<br />
Maki House<br />
240 South Street, 215–351–0868.<br />
($$) Serving freshly made salads,<br />
sushi and hot Japanese food made<br />
to order. A variety of authentic Bento<br />
Boxes complete the menu. Catering<br />
orders and delivery also available.<br />
Web: yelp.com/biz/maki–house–philadelphia<br />
Mizu Sushi<br />
111 S. 40th Street, 215–382–1745.<br />
($$) Offers fresh–made sushi & noodle<br />
soups. Perfect for both on–the–go and<br />
sit down dining. Only the freshest and<br />
highest quality ingredients are used.<br />
Located right on campus, but also<br />
check out their two other Philadelphia<br />
locations in Rittenhouse Square and<br />
Old City! Web: mizusushibar.com<br />
Morimoto<br />
723 Chestnut Street, 215–413–<br />
9070. ($$$$) Morimoto is a cutting–<br />
edge restaurant serving contemporary<br />
Japanese cuisine. Chef Masaharu Morimoto<br />
of Iron Chef fame prepares traditional<br />
dishes with a modern flair. Sit<br />
at the bar or at a table – both options<br />
are great! Along with other Stephen<br />
Starr restaurants, expect modern decor<br />
and delicious food but at relatively<br />
steep prices. Web: morimotorestaurant.com<br />
Nara Japanese Restaurant<br />
4002 Spruce Street, 215–387–<br />
1583. ($$) Great sushi and teriyaki<br />
dishes right on campus. Reasonably<br />
priced, too. Web: yelp.com/biz/nara–<br />
japanese–restaurant–philadelphia<br />
Pod<br />
3636 Sansom Street, 215–387–<br />
1803. ($$$) Creative Pan–Asian<br />
cuisine and sushi shipped along an<br />
elliptical conveyer belt and a very innovative<br />
interior with seating arranged<br />
in ‘pod’ shapes. Web: podrestaurant.<br />
com<br />
Ramen Bar<br />
4040 Locust Street, (215) 243–<br />
9999. ($$) New Ramen Bar just<br />
opened by campus. Large bowls of<br />
fresh ramen with a full bar opening on<br />
the way. Web: ramenbarphilly.com<br />
Raw Sushi & Sake Lounge<br />
1225 Sansom Street, 215–238–<br />
1903. ($$$) Between the exotic sushi<br />
bar, traditional hot entrees, and<br />
overstuffed specialty rolls, you’re<br />
guaranteed to find something you love<br />
at RAW Sushi & Sake Lounge. The<br />
15–feet glass bar houses an impressive<br />
shelf of exotic sakes that caters<br />
to new tasters as well as sake connoisseurs.<br />
While you dine, take in the<br />
view of Japanese lamps floating from<br />
the bamboo ceiling, or step outside<br />
into the private outdoor courtyard and<br />
lounge under the stars. Web: rawlounge.net<br />
Sakura Mandarin<br />
1038 Race Street, 215–873–8338.<br />
($$) A Shanghai–style Chinese and<br />
Japanese restaurant with award–winning<br />
chefs. They offer authentic Chinese<br />
food with fresh ingredients. Also,<br />
they have the best French–style Japanese<br />
food in town. Web: yelp.com/biz/<br />
sakura–mandarin–philadelphia–2<br />
Shiroi Hana<br />
222 S. 15th Street, 215–735–4444.<br />
($$) Offers impeccably fresh fish<br />
at the full–scale sushi bar. Start off<br />
from excellent selection of appetizers.<br />
Try the flavorful teriyaki, crispy<br />
tempura, or one of the famous special<br />
maki served by the helpful<br />
and an efficient staff. Consistently<br />
ranked by the Zagat Survey as one<br />
of the best Japanese restaurants for<br />
over 10 years. Web: shiroihana.com<br />
(PLEASE SEE OUR AD, PAGE 9)<br />
Tokyo Hibachi Steakhouse & Sushi<br />
Bar<br />
1613 Walnut Street, 2nd Floor,<br />
