Kisso Sushi Bar

07/23/2008 Posted by PC126

I tried the place on a whim and had read favorable reviews. I was trying to not get my hopes up because I have had some great sushi in New York City and other places in Philadelphia and I wasn't entirely positive that this would compare. But I was really amazed with the food at Kisso. The sushi was fresh. The platters were definitely plentiful. My boyfriend has just started eating sushi and loves this place! He's a fan of the sashimi. I love the fact that it's a BYOB. It saves alot on drink costs. And it's nice to just relax and chat over dinner with a bottle of wine and not feel rushed out of the place. The servers are very nice too, which always adds to a pleasant experience. I have a few friends coming in from New York City this weekend and I'm going to take them here for dinner. I can't wait to go back!

Pros: Great food, friendly service

05/29/2008 Posted by DEguru

When my boyfriend and I first visited, I ordered my usual all-sashimi plate. It was okay, but nothing to write home about and we sort of forgot about the place. Then, one night when we couldn't think of a good place to go, we landed up back at Kisso. I ordered the chef's choice sushi platter... and WOW! Unusual sushi that was unbelievably fabulous. My boyfriend was trying to steal the rolls off my plate and we were having chopstick wars. Now we go there pretty regularly. Last night we were starving and ordered just about everything off the menu (except sashimi), and it was all wonderful. Broiled eel, miso soup the way my dad makes it (lots of miso paste - yum!), grilled octopus, sushi rolls with heaven knows what in them, and a piece of broiled yellowtail to die for. Also, the BYO aspect is very welcome at helping to cut the cost of the dinner. My boyfriend remarked that we had probably ordered about $200 worth of food, but the bill was just $80 when it came (and we ate a LOT). Fantastic. I'm ready to go back tonight.

Pros: Innovative sushi rolls, BYOB, never seen it busy.

Cons: Never seen it busy. They better not close.

02/20/2008 Posted by anamin

I came here with a friend after visiting some galleries for First Friday. Great idea! This is one of my 2 favorite sushi places. I love the SS T maki roll. The staff is friendly and it is BYOB, what else can someone ask for?

Pros: SST Maki roll

Cons: None

02/02/2008 Posted by dpulli

Hands down, Kisso is the best sushi you'll find in Philadelphia! The staff is friendly. Their specialty rolls are to die for--SST maki and the spicy tuna are incredible! It's also BYOB. I don't know why you'd go anywhere else :)

Pros: amazing sushi, friendly staff, byob

Cons: a little too quiet sometimes

10/24/2007 Posted by k3v1n

It's been a while since i go to kisso . They have the best spicy tuna ever! U should try shrimp tempura and spicy tuna on the top ( the best!! ) . They have the best staff ever!!! last year year when i went there they have this one waiter , He know all the good food . He know what fish is good that day and what is the special. So i go with his recommend. And the result.... the best sushi ever. But last time i was there i didn't see him . But still sushi is the best!!! . So if u go there ask for this person . He will make ur day ( he is indonesian have big body and tall) Good serving.. nice sushi.... This review is for u budy!!! make sure u work when i go there next time!!!

07/27/2007 Posted by nbillig

Warm intimate atmosphere with jazz music, friendly staff, incredibly delicious and creative sushi (try the Dynamite softshell crab roll). Alex the sush chef is happy to please anyone's palate (he made a mini sushi plate for our 4 yr old). Family friendly if you want to take kids, but not deafening for those without kids. Plus it's BYOB

Pros: Sushi, Kid Friendly, BYOB

02/26/2007 Posted by sycky

We were visiting philly for the weekend from new york and went to kisso on a friday night. though parking in the area wasn't easy and the restaurant wasn't in the most easily accessible of places, we were surprised to find such a well-kept sushi restaurant in this area of old city. upon entering, we were warmly greeted and were seated promptly. decor was simple yet elegant, and we could tell that the restaurant owner took pride in the quality and caliber of food and service that kisso had to offer. ordered the edamame as a starter, and had the special - dynamite rolls (soft-shelled crab and spicy tuna), as well as an order of rainbow rolls (spicy tuna, spicy salmon, yellowtail?). sushi was very fresh and well-prepared, and service continued to be prompt through the night. would definitely recommend this place, for a date or otherwise.

Pros: simple but well-thought out decor, quality sushi and excellent presentation, prompt service

Cons: parking in area is not the easiest

11/01/2006 Posted by gss28

As far as sushi goes, Kisso is at the top of the list for quality and cost. Not only is it a quaint romantic atmosphere, but it is also a BYOB. The specials there are usually very good and the Rock N' Roll if offered is excellent. If you are new to sushi, just go with one of the samplers on the back of the menu and enjoy.

08/01/2006 Posted by eddy333

Been going to Kisso for years and have seen it go through a number of changes. When it first opened it was, hands down, the best sushi/sashimi in the entire Philadelphia area. It was consistantly great for a long time, but more recently has gone through some ownership or managerial changes and it shows a little bit in the quality of the fare. Overall I find the staff and service to be outstanding. Everyone is very friendly and attentive. The interior and decor are very nice and the BYOB policy is, of course, a great option. I find the portions to be on the small side now--considering the prices have gone up a bit--and on a couple of occasions the fish just wasn't as stunningly fresh as it used to be. A little sad at the changes that have occured, but would still recommend. The menu has grown a little bit with some great new items, and, to echo another reviewer, they do have some very interesting and yummy maki to offer One more small point that may seem kind of petty, but makes a difference for me: they used to play really nice jazz (cool and bebop) in the place, and the last few times I've been they've had light rock ballads and Kenny G playing in the background. ARRGH!!! I needed extra wasabi just to tolerate the finger nails on the blackboard effect of that accursed soprano sax... Someone definitely needs to hip them out to some better dining music

Pros: Great location, BYOB, great service

Cons: elevator music

01/30/2006 Posted by ajax77799

What a great find- drove by it a few times, decided to go in for curiosity's sake and now it's a favorite for my wife, son and myself. The staff is excellent - they treat you like an old friend and they completely remember your preferences which makes you feel even more welcome. The Sushi Chefs are wonderful and take such pride in their creations, you have to love it. Went one weeknight a few weeks ago and they allowed us to sample so many items for free, a great introduction to many new items that was appreciated. Will be going here for years to come, just a pleasant overall atmosphere coupled with fantastic sushi!