Sakana Omakasè Sushi

Absolutely amazing experience - the food was phenomenal, the chefs were knowledgeable and friendly, and we were seated right on time. It is a BYOB (love that!!), but the waitresses were still quick to refill our wine and water glasses without us ever having the ask. The fish was so fresh and tasty and I even got to try a few fish that I've never had before (sea perch). For $150, I will definitely be back soon!

My one complain - I wish they would update their online menu! I was expecting to try certain things that I saw online (the tuna truffle tortilla, fried octopus, yuzu oyster foam), none of which we got last night.

Top contender for some of the best sushi in Philadelphia. A very intimate experience with a handful of seats that need to be reserved like a proper omakase.

Our chef, Nao san, prepared each fish with the utmost care and attention to detail. His technique and skill are right up there with some Michelin places that I've visited. He was also very friendly and engaged in conversation with my wife and I along with the other party of 2 that was there for our late night dinner (reservation was for 9:30 PM I believe).

The interior was simple and had a traditional flair.

Cannot recommend this place enough. It's definitely a great option if you're looking for some high-end sushi in Philadelphia.

I brought my husband here last month to celebrate his birthday. This was our first visit. Our last omakase in Philly was at Royal Izakaya in 2018. Being that it was so long ago, it's difficult and slightly unfair for me to compare them apples to apples. But I will say, that I seem to feel like I enjoyed Royal Izakaya more - I do recall being blown away by some of the flavors and textures of the nigiri at Royal. However - I really need to go back to compare them fairly.

In 2018, Royal's 10 piece was $70 or 18 pieces for $130. Now, it is 16 pieces of nigiri and 1 temaki for $205 pp. Sakana's menu is priced at $148 for 5 small bites appetizer, 13 nigirizushi, toro handroll, and dessert. For the price/value imo, Sakana blows it out of the water. But since it's been years since my last visit - I couldn't comment if the $50 price difference is worth it for the quality of Royal. The quality of every single item we received at Sakana was 5 star.

I highly recommend Sakana for a special occasion to enjoy a well crafted meal amongst a handful of diners in this small restaurant. There's a fancy towel thing (see video) that was amusing to us, and they also gave my husband a complimentary dessert with matcha ice cream for his birthday.

I would 100% return to this establishment based on my experience. Alsoooo ** PRO TIP - if you pay cash, they give slight discount! **

We found our PHL spot for omakase!
After being on the hunt after moving here last year, we finally found omakase that rivals our favorite places in NYC and BOS. The food is incredible - every bit of it - and the service outstanding. It's BYOB, which keeps it on the more affordable end of things. A few tips...
- Try everything, it's all amazing
- Do not be late. They will start without you
- Pick up a bottle of sake to go with your meal
- Bring cash for a discount off your bill
I would put Sakana up against any other omakase in the city, including the super fancy, pricey places. Highly recommended.

Chef was incredibly kind and helpful to my group as it was our very first time at omakase! Even simply teaching us about the fish, how to cleanse our hands properly, and giving advice about traveling to Tokyo eventually, I really appreciate the service and the kindness of those working here.

BESIDES THAT, the food was INCREDIBLE. Double Toro and the King Salmon Foie Gras were my favorite. The bowl was incredible! Especially when you mixed the uni and the wagyu beef together. My mouth is watering still thinking about it.

There was another plus that they remembered my birthday and gave me a small ice cream sandwich with a candle! Parking is sparse but we found a good spot on the street. Make sure to bring cash as there is a slight discount. We also brought a nice Prosecco wine which was a decent pairing.

Would come here again when the menu changes!

A few photos of my favorite dishes.
I went for my first omakase experience. Chef was friendly and informative. The servers were all attentive and quick to clear our dishes (maybe a little too quick ).
Nonetheless, a great experience. Some of the best sushi I've had in Philly.
Fresh, melt-in-your-mouth type of sushi.
The flavors were all clean, refreshing, tart, and perfectly balanced.
BYOB & great cash discount!

13 course on their sushi fish list + appetizer, hand roll, and dessert.

Embarking on an omakase journey was a culinary revelation. The chef's meticulous curation of each dish, showcasing fresh, high-quality ingredients, revealed a mastery of flavors and textures. The seamless progression of courses, combined with the chef's expertise, transformed the dining experience into an artful exploration of Japanese cuisine. From delicate sashimi to perfectly seasoned nigiri, every bite was a symphony of taste that left an indelible mark. An omakase experience is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that elevates dining to an unparalleled level of excellence.

Best Omakase in Philly. You can't change my mind. The fish quality is so good. The preparation is thoughtful and the rice is perfected. Please never change.

All I can say is WOW!

Omakase is thoughtfully crafted and prepared. Sushi is absolutely delightful, service is impeccable, and the ambiance is warm and welcoming!

I'm appreciative to chef for preparing substitutions for some items on the menu that we couldn't have - especially after we told him last minute!

This was a memorable omakase meal that I won't be forgetting anytime soon!

Very good, authentic omakase experience in Philly. Felt like being in Tokyo. Owner is knowledgeable and fun. Good selection of high quality fish and delicious cooked dishes. As a tourist, I wish they had alcohol but was able to bring a good bottle of sake from a local liquor store (thanks Yelp!). Good value given the quality of the food and the variety of the offerings.