In the Midtown Village area, there aren't many options for sushi. The majority of Philly's favorite sushi hotspots are clustered closer to Rittenhouse or Fairmount. But close to El Vez and Chef Marcie Turney's bank of restaurants (think: Barbuzzo, Little Nonna's, Lolita, Jamonera), Raw Sushi is hidden away. So for Restaurant Week, the GF and I decided to stop by to see what they had to offer. The interior is sleek, reminiscent of an Asian-themed lounge. There's an outdoor area out back as well - a perfect area to grab an after-work drink. The restrooms? Interesting communal troughs. I'll leave it at that. But on to the food and drink - apologies for the phone pics! Hara-Kiri ($12) Gekkeikan sake, Sobieski vodka, wasabi, sriracha, Worcestershire sauce, tomato juice I opted to start off with a spicy tipple, an ode to that ritualistic self-suicide administered by Japanese samurai. The booze is hidden by the combo of wasabi and sriracha and had hints of a Bloody Mary with the tomato juice and Worcestershire coming through. Not exactly consistent with sushi, but a fun take nonetheless. Also, I had a bit of a cold so thought it would set me straight. In any case, on to the meal proper. As most of you know, Restaurant Week is $35 per person for dinner, but I've provided pricing for some of the a la carte items I ordered as well. Gyoza Soup Shoyu fish broth, pork dumplings The shoyu fish broth had umami undertones from the soy, with the fresh pork dumplings providing some additional savoriness. Tofu Soup Tofu, spinach, vegetables, enoki, kombu broth The tofu soup was a bit lighter, with the delicate soft tofu, fresh enoki mushrooms, and spinach providing some freshness. Spicy Tuna Tartare ($14) Chopped tuna, masago, scallions, special spicy sauce I was in the mood for tuna tartare so ordered this a la carte. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy the fact that this was finely ground rather than chopped, and the sweetness (not at all spicy) from the mayo-based dressing on top really detracted from detecting any flavor from the tuna. Cracklin' Calamari Salad ($15) Sweet Thai chili sauce I did enjoy an order of calamari, which were perfectly crisp, yet had a nice delicate chew. The sweet and spicy sauce came on the side and really complemented the squid. Uni Sushi ($6) I also went with uni sushi. The server wasn't sure where it was from other than "out West," so I assume it was Santa Barbara sea urchin as it was sufficiently creamy and sweet. Uni Sashimi ($11) I couldn't get enough so also had the uni sushi, which was interesting in that it took on the essence of the bed of cucumber, which provided a lightness to the butteriness of the urchin. Sweet Potato Tempura Roll ($7) If we get sushi, the GF always needs to get her sweet potato tempura fix. Sadly, these could have been crisper and needed a bit more salt. Sushi Red & White Platter Salmon, Yellowtail, Tuna, Tuna Roll Restaurant Week purportedly allowed us to choose which roll accompanied our sushi platter of salmon, yellowtail, and tuna nigiri. However, our waitress simply brought us a standard tuna roll without asking. The nigiri was fresh and the rice had a light vinegar acidity with a decent bit of bite to it. Salmon Volcano Roll We also had the salmon volcano roll, which came with tuna within and salmon on top, with plenty of masago to provide pop and some panko to add texture. Slightly spicy and definitely crunchy, this is what you expect with Americanized sushi joints. Overall, it was fine, but the abundance of rice and dressing overpowered the fish for my taste. Mochi Red bean, green tea Mochi was nice, with a great chew and gluttonous texture, with the sweetness of red bean and the lightness of green tea coming through. Mango Sorbet The mango sorbet was creamy and provided a sweet citrusy brightness that really cleansed the palate. Overall, Raw Sushi seems to have fresh tuna and salmon for its standard offerings. However, I would expect more of an Asian fusion element to sushi.
(3)
Joanne W.
Been going here for a couple years. It was one of my first sushi restaurants when I moved to Philly back in '06. But...after all these years, the quality just keeps diminishing. The ambiance is quaint, so I do enjoy going there still. I'll just stick quick bites here though.
(3)
Elle D.
This is one of my favorite sushi places ever! Their specialty rolls are delicious! Their outside patio seating is very romantic, and my favorite place to eat outside in nice weather. Inside, it can be a little noisy, but still a very cool vibe. They can be super busy, especially on the weekends. So if you're planning ahead, definitely consider a reservation. I would definitely recommend this place!
(5)
Sean A.
Always worth it
(4)
Bryan S.
Raw- awesome atmosphere, mediocre sushi (at best). The sushi is over priced and I couldn't tell the difference between the sushi here and at Acme. The descriptions of their rolls sound great, but fall way short of your expectations. If you want quality sushi, then I would suggest Morimoto's. You get what you pay for!!!
(2)
Mishi C.
Awesome. Try white tiger roll and green river roll! Very flavorful, especially the white tiger has a seared charred taste. Delicious! Big servings as well Miso soup could have been better though.
(5)
Brittany P.
I'm not a sushi person, but I came to raw with a friend, everything I tried wasn't as scary as id thought. The veggie and rice stuff was good too. Slightly over priced stuff here though.
(4)
Michelle M.
Raw Sushi and Sake Lounge was recommended to my boyfriend and I by the hotel we were staying at while in Philadelphia. Since I was craving sushi and Raw Sushi received decent reviews, I made reservations for us to come here for dinner the night we were staying in the city. What I loved about this restaurant was how hit and cool it was on the inside. The lights were on low, candles all about and it was so quiet inside (compared to the noisy city outside). I was surprised that they weren't very busy the night we came in and we probably could have done without reservations, but better safe then sorry. For food I ordered the Rainbow Roll, a side salad and I split Edamame with the boyfriend. My boyfriend ordered a couple of Avocado Rolls and Miso Soup. We both really enjoyed our food and it was fresh and tasty. Service here was great and I liked our server. I'd recommend this place if and when you're in Philadelphia! Cheers!
(4)
Thutrang L.
We visited Raw during the Sips promotion in the city. So drinks are $2-5 and apps are half off. So we walked in and were seated in the bar section of the restaurant which had seating and everything but it was separated from the actual restaurant. And upon entrance, there is a door guy who checks your id to ensure that you are 21+. We ordered a bunch of rolls, apps, drinks