by Genevieve Wheeler & Anthony Simeone

Haru
241-243 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, Pa 19106
(215) 861-8990

Located in a former bank in Philadelphia’s Old City section, Haru’s

high, rounded ceilings and large windows create a bright, modern

ambiance for enjoying the impressive Japanese Fusion menu. Generous

servings of fresh sushi and sashimi, as well as hot entrees, can be

enjoyed on the dining room level, which includes an intimate sushi bar

area. Atop the glass staircase is the sake lounge, where guests can

enjoy a variety specialty cocktails, such as the “Hip Stare” (made

from vodka and peach puree). Though the prices lean to the expensive

side, the inventive menu and stylish decor make this chic, NYC-based

eatery worth the cost.

by Genevieve Wheeler

AOI
1210 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 985-1838

Aoi has an unusual name and a prime location: close to the Forrest and Walnut Street Theaters, two of Philadelphia’s most beloved theaters. Aoi serves up authentic Japanese cuisine, with a range of sushi and sashimi treats that boggles the mind! Go there before a show to sample their eel and crabmeat combination specialties. Aoi is famous for its all-you-can-sushi special, available seven days a week for a measly $19.95! But wait, there’s more! Aoi’s menu also features a huge selection of noodle dishes and seafood entrees, as well as a completely vegetarian menu.

by Genevieve Wheeler

POD
3636 Sansom Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 387-1803
Step into a vision of the future eat at Pod! Sidle up to the hi-tech sushi bar, where a conveyor belt carries delectable, Pod-exclusive morsels such as U-Love Salmon and BBQ Eel Wrap from the kitchen. Sip great sake as Japanese animation flashes across six screens. Snuggle up with some good pals in one of the restaurant’s signature seating pods. Once inside, choose from nine switches of different colored lights to match your mood. Pod was designed by the Rockwell Group, which designed Nobu in New York. Chef Naoki Uchiyama, who once worked with the great Wolfgang Puck, thrills the taste buds with sushi creations while people lounge on a giant foam sculpture that seats around 50.