215–751–9993. ($$) Located at the<br />
heart of center city, Tokyo Hibachi is<br />
the proud home to deliciously exciting<br />
Japanese cuisine. Watch its talented<br />
chefs perform as they cook a variety<br />
of dishes right at your table! Perfect<br />
for any occasion, from birthdays to<br />
graduation parties (Students receive a<br />
10% discount with student ID). Web:<br />
tokyo1613.com<br />
Umai Umai<br />
533 N. 22nd Street, 215–988–0707.<br />
($$$) Umai Umai presents a peaceful<br />
atmosphere that complements<br />
its tasty menu. Sesame chicken and<br />
lamb chops are examples of the fusion<br />
food that is offered, and diners<br />
can choose from an extensive list of<br />
sushi. Web: yelp.com/biz/umai–umai–<br />
philadelphia<br />
Vango Lounge and Sky Bar<br />
116 S. 18th Street, 215–568–1020.<br />
($$) The hottest addition the Rittenhouse<br />
nightlife, Vango is open every<br />
day until 2 am. Food is served until<br />
1:30 am, there is a roof deck with<br />
a sky bar, and a DJ that plays every<br />
night! Web: vangoloungeandskybar.<br />
com<br />
Vic Sushi Bar<br />
2035 Sansom Street, 215–564–<br />
4339. ($$) Very small sushi bar (7<br />
seats) with take out and delivery. Excellent<br />
food at very affordable prices.<br />
Try the Shrimp Tempura Mango Coconut<br />
Roll (one of the best dishes in<br />
Philly!). Web: vic–sushi.com<br />
Zento<br />
132 Chestnut Street, 215–925–<br />
9998. ($$) Zento is a pleasant spot<br />
for sushi from the former Morimoto<br />
sushi chef Gunawan Wibisono. Signature<br />
rolls like the well–sized square<br />
roll of eel, avocado and plum topped<br />
with tuna are admirably understated.<br />
From the kitchen: tender steamed<br />
shrimp dumplings and overflowing<br />
bowls of udon. Web: zentocontemporary.com<br />
KOREAN<br />
Cafe Soho<br />
468 W. Cheltenham Avenue, 215–<br />
224–6800. ($$) Featuring several big<br />
screen TV’s, two floors, and beer, Cafe<br />
Soho is a sports bar done differently.<br />
Great for chicken lovers – their wings<br />
feature two flavors, a garlic/soy–sauce<br />
wash and a Korean style hot sauce<br />
wash that wing purists love. Web: yelp.<br />
com/biz/cafe–soho–philadelphia–2<br />
Giwa<br />
1608 Sansom Street, 215–557–<br />
9830. ($$) Fresh, delicious and<br />
healthy, Giwa offers Korean food that<br />
doesn’t disappoint. The signature<br />
Bibimbop, kim–chee pancake, and<br />
seafood pancake are just a few of<br />
their tasty fares. Web: yelp.com/biz/<br />
giwa–philadelphia<br />
Koreana<br />
3801 Chestnut Street, 215–222–<br />
2240. ($) A traditional Korean restaurant<br />
located in the heart of University<br />
City. Don’t miss their specialty dish,<br />
the bi bimp bap. Web: koreanafood.<br />
com<br />
Tampopo<br />
269 S 44th St, 215–386–3866. ($)<br />
Now located in University City, Tampopo<br />
offers filling food to locals seeking<br />
a good meal. Noodles, miso soup,<br />
and sushi are on the menu. Diners<br />
can finish off with the sweetly satisfying<br />
egg cake. Web: tampoporestaurant.com<br />
KOSHER<br />
Shalom Pizza<br />
7598A Haverford Avenue, 215–<br />
878–1500. ($$) Inexpensive Middle<br />
Eastern food, delicious pizza, falafel,<br />
home–style couscous. Strictly kosher<br />
restaurant for those who want to<br />
sample Israeli fare and grilled fresh<br />
fish. Full service catering for any occasion<br />
from one to 200. Much more<br />
than a pizza place. Web: shalompizzeria.com<br />
MEXICAN<br />
12th Street Cantina<br />
1136 Arch Street, 215–625–0321.<br />
($) Located inside Reading Terminal<br />
Market, 12th Street Cantina offers<br />
a variety of homemade Mexican<br />
food and groceries. Pick up a bag<br />
of homemade blue corn chips and<br />
a side of chunky, onion guacamole.<br />
Try the burrito of the day, which can<br />
include a rich red chicken mole that<br />
offers a post–swallow kick or tender<br />
beef barbecue in a tomato tortilla.<br />
Tortas, flat flour tortillas layered with<br />
cheese, offer inventive combinations<br />
such as cinnamon–topped sweet potato<br />
and red bell pepper. Web: yelp.<br />
com/biz/12th–street–cantina–phila-<br />
delphia–2<br />
Cafe con Chocolate<br />
2100 S. Norwood Street, 267–639–<br />
4506. ($) Chef/owner Yoshiko Yamasaki<br />
is serving up some note–worthy<br />
authentic Mexican fare, including a<br />
flautas special (three crispy lamb tacos)<br />
and chilaquiles (fried homemade<br />
corn tortillas doused in fresh mole<br />
sauce) that arrive on as–big–as–the–<br />
table plates. Web: cafeconchocolate.<br />
com<br />
Cantina Los Caballitos<br />
1651 E. Passyunk Avenue, 215–<br />
755–3550. ($$) Mexican food goes<br />
gastropub on East Passyunk Ave.<br />
Alongside super margaritas and a stellar<br />
tequila list, this appealing South<br />
Philly cantina serves up Mexican<br />
favorites in addition to wide ranging<br />
nuevo touches and authentically rustic<br />
braised meats. Web: cantinaloscaballitos.com/main.html<br />
Chipotle<br />
3925 Walnut Street, 215–222–0632.<br />
($) Fresh and delicious mexican food<br />
made your way, quick and easy. Order<br />
online for even faster service. Web:<br />
chipotle.com<br />
Cucina Zapata<br />
S 31st & Ludlow, . ($) A food truck favorite<br />
serving up the best mix of Mexican<br />
and Thai foods. Web: yelp.com/<br />
biz/cucina–zapata–philadelphia<br />
Distrito<br />
3945 Chestnut Street, 215–222–<br />
1657. ($$$) Jose Garces, the mastermind<br />
behind Amada and Tinto, brings<br />
a Mexican City–themed restaurant to<br />
University City. The cuisine and drinks<br />
mainly stick to Mexican favorites such<br />
as margaritas (with over 60 tequilas<br />
to choose from), tacos, tamales, and<br />
ceviche. Web: distritorestaurant.com<br />
El Azteca<br />
714 Chestnut Street, 215–733–<br />
0895. ($$) Turquoise accents and<br />
colorful Aztec artwork add Mexican<br />
mojo to this casual BYOB taqueria.<br />
Service is prompt and friendly, catering<br />
to young people looking for cheap<br />
but flavorful eats. The menu mixes<br />
and matches tacos, burritos and tamales<br />
in every possible permutation,<br />
and the food runs big on portions.<br />
Web: yelp.com/biz/el–azteca–mexican–restaurant–philadelphia<br />
El Camino Real<br />
1040 N. 2nd Street, 215–925–<br />
1110. ($$) Opened by artist Owen<br />
Kamihira, who owns Bar Ferdinand,<br />
this self–proclaimed “cowboy border<br />
bar” splits its menu evenly between<br />
Texas and Northern Mexico. With a<br />
dusty Southwestern decorative motif,<br />
a full spread of Texican cocktails and<br />
cervezas, and a food list that easily<br />
identifies its BBQ vs. its burrito<br />
items, everyone in a group with divergent<br />
tastes can leave satisfied. Web:<br />
bbqburritobar.com<br />
El Vez<br />
121 S. 13th Street, 215–928–9800.<br />
