Dawa Sushi and Ramen Introduce
For those of us in Philadelphia with a craving for authentic and incredibly fresh Japanese cuisine, Dawa Sushi and Ramen has firmly established itself as a must-visit spot. Tucked away on West Girard Avenue, Dawa is a local gem that consistently impresses with its dedication to quality ingredients and flavorful dishes. It's the kind of place where sushi enthusiasts find their happy place, and ramen lovers discover bowls that truly warm the soul.
Dawa Sushi and Ramen isn't just another restaurant; it's a culinary experience that prioritizes taste and freshness above all else. As glowing customer reviews attest, the "Sushi is fresh and delicious, and the ramen is incredible every time." Diners rave about the "phenomenal" chirashi and duck bao buns, highlighting the "incredible" quality of "very fresh fish that tasted amazing." While its "Location might seem sketchy" to some, the interior quickly dispels any doubts, offering a "quiet and pleasant" environment that makes it a perfect "casual spot for great sushi" or a comforting ramen fix. This commitment to delivering a consistently high-quality meal, coupled with "Great and very personable service," is why many Philadelphians find themselves returning to Dawa again and again, unable to "recommend more." It truly is a testament to exceptional Japanese dining right here in Pennsylvania.
Dawa Sushi and Ramen is conveniently situated at 105 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA. This address places it in the vibrant nexus between the Fishtown and Olde Kensington neighborhoods, areas known for their evolving culinary scenes, artistic flair, and a mix of historic charm and modern development.
The location on West Girard Avenue offers excellent accessibility for Philadelphia locals. It's a short, mere "feet" away from the Girard SEPTA stop on the Market-Frankford Line (the "El"), making it incredibly easy to reach for anyone utilizing public transportation from Center City, West Philly, or other parts of the city. Numerous bus routes also traverse Girard Avenue, providing additional public transit options. For those driving, street parking can be found in the surrounding neighborhood, though as with many popular city spots, it may require a bit of patience. Despite one review noting the "location might seem sketchy," its proximity to major transit lines and its presence in a bustling, redeveloping area ensures that Dawa is a highly accessible and convenient dining destination for residents across Philadelphia, allowing them to easily discover its culinary delights.
Dawa Sushi and Ramen provides a comprehensive range of dining services, focusing on a high-quality Japanese culinary experience in a comfortable setting.
Dine-In Service: Patrons can enjoy their meals in a "quiet and pleasant" interior environment, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for a casual yet impressive dining experience.
Sushi and Sashimi: Dawa specializes in fresh sushi and sashimi, with a wide selection of nigiri (2 pieces per order) and sashimi options, including high-grade fish like Bluefin Tuna (Maguro), Medium Fatty Bluefin Tuna (Chu Toro), Fatty Bluefin Tuna (Otoro), Salmon (Sake), Yellowtail (Hamachi), and exotic cuts like A5 Miyazaki beef. They also offer "Chef Choice" sushi and sashimi specials.
Maki (Rolls): The menu features an extensive array of maki rolls, including classic favorites like California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Salmon Roll, and Eel Roll. They also boast unique and creative specialty rolls such as Rainbow Roll, Otoro Shrimp Tempura Roll, IOU Roll (featuring sea urchin, bluefin fatty tuna, and salmon roe), and the visually appealing Dragon and Rainbow rolls.
Ramen: Dawa is equally celebrated for its ramen, offering varieties like Cha Shu Ramen (with braised pork belly), Soyu Ramen, and Veggie Ramen (miso-based broth). Customers praise the "incredible" ramen and "rich broth" with "perfectly cooked noodles."
Appetizers and Small Plates: The menu includes a diverse selection of appetizers designed to complement the main courses. Highlights include "phenomenal" Roast Duck Bao Buns, Braised Pork Belly Bao Buns, Homemade Dumplings (ground beef, pork, cabbage, potato noodles), Tuna Guac, Yellowtail Serrano, Crispy Rice with salmon, and various tempura options like Octopus Tempura and Shrimp Tempura.
"Over Rice" Dishes: For those seeking heartier options, Dawa offers dishes served over rice, such as Chirashi (chef's choice fish) and Eel Kabayaki.
Beverages: The restaurant provides a selection of beverages including various sodas. While not explicitly mentioned as BYOB in recent reviews, many Japanese restaurants in Philadelphia often have a liquor license or allow BYOB; checking directly is always recommended.
Takeout and Delivery: Dawa Sushi and Ramen offers convenient online ordering for both pickup and delivery through their website and popular third-party platforms like Grubhub and Seamless, allowing customers to enjoy their fresh food at home.
Dawa Sushi and Ramen distinguishes itself in Philadelphia's competitive dining scene through several key features and highlights that consistently earn it high praise from local patrons:
Exceptional Freshness and Quality of Fish: This is perhaps Dawa's most celebrated attribute. Reviews repeatedly emphasize the "incredible" quality of "very fresh fish that tasted amazing." Whether it's the sushi, sashimi, or chirashi, the freshness is a consistent highlight, making it a go-to for sushi connoisseurs.
"Incredible" Ramen: Beyond its sushi, Dawa is highly lauded for its ramen. Customers find the ramen "incredible every time," noting its "rich broth and perfectly cooked noodles." This dual mastery of both sushi and ramen sets Dawa apart.
Standout Appetizers: Specific appetizers frequently receive high praise. The "Chirashi and duck bao bun were phenomenal," and the "Crispy Rice" with salmon is noted as "literally perfect." These unique and well-executed starters enhance the overall dining experience.
"Quiet and Pleasant" Interior Ambiance: Despite its urban setting, the restaurant's interior provides a calm and comfortable environment. It's described as "quiet and pleasant," fostering a relaxed dining experience, which is a welcome respite from the city's hustle and bustle.
Personable and Great Service: Customers highlight the "Great and very personable service," indicating an attentive and welcoming staff who contribute positively to the dining experience.
Variety in Menu: Dawa offers a comprehensive Japanese menu that goes beyond standard sushi and ramen, including an array of unique rolls, various types of sashimi, bao buns, and other Japanese and Korean-inspired dishes, ensuring options for diverse tastes.
Strong Local Recommendation: The ultimate testament to its quality is the enthusiastic recommendations from locals. Phrases like "never fails to impress me" and "Couldn’t recommend more as a casual spot for great sushi" underline its consistent positive impact on Philadelphia diners.
While explicit, time-limited promotions for Dawa Sushi and Ramen are not extensively detailed in the provided public reviews, many well-regarded local Japanese restaurants in Philadelphia typically offer various deals to attract and retain customers. Based on industry trends and common practices, patrons of Dawa might find:
Lunch Specials: It's common for sushi and ramen establishments to have special lunch menus that offer set combinations of sushi rolls, bento boxes, or ramen bowls at a reduced price compared to dinner.
Happy Hour: Many restaurants feature a happy hour, often in the late afternoon, with discounted appetizers, select sushi rolls, and beverage specials.
Seasonal or Chef's Specials: Given Dawa's emphasis on fresh fish and unique creations, they may introduce seasonal sushi rolls, limited-time ramen flavors, or chef's tasting menus to highlight new ingredients or culinary innovations.
Online Ordering Incentives: When ordering directly through their website or popular delivery platforms (like Grubhub or Seamless), customers might encounter occasional discounts, free delivery promotions, or loyalty points programs.
Catering Packages: For larger gatherings, the restaurant may offer specific catering menus or discounted rates for bulk orders of sushi platters, ramen kits, or appetizers.
For the most up-to-date information on any current promotions, special offers, or new menu additions, Philadelphia residents are encouraged to directly contact Dawa Sushi and Ramen via phone or visit their official website or social media pages. This is the best way to ensure you don't miss out on any opportunities to enjoy their exceptional cuisine at a special value.
To experience the fresh sushi and incredible ramen at Dawa Sushi and Ramen, or for any inquiries regarding their menu and services, please use the following contact details:
Address: 105 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
Phone: (215) 278-7671
Mobile Phone: +1 215-278-7671
These contact points make it easy for locals in Philadelphia to connect with Dawa Sushi and Ramen, whether they're looking to make a reservation, place a takeout order, or simply learn more about their offerings.
