Kisso Sushi Bar

tuna bar 205 race st philadelphia pa 19106

Hello, Pennsylvania sushi aficionados! If you're on the quest for a sushi experience that transcends the ordinary and is truly considered among the best, then Kisso Sushi Bar in Philadelphia is a destination you absolutely must explore. Nestled in the heart of Old City, Kisso is not just a sushi restaurant; it's a culinary institution that has earned a reputation for "truly exceptional quality fish and preparations." Many discerning diners, even those who have traveled extensively, consider it "Philadelphia's best, and one of this country's top, sushi restaurants." This is a place where you prepare for "some unctuous, front to back palate pleasing to occur," promising an unforgettable journey for your taste buds.

Kisso Sushi Bar consistently receives glowing, almost reverent, reviews from its dedicated clientele. Patrons "absolutely adored" their experiences, even after just one visit, highlighting the "delicious" sashimi and seaweed salad. The secret to their success lies in the exceptional quality of their ingredients and the masterful skill of their chef. Reviewers laud the "truly exceptional quality fish and preparations," emphasizing that this isn't just good sushi; it's art on a plate. The "mix and match sushi platter" comes highly recommended for its ability to provide diverse fish and presentation profiles that "will simply satisfy."

Beyond the impeccable food, Kisso Sushi Bar offers a highly engaging and personalized dining experience. The service is described as "excellent, knowledgeable," with a particular recommendation to "be seated at the bar and to watch the magic happen." This allows diners to connect directly with the sushi craft, observing the precision and artistry that goes into each piece. The intimate and quiet atmosphere, coupled with its highly convenient BYOB policy, makes Kisso an ideal spot for a special occasion, a romantic date, or simply a refined evening out where the focus is truly on the sublime quality of the sushi. Kisso Sushi Bar is truly a gem that continues to shine brightly in Philadelphia's culinary landscape.

Kisso Sushi Bar is ideally situated in the historic Old City district of Philadelphia, making it a central and highly accessible destination for sushi lovers throughout the city and surrounding areas in Pennsylvania. You can find this esteemed restaurant at 205 N 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA. Its location on North 4th Street places it within easy reach of major city attractions, cultural sites, and a vibrant dining scene.

The accessibility of Kisso Sushi Bar is a significant advantage for diners looking to experience their renowned sushi. Being in Old City, it's well-served by public transportation options, including SEPTA bus routes, and is within walking distance for many who live or work in the downtown area. For those traveling by car, street parking might be available, and there are often public parking garages or lots in the vicinity, though it's always advisable to check parking availability, especially during peak hours. The restaurant maintains consistent operating hours, generally open for lunch and dinner, extending later on weekends (Mon-Thurs: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM; Fri: 11:30 AM - 11:00 PM; Sat: 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM; Sun: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM). This convenient location and consistent availability make Kisso Sushi Bar a prime choice for an exquisite sushi experience in Philadelphia.

Kisso Sushi Bar provides a focused yet comprehensive range of services, emphasizing the quality of its culinary offerings and the experience of dining there.

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal in a dedicated, intimate, and often quiet setting. The ambiance is designed to allow guests to fully appreciate the high-quality food and the "magic" of the sushi preparation, especially when seated at the bar.

• BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle): A highly celebrated feature, allowing patrons to bring their own alcoholic beverages (wine, sake, etc.) to pair with their meal. This can significantly enhance the dining experience and offer cost savings on drinks.

• Exceptional Sushi and Sashimi: Their core offering, known for "truly exceptional quality fish and preparations." The menu includes a la carte sashimi, various rolls, and comprehensive sushi and sashimi platters. Reviews specifically praise the "delicious" sashimi.

• "Mix and Match Sushi Platter": A highly recommended option for diners looking to explore different fish and presentation profiles, ensuring a satisfying variety.

• Bar Seating for Observation: The opportunity to sit at the sushi bar is explicitly highlighted as the "best place" to experience the "magic" of the chefs at work, offering an interactive and educational dining experience.

• Knowledgeable and Excellent Service: The staff are consistently praised for being "excellent" and "knowledgeable," contributing to a pleasant and informative dining experience.

• Traditional Japanese Appetizers and Sides: Beyond sushi, the menu likely includes classic Japanese appetizers like seaweed salad, which reviewers have described as "delicious." Other typical offerings might include edamame, gyoza, and miso soup.

• Takeout Service: While the reviews emphasize the dine-in experience, Kisso Sushi Bar also offers takeout, allowing customers to enjoy their high-quality sushi from home. This is especially convenient for those in the Old City area.

Kisso Sushi Bar truly distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that firmly establish its reputation as a premier sushi destination in Philadelphia.

• Exceptional Quality of Fish and Preparation: This is, without a doubt, Kisso's most lauded feature. Reviewers repeatedly emphasize the "truly exceptional quality fish and preparations." This speaks to both the freshness of the ingredients and the masterful skill of the sushi chefs, ensuring every piece is a culinary delight.

• BYOB Policy: A significant highlight that greatly enhances the dining experience. The ability to bring your own wine or sake allows patrons to perfectly pair their preferred beverages with the exquisite sushi, often at a more economical price point than in licensed restaurants.

