Hikari Sushi — Restaurant in Philadelphia

I went there last night with 3 friends to sit outside and enjoy some sushi. as soon as we walked inside I noticed an unfriendly smell that I chose to ignore because I can be picky from time to time. We chose to sit outside and the server was very nice and attentive from the beginning. We ordered appetizers immediately with our drinks and then proceeded to peruse the menu. One appetizer we got carpaccio I’m truffle oil was amazing. The Chef came out to explain the dish which was a very nice touch. I appreciate things like that because I am also in the service industry along with another person at my table. Then, things took a turn for the worse... the kitchen closed at 9:30 and it was maybe 9:10 when they changed their tune completely. The server started cleaning up and breaking down all the outside tables. Our sushi had not even arrived and they were 20 min away from the kitchen closing. There were still tables inside as well. It was very aggressive not to mention that she told us the kitchen was closed without offering us another minute to order last call rolls. We told her we would probably order more since we had a half hour and she cut us off very rudely. Then she brought our sushi with no soy sauce and no bowls for soy sauce. There are 4 of us sharing a a bunch of sushi rolls being rushed but sitting there for ten minutes without supplies. She started taking plates off our table before we were even finished eating. She even tried to take my friends water glass and he was still drinking the water and eating. This is all before bringing the check which she asked “are you ready yet”? I have been in the service industry my whole life. I have worked at many places where maybe the quality of service is beyond the scope of this rinky dink dime a dozen type place. With that said... I have had better service at the Olive Garden. It’s been a while since I have seen a paying customer treated so rudely. I have a lot of empathy for a server staying past close and I would never dream of sitting there or eating anywhere that is closing in less than 30 min. This was all happening 20 min before the kitchen even closed and believe me... we eat fast in general anyway. I will never return there again. There is so much competition in Philadelphia we are so lucky that these kind of places just won’t servive long. Hopefully they replace it with anything...

I usually don't leave reviews but I had to leave one about Hikari because the experience was absolutely amazing! First of all, it's such a cute, little restaurant and definitely a hidden gem of Northern Liberties. The service was incredible. My water never reached the bottom of the cup and our waiter checked in with us consistently but not to the point where it felt intrusive. The food was also amazing. We started off with the lobster rangoon, which was filled with a rich, cream cheese filling and paired with a unique blueberry sauce. Then we had the kanpachi carpaccio, which was topped with a delightful truffle pâté. The parmesan shavings on the rock shrimp tempura worked surprisingly well with the smoked paprika aioli. I was also surprised by the gorgonzola in the salmon ceviche but the gorgonzola wasn't overpowering at all and paired wonderfully with the salmon, which practically melted in my mouth. I could go on and on but for the sake of keeping this review somewhat short, I will just talk about one more, the Baltimore roll. This was definitely my favorite from my entire meal. The savoriness of the spicy crab salad paired wonderfully with the sweetness of the mango and I could not get enough of the fresh salmon and tuna on top. The wasabi aioli worked perfectly with the roll and the tempura flakes added the perfect, crunchy texture. I went with a group of 4 and we all had a lovely time! We will definitely return sometime soon! Also, it's BYOB so make sure to bring a...

If you're looking for a hidden gem that combines unassuming charm with exceptional quality, look no further than Hikari Sushi. Tucked away in the heart of Northern Liberty, this cozy restaurant may not boast a flashy exterior, but what it lacks in pretension, it more than makes up for in remarkable food and service.

From the moment you walk through the door, you’re greeted by a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The staff, friendly and attentive, make you feel like you're part of the family. But the real star of the show is the chef. With an impressive mastery of sushi, each dish is a work of art, bursting with flavors that showcase not only skill but creativity.

Whether it's a perfectly balanced roll, a delicate nigiri, or an inventive seasonal dish, every bite feels like a celebration of freshness and craftsmanship. It’s clear that the chef is not just preparing food, but is deeply passionate about the artistry of sushi. The quality of the fish is nothing short of stellar, and the subtle, yet bold, combinations of flavors show a true understanding of both tradition and innovation.

Hikari Sushi may be a humble neighborhood spot, but it offers a level of dining experience that far exceeds expectations. For sushi lovers who appreciate quality, creativity, and warmth, this place is nothing short of a treasure. Don’t miss it—Hikari Sushi is a delightful, unforgettable...