For the residents of Philadelphia, Dawa Sushi and Ramen is more than just a Japanese restaurant; it's a consistently reliable and highly recommended spot that perfectly caters to the local palate and lifestyle. Its suitability for the community stems from its unwavering commitment to quality, its diverse menu, and its welcoming ambiance.
The most compelling reason Dawa is suitable for locals is its reputation for "fresh and delicious" sushi and "incredible" ramen. In a city with a robust dining scene, Dawa stands out by consistently delivering on the promise of high-quality ingredients, particularly fresh fish. This ensures that every visit, whether for a quick sushi fix or a comforting bowl of ramen, meets a high standard of culinary excellence. The "phenomenal" appetizers like chirashi and duck bao buns further demonstrate their commitment to creating memorable dishes that keep patrons returning.
Moreover, its location on West Girard Avenue, despite some initial perceptions, proves to be highly convenient, especially with its close proximity to the Girard SEPTA station. This accessibility means that residents from various parts of Philadelphia can easily reach Dawa, making it a viable option for a casual weeknight dinner or a planned weekend meal. The "quiet and pleasant" interior provides a relaxed dining environment, a welcome respite from the city's energy.
The "great and very personable service" mentioned by customers adds another layer of appeal, ensuring that diners feel valued and well-cared for. This combination of exceptional food quality, a comfortable setting, and attentive service creates a consistently positive dining experience that resonates deeply with local preferences. Dawa is not just a place to eat; it's a place to consistently enjoy fresh, expertly prepared Japanese cuisine in a friendly, local setting. For any Philadelphian seeking a reliable and impressive sushi and ramen experience, Dawa Sushi and Ramen is an ideal choice.
Dawa Sushi and Ramen Photos










Dawa Sushi and Ramen Location
Dawa Sushi and Ramen
105 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
Dawa Sushi and Ramen Reviews
Been here so many times, and never fails to impress me. Sushi is fresh and delicious, and the ramen is incredible every time. Location might seem sketchy, but the interior environment is quiet and pleasant. Couldn’t recommend more as a casual spot for great sushi.
May 24, 2025 · Dahlia Miller-GreenwaltChirashi and duck bao bun were phenomenal. Great and very personable service. The sushi quality is incredible - very fresh fish that tasted amazing.
Feb 08, 2025 · Justin BaginLocation a bit sketchy and there is not many seats inside but the sushi is good quality for its price point.The salmon roll is $10 at time of writing, slightly more expensive than nearby alternatives but seems to be expertly prepared.The braised pork belly buns are delicious and come with thick slabs of pork meat.The fried rice rolls appetizers are also quick good and does their job to stimulate the appetite.The cha shu ramen itself is slightly spicy and includes a sliced slab of corn which is an interesting choice, at first glance, it seems a bit like instant ramen but upon tasing the noodles are certainly higher quality than that of instant ramen. The eggs are hard boiled and reminiscent of soy sauced braised salty tea eggs, the broth is flavorful but nothing too special and the same can be said for the cha shu pork pieces. Overall 4/5. The ramen passable but the sushi is the main highlight of this place.
Feb 23, 2024 · Master BoulWe loved it here! This is one of the best sushi places I have visited in Philly (also, in terms of quality, vastly better than morimoto).We sat by the window at the tall table. The lights are dim and the people on the busy intersection outside can seem a bit suspicious but once you’re inside this place has amazing quality and generous service. We got complimentary hot tea at the end of the meal which we really enjoyed. My favorite was the chirashi full of a variety of fresh fish. We also loved the sushi rolls and appetizers, esp the roast duck bao bun. The bathroom was clean with soap and paper towels. I would definitely recommend this place for large groups or just a chill meal with another person.
Oct 13, 2024 · JamieIt’s great taste !The taste of the ramen soap here is similar to Ramen shop in Japan.I tried many ramen shop in US but was not satisfied with it.Thank you Chef Joe san for serving good ramen to me.Also your Kimchi was good ,too.
May 22, 2025 · Harunori Shima
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