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Morimoto
723 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
View more Philadelphia restaurants
(215) 413-9070
- Sun - 5:00pm - 10:00pm
- Mon - Thu 11:30am - 10:00pm
- Fri 11:30am - 12:00am
- Sat 5:00pm - 12:00am
Cuisine: Japanese Restaurants, Sushi Restaurants, Vietnamese Restaurants
View more restaurants at exit 22 on I-95.
4.8 of 5.0 from 93 reviews
price range:more than $50
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Morimoto Reviews
I dined at Morimoto in late July, 2002. Overall, myself and the group that I was with had a great experience.We arrived at the restaurant at the time of our reservation and were immediately escorted to our table. Our waitress greeted us just after we had been seated and took our drink orders. She later answered several questions about the menu and was friendly. The only complaint I have about this restaurant, though, had to do with our waitress. Although friendly, and possessing a good understanding of the menu items, you could tell that she was not too thrilled about serving four patrons in their twenties. At the end of the night she received a 20% tip, but when we were originally seated at one of her tables, I am sure that she was thinking she would get much less, which was the reason she seemed less-than-thrilled to be serving us at first. I was much happier when she later ditched the attitude and became much more pleasant.I know that everyone in our party enjoyed their food thoroughly, but I can only elaborate on the dishes that I ordered. To start, I ordered the Warm Whitefish Carpaccio Appetizer. This dish was great! The presentation was outstanding and the pieces of fish, lightly fried in oil, were superb. By combining the remaining oil with the salad and edible Orchid Flower that were served, the entire plate was thoroughly enjoyed.For my entree, I ordered the Arctic Char. If you are unfamiliar with this fish, Arctic Char is somewhat familiar in taste to both Salmon and Trout. At Morimoto, this dish is pan roasted with maitaki mushrooms and served with a lobster sauce 'American.' Overall, this dish was also excellent. I wasn't too impressed with the presentation, and believe that the restaurant could improve in this area (in regards to this dish). But, I was very impressed with the taste. The sauce was the best part, and was the best lobster sauce that I have had at any restaurant. The fish was prepared very well, and I was surprised to discover that the skin of this fish can be enjoyed as well. Finally, the mushrooms provided an excellent match to both the fish and the sauce. I enjoyed this dish a lot, and would definitely order it again.Overall, this was one of the best dining experiences that I have ever had. Although expensive, you are paying for quality, and more-than-likely will not be disappointed in the experience you have dining at Morimoto. I would highly recommend this restaurant.
by ChefMoz.org
Try anything with wagyu beef and the duck duck duck. One of the best meals I have ever had!
by Jacob M
The food and the service were awesome!
by Paula Sorrentino
Get the tasting menu!
by Krystal H.
The tasting menu was beyond great
by Stephen L
Sushi sampling platter
by Shea K
Nice restaurant. The dishes I ordered were not impressive
by Dan
Excellent sushi, obviously, and the omakase is amazing
by Joe C.
Not crowded on a Wednesday night. Great service and delicious seafood options. Pretty too.
by Christy Landes
The appetizers were unfortunately underwhelming. The sushi and sashimi did redeem the overall dining experience, however, at around $200 a head with drinks, I find it hard to recommend this place.
by Raj S.
Rock shrimp tempura!!
by Susan Estrella-Eades
Atmosphere is amazing for dates and special occasions. First timers should definitely try the chef tasting menu to get the full experience of the master chef! $100 regular/$150 seasonal
by Brandon C.
Appetite can't keep up with all of the great choices
by Marcus C
#omakase #chef sushi selection @ice cream
by Oi I
You wouldn't expect it, but Morimoto has a happy hour in the upstairs lounge from 5-7pm with drink & food specials mostly under $10.
by Benjamin S.
Everything was amazing here, especially the duck and the yellow tail tuna. If you go here ask for Raymond. He was amazing!
by Ronnie R.
Everything here is delicious. Server seemed kind of pushy.
by Nick Marques
The service is impeccable and the spicy king crab is like nothing I've ever tasted #delectable
by Mell D
TV chef Masaharu Morimoto offers the culinary direction for this downtown Japanese restaurant.
by National Geographic Traveller (UK)
Jeff Michaud, chef of Osteria, eats here on his nights off. He loves the Sashimi.
by Chefs Feed
Modernist Iron Chef wizardry may dazzle the tourists, but it's the straight-up sushi and sashimi that really steals the show. Scallop, amberjack and fresh water eel are the must-haves.
by Josh D.
Excellent sushi in downtown Philadelphia - owned by the same guy who opened Wasabi in Delhi
by Ian R
Tasting menu
by Cherry Qianyun Lin
Get the Omakase!! Totally worth every penny!
by Ann L.
Get the omakase. It's worth it.
by Sydney L
$10 Micro-batch ice cream of the day, available to go.
by matt g.
Duck duck duck: hands down one of the best dishes I have ever eaten.
by Barrett L.
Honestly, it was overpriced and mediocre.
by Everyday
With Stephen Starr and Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto at the lead, Morimoto's original Philadelphia location is the perfect place to start a night in Center City.
by CollegeFashionista
Excellent fresh "mix"
by Endori i.
try their omakase
by Monica L.
Delicious especially the tempura shrimp
by Sekia B.
💲💲💲pricey pricey pricey ... 8 drinks, fours appetizers, tax and tip $286
by Danielle T.
great affordable, quick lunch. get the sushi combination (and carpaccio)
by Christina
Great place for lunch!
by Michela D.
The 10 hour pork belly is absolutely incredible, as is the yuzu meringue tart. Yuzu meringue is a oerfectly light and citrus-y dessert for a hot, muggy day.
by Heather T.
Score the Iron Chef’s freshest catches at the back-of-the-house sushi bar.
by Thrillist
Hands down the greatest sushi place in Philly. Awesome food, amazing decor, great service, well worth the price.
by Ciara M.
Definitely try Karai if you are in a mood of something sweet and spicy
by Ritu S.
Tuna pizza was amazing! My husband had the steak and it had to be the best steak I've ever tasted!
by Alyson C.
New fall cocktail menu launching today including this Kobacha cocktail: roasted kabocha infused bourbon, angostura bitters, ginger beer lime, garnished with bourbon roasted kabocha & bamboo leaf
by STARR Restaurants
Exquisite sushi. We split the chef's combination and wasabi fried rice. Everything was very fresh and high quality. Swanky atmosphere, too!
by APA
5 star worthy all around- the decor, food, and service were amazing!
by 🇺🇸Tugcem G.
From 5 p.m. to 7pm. the second floor lounge features half-price cocktails and snacks in the $5-7 range.
by Foobooz Philadelphia
Doing go here for the ramen. You'll buy disappointment. On the bright side, they have tasty main entrees, drinks, and a robust sake selection.
by Dave H.
Try the Kakuni (10 Hour Braised Pork Belly) - #tasty (via @Foodspotting)
by Sean M.
If you don't do the omakase, you're silly.
by Emily C.
Tuna pizza and lobster ceviche! Do it.
by elizabeth m.
The $80 Omakase is a ripoff as the dishes are uneven at best. Sushi rice was dry, sushi was OK at best. Disappointing.
by Ned W.
Make your reservation now! Morimoto is participating in Dining Out for Life 2012 by donating 33% of every meal sold on Thursday, April 26. Dine Out, Fight AIDS! To learn more about the cause:
by Dining Out for Life PHL
They have these weird lamps planted in the middle of the tables ...
by Ikai L.
Yes... it's all that. Well reviewed by foodies... and now I know why.
by ArtJonak
At the far end of Iron Chef Morimoto's sushi stronghold is a sushi bar where you can watch the culinary wizards make rolls and maki.
by Visit Philly
One of the great places in Philadelphia for pristine raw fish and clever composed dishes. Hope to God that the foie gras chawan mushi, maguro niçoise, and ten-hour pork "kakuni" make an appearance.
by Ajit V.
The Iron Chef! Sushi, sushi, sushi. Creme brule was good.
by Tawn S.
If you're not up for the $80+ omakase, try one of the chef's sushi platters; they start at $30.
by James T.
Rock shrimp tempura is orgasmic... Blends in with the phallic lights ;-)
by Teresa P.
Just go and experience Morimoto!
by DK D.
This place is awesome. Any appetizer is delicious. Rock shrimp, duck duck duck, Kobe filet, all great entrees. The asparagus side is also delicious.
by Ariel N.
Ask the chef for a Tuna Roll with Salmon on top! Perfect!
by Darron S.
Morimoto made Philadelphia Magazine's list of 50 best restaurants!
by Philadelphia Magazine
You can't beat sitting at the sushi bar here. Love to watch them create edible works of art.
by Darcy D.
Try the Rock Shrimp Tempura appetizer. Slightly sweet, with a great texture.
by Kevin K.
Pricey but top notch restaurant that will leave you satisfied. Many of the items can be made vegan. Impeccable service!
by Daniel B.
Great sushi in a beautifully modern setting. Dining at this Japanese hot spot won't leave you disappointed after your night out in Philly. Try the duck duck duck!
by Davinci Virtual
Try the Tuna Pizza, Angry Chicken or Braised Cod. Then try cooking Morimoto's recipe for the dish on KeepRecipes! You'll be donating to the American Red Cross's fund for Tsunami & Earthquake Relief.
by KeepRecipes
The Iron Chef's first restaurant put Philadelphia on the culinary map, and the quality has never dipped below perfection. Of course, the Omakase is where it's at, but we love the Ramen, too.
by The Feast
Enjoy our contemporary menu that mixes traditional Japanese ingredients with classic Western preparations. Daring diners can put themselves in the chef's hands and partake in the tasting menu.
by STARR Restaurants
The Omakase is definitely the way to go. 7 plates of greatness - absolutely wonderful.
by Brandon M.
Toro roll, spicy tuna roll is the best I've ever had! And the hazelnut beer is to die for!
by Nikki F.
Hard to get reservations but it's first come, first serve in the lounge on the second floor. Cute and hip.
by Stephanie K.
Do not be scared of the price tag on the ishi yaki bop w/ kobe beef it's absolutely amazing. The plus is that it is prepared in front of you!!!
by Ryan S.
Even if you don't like tofu, the yosedofu is amazing. I even got my dad to take seconds and he's usually a pure meat eater!
by Kristen W.
Love it here. Going tomorrow!
by Karen F.
This imaginative Japanese fusion menu creates a notable dining experience. The Yellowtail on rice is delicious and entertaining since it is prepared tableside in a hot stone bowl.
by Bullfrog & Baum
Amazing rock shrimp, kobe beef carpaccio, and sushi/sashimi tasting menu.
by Kea Molnar
Morimoto, from Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, serves authentic Japanese sushi and the freshest seafood dishes.
by Food Network
Don't miss the hamachi tartare, a molded cylinder of yellowtail and crispy shallots served with a Japanese mountain peach.
by Philadelphia Magazine
In the upstairs lounge, the Signature Hour (Sunday-Friday, from 5pm-7pm) is the perfect way to experience chef Morimoto’s signature appetizers ($7), maki ($6), cocktails, beer and wine ($6)
by Betty L.
Kevin Sbraga loves this place! -Kevin Sbraga, Top Chef
by Bravo
Looking for a white that works well with sushi? Opt for Abbazia di Novacella's '06 sylvaner. A big, fruity white with exotic fruit and citrus flavors, with good acidity. Really nice!
by @A.G. Wine - iPhone/iPad
Toro tatare FTMFW!
by Joshua S.
Take advantage of the under-the-radar weekday happy hour in the lounge. Try a selection of maki for $6, apps for $7 and select cocktails, beers (including Morimoto's Rogue beers) and wines for $6.
by Philadelphia Magazine
The Iron Chef's restaurant in the City of Brotherly Love will have you loving your neighbor by the very first bite of tuna carpaccio pizza or soba carbonara (try the half order for a great deal).
by Epicurious
Best Newer Retaurant in Philly!!
by John A.
LOVE this restaurant in Philly!
by Tara S.
Get the 10 hour roast pork app - it's out of this world.
by Sara C.
Best sushi I have ever had. Bring a big wallet it will be empty before you know it.
by Scott A.
great food, great experience
by Len L.
Got to Morimotos and order the unagi. Is is simply spectacular! Sooo fresh!
by Chris B
Atmosphere is amazing! I would order the omikasa. It is a 4 course meal to give you a chance to taste the best they have to order that day. They have the 3 choices based on your budget.
by David D
The tempura has along with all the fish and vegetables a chunk of mozarella wrapped in applewood bacon and tempura fried! Can't wait for the main course.
by Juan U.
Get the Omakase which means roughly, "In the chef's hands". Went there twice before I was a vegetarian and they were both amazingly inventive dinners. Most interesting dish was the jalapeno sorbet.
by J.R. Y

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