($$) A contemporary Mexican restaurant,<br />
El Vez offers many unique items<br />
such as mahi mahi tacos, ahi tuna<br />
tostadas, carne asada and adobo rack<br />
of lamb. Enjoy their made–to–order<br />
guacamole & margaritas with fresh–<br />
squeezed juices. Top off your meal<br />
with “The El Vez,” flourless chocolate<br />
cake, peanut butter mousse and carmelized<br />
bananas. Web: elvezrestaurant.com<br />
Guacamole Mex–Grill<br />
4612 Woodland Avenue, 215–307–<br />
3162. ($) Operated by the de Luna<br />
family, whose culinary expertise arose<br />
from their grandmother’s mole business<br />
in Mexico, this taqueria has already<br />
become popular with those living<br />
and working around the University<br />
of the Sciences of Philadelphia. Many<br />
recommend the carne asada tostadas<br />
and the gorditas al pastor! Web: yelp.<br />
com/biz/guacamole–mex–grill–philadelphia<br />
Honest Tom’s<br />
261 S. 44th Street, 215–620–1851.<br />
($) After tasting a killer breakfast taco<br />
in Texas, Drexel grad Tom McCusker<br />
decided to serve them up in Philly.<br />
Tom serves both tacos and burritos,<br />
with breakfast available until 1 pm on<br />
Saturdays and until 2 pm on Sundays.<br />
Arrive early to try your taco or burrito<br />
with scrambled eggs and home fries!<br />
Web: yelp.com/biz/honest–toms–taco–<br />
shop–philadelphia<br />
Inesperado Hot Tamales<br />
1805 John F. Kennedy Boulevard,<br />
215–557–9009. ($) It’s not the<br />
“Mex” that you’d expect. Best of<br />
Philly ’96. Best of City Paper ’96 and<br />
’97. Best Buy Zagat Survey ’97. Best<br />
of Philly Weekly ’97. Best Buy Zagat<br />
’98.<br />
Isabel<br />
2601 Pennsylvania Ave, Ste 5, 215–<br />
475– 8088. ($$) Isabel is a Mexi–<br />
Cali BYOB in the art museum district.<br />
Web: isabelbyob.com<br />
Jose Pistolas<br />
263 S. 15th Street, 215–545–4101.<br />
($$) Jose Pistola’s was opened by two<br />
local bartenders hoping to add a different<br />
flair to Philadelphia’s already<br />
impressive beer scene. The combination<br />
of a large international beer<br />
selection and carefully crafted and<br />
fresh Mexican fare offers Center City<br />
a unique environment for lunch, dinner,<br />
or just hanging out. The downstairs<br />
bar offers a cozy, more intimate<br />
feel, while the three high–definition<br />
TV’s make the upstairs bar a bit livelier<br />
and the ideal place to watch your<br />
favorite sporting event. The menu and<br />
happy hour deals change periodically,<br />
so please check the website and see<br />
what’s going on. Web: josepistolas.<br />
com<br />
La Lupe Restaurant<br />
1201 S. 9th Street, 215–551–9920.<br />
($) La Lupe boasts some of the best<br />
Mexican food in Philadelphia. Their<br />
main specialty is their tacos, but they<br />
offer a wide variety of other authentic<br />
Mexican dishes. Web: yelp.com/biz/<br />
la–lupe–restaurant–philadelphia<br />
Las Bugambilias<br />
148 South Street, 215–922–3190.<br />
($$) Carlos Molina offers high quality,<br />
freshly prepared, traditional Mexican<br />
food from three different regions in<br />
Mexico. The desserts at Bugambilias<br />
are homemade on the premises.<br />
Dishes like the $14 cochinita pibil,<br />
a slow–cooked mountain of shredded<br />
pork and the extra–beefy empanadas<br />
are on target. Web: lasbugambiliasphilly.com<br />
Dining Guide<br />
34TH STREET Magazine February 13, 2013<br />
41