• "Unctuous, Front to Back Palate Pleasing" Experience: This poetic description from a reviewer perfectly encapsulates the depth of flavor and texture experienced at Kisso, suggesting a meticulously crafted meal that engages all senses.

• Mix and Match Sushi Platter: This customizable option is highly recommended, allowing diners to explore a variety of fish and presentation styles, making it an excellent choice for both newcomers and seasoned sushi enthusiasts.

• Knowledgeable and Attentive Service: The staff is consistently praised as "excellent, knowledgeable," contributing to a seamless and enjoyable dining experience. Their expertise can guide diners through the menu and enhance appreciation for the intricate dishes.

• Intimate Bar Seating for Observation: The opportunity to sit at the sushi bar and "watch the magic happen" is a unique highlight. This direct view of the chefs' artistry adds an educational and engaging dimension to the meal.

• Considered Among the Best: Many long-time patrons and food critics consider Kisso "Philadelphia's best, and one of this country's top, sushi restaurants." This high praise from discerning diners underscores its elite status.

• Delicious Sashimi and Seaweed Salad: Specific items like their sashimi and seaweed salad are singled out for being "delicious," indicating that even classic, simpler dishes are executed with perfection.

While one review did mention concerns about hard rice, rude waiters, and a rubbery lobster (likely a unique special or misidentified item, as Kisso is primarily a sushi bar), the overwhelming majority of testimonials and the restaurant's long-standing reputation firmly establish these positive features as its defining characteristics.

While the provided customer reviews do not explicitly detail ongoing special promotions for Kisso Sushi Bar, restaurants of its caliber, especially those known for their high quality and loyal following, often focus on the intrinsic value of their exceptional food and experience. However, based on general industry practices for high-end sushi establishments and information from their website, here's what can be inferred or sought out:

• Lunch Specials: Kisso Sushi Bar offers dedicated lunch specials during weekday hours (Mon-Fri 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM). These include:

  • (L)Chirashi (10pcs)

  • (L)Sushi Lunch

  • (L)Sushi Sashimi Lunch

  • (L)Sashimi Lunch

  • (L)Sushi Deluxe

  • (L)Salmon Lover, Tuna Lover, Eel Lover

  These lunch options provide a curated selection of their quality offerings at a more accessible price point, making it an excellent way to experience Kisso during the day.

• Signature Platters and Combos: While not "promotions" in the discount sense, their carefully curated "Mix and Match Sushi Platter," "Love Boat (for two)," "Sushi For Two," and other Sushi/Sashimi Combo platters offer comprehensive, well-presented selections that provide excellent value for sharing and experiencing a wide range of their fish.

• BYOB Advantage: The Bring Your Own Bottle policy is a significant "promotion" in itself, as it allows diners to enjoy premium alcoholic beverages without the typical restaurant mark-up, effectively saving money on the overall dining bill.

• Seasonal Omakase (Potential): While not explicitly listed, high-end sushi bars often offer seasonal Omakase (chef's choice) menus that showcase the freshest seasonal fish. If available, these can be a unique, limited-time "special offer" for a truly bespoke experience.

To get the most accurate and current information on any existing special offers or new menu additions, it is always recommended to visit Kisso Sushi Bar's official website, or call them directly at their provided phone number.

Ready to experience the exceptional quality and artistry of Kisso Sushi Bar? Here's how you can get in touch or find them:

• Address: 205 N 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA

• Phone: (215) 922-1770

For the most current operating hours (Mon-Thurs: 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM; Fri: 11:30 AM - 11:00 PM; Sat: 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM; Sun: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM), to view their full menu, or for any inquiries regarding their BYOB policy or seating, it is recommended to visit their official website or call them directly.

For residents across Pennsylvania, and particularly those in Philadelphia and its vibrant Old City neighborhood, Kisso Sushi Bar is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended dining choice. It stands as a beacon for authentic, high-quality Japanese sushi, making it a true culinary treasure for the local community.

The most compelling reason Kisso Sushi Bar resonates with locals is its unwavering commitment to truly exceptional fish and masterful preparation. Reviews consistently highlight the "delicious" sashimi and the overall "truly exceptional quality" of their offerings. This dedication to fresh, top-tier ingredients, expertly handled by skilled chefs, means that every piece of sushi and sashimi is a testament to the art of Japanese cuisine. For discerning palates in Philadelphia who appreciate genuine quality, Kisso provides an experience that is hard to match.

Furthermore, the highly celebrated BYOB policy is a significant draw for the local community. This allows diners the flexibility to bring their favorite wine or sake, perfectly complementing their meal without the usual restaurant mark-ups. This thoughtful approach enhances both the dining experience and the overall value, making an elite sushi meal more accessible and personalized. The atmosphere, described as "quaint and quiet," provides an intimate setting perfect for a relaxed evening focused on the food and conversation.

The knowledgeable and excellent service, coupled with the unique opportunity to sit at the bar and "watch the magic happen," transforms a meal into an engaging experience. This personalized touch and transparency in preparation foster a deeper appreciation for the craft, making diners feel connected to their food. For all these reasons—its unparalleled food quality, the convenient and value-adding BYOB option, the intimate atmosphere, and the expert service—Kisso Sushi Bar has firmly established itself as an indispensable and beloved culinary destination in Philadelphia, a place where locals can consistently find the very best of Japanese sushi art.

Kisso Sushi Bar

205 N 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA