Why Locals Love Kisso Sushi Bar
Nestled in the heart of Philadelphia’s historic Old City, Kisso Sushi Bar is a haven for sushi aficionados and newcomers alike. Specializing in authentic Japanese sushi, the restaurant offers an inviting atmosphere that blends cozy intimacy with the vibrant energy of a bustling sushi bar. With its BYOB policy, Kisso creates a relaxed environment where guests can enjoy top-tier fish paired with their favorite beverages, elevating the dining experience to something truly personal and memorable.
The culinary offerings at Kisso are a celebration of freshness and artistry. Seafood lovers will delight in dishes like the Unaju, featuring broiled freshwater eel served over steamed rice—rich, tender, and perfectly glazed. The Yaki Salmon is another standout, with broiled fresh salmon kissed by sesame oil and complemented by a zesty ponzu sauce that awakens the palate. For those who prefer variety, the Cooked Fish Platter and the famed mix and match sushi platter showcase a symphony of flavors, textures, and presentations that keep every bite exciting and satisfying.
Vegetarian options are thoughtfully curated as well, offering vibrant, fresh choices such as the Veggie Maki, a colorful medley of cucumber, avocado, asparagus, tomato, and more, and the delicate I Love Veggie Maki that combines kanpyo and oshinko with a hint of tobiko and shiso for a subtle pop of flavor. The Yasai Sushi Platter brings a beautiful assortment of 11 pieces that cater to plant-based palates without compromising freshness or texture.
Service at Kisso Sushi Bar is frequently praised for its warmth and expertise. Guests often rave about the attentive, knowledgeable staff who guide diners through the menu with passion and patience, ensuring that each guest finds something delightful. Sitting at the counter is highly recommended, offering the chance to witness the sushi chefs craft their creations with precision and care—a sensory experience in itself.
Concluding your meal with dessert is an absolute must, with selections like the silky Green Tea Ice Cream, the sweet, chewy Mochi Ice Cream, or the Dessert Sampler that offers a little taste of it all to round out an already perfect meal.
Lauren Jones sums it up best: “This is my favorite place for sushi. Excellent service by the waitstaff at a very convenient location... sit at the counter and watch the preparation of the sushi.” Similarly, Claude Harrison calls it “a gem” with “truly exceptional quality fish and preparations.” The consistent theme across reviews is unmistakable commitment to quality ingredients, delightful service, and an atmosphere that makes every visit special.
Whether you are a seasoned sushi lover or just embarking on your journey into Japanese cuisine, Kisso Sushi Bar promises an experience that delights the senses and warms the heart. It’s more than a meal—it’s an intimate encounter with fine craftsmanship, vibrant flavors, and genuine hospitality right in the vibrant core of Philadelphia.
See the Space & Food
What Makes This Place Friendly
- Takeaway
- Dinner
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Real Reviews from the Community
- Mar 11, 2026
this is my favorite place for sushi. excellent service by the waitstaff at a very convenient location. during your next visit sit at the counter and watch the preparation of the sushi. note: byob (pictured green tea ice cream, half and half maki (the set with lime were perfection) and unaju over rice with a spicy tuna with inari on a separate platter)
- Mar 8, 2026
This is a gem. BYOB. Excellent, truly exceptional quality fish and preparations. Prepare for some unctuous, front to back palate pleasing to occur here. I highly recommend the mix and match sushi platter. This will give you different fish and presentation profiles that will simply satisfy. Excellent, knowledgeable service. The best place is to be seated at the bar and to watch the magic happen. This is Philadelphia's best, and one of this country's top, sushi restaurants. I've long said that. I look forward to your conclusion.
- Mar 8, 2026
Loved the experience. I am somewhat new to sushi but the staff there was outstanding and walked me through a few options and their chefs recommendations. The chef was so happy with how much we liked our food that he also made us a special complementary role. I'm still not the biggest sushi guy, but when I have a need for it, I am only going to go here. Very fresh food. Outstanding service. Decent price.
- Feb 26, 2026
Perfection. That’s the only way I can describe our experience eating at Kisso last night! Within seconds of sitting down, we were greeted by the most cheerful and enthusiastic Bartender/Waiter I have ever met in the history of dining in Philadelphia. His name was Sam, and he was absolutely the best! Not only was he funny and informed of all of the details of the menu, he delivered with finesse from A-to-Z from beginning to end. One of my all-time favorites is gyoza and I had never seen such a creative presentation as this! Five delectable dumplings were filled with a delicious pork filling, and then there was this magical “paper” over it, making each gyoza a delicate present to unwrap! How creative! From the Dragon roll to the house special Wagyu truffle fried rice, we were just blown away by the high-quality beautiful new presentations of the usual items on most Asian menus, the modern sexy decor upstairs, and the efficiency of the team. They were setting up for a private party downstairs, but below is an omasake bar and a private dining room. I’m already pumped about returning and trying the special meal presented by the Phenomenal sushi chefs below. But I also want to mention the chefs upstairs for the “charcoal” items on the menu. I can’t get over how exceptional this place is, and we’ve been living in Philadelphia for 50 years. Having owned multiple boutique hotels, and busy, successful restaurants in the city, I was thrilled to come upon this precious gem, and most excited that they have Sam…., the all-time Academy award goes to him as THE best waiter by far, hands-down in the city. Thank you for a great experience Kisso, and we will be back ASAP.!!!
- Jan 6, 2026
Fantastic food in a quaint little location. The fish is fresh and delicious. I did the chefs choice sushi and sashimi, wasn't sure I could eat it all myself, but the fish was such good quality and perfectly proportioned that it 2as no problem!
- Dec 29, 2025
Melt in your mouth sashimi? Yes please. I'll take a second filling. Unfortunately, I ate the wasabi pork shumai too fast to remember taking a photo. This chef is all about the subtlety of flavors dancing on the tip of your tongue. The sweetness of the sashimi brings me back to my first love, the tenderness, to the first time we held hands. If you want food to rock your socks and transport you to another dimension, come around and find out.
- Dec 13, 2025
Friendly staff found a way to seat me on a Friday night, when I should have made a reservation. I selected two Maki rolls, and both were delicious. I can’t recall the name of the ‘flattened’ roll, but my impression was buttery.
- Nov 26, 2025
Hands down the best Japanese place in Philly! Food is always so fresh and perfectly done! It’s mind blowing! Sit at the bar and ask Alex to surprise you. It’s definitely gonna level up your sushi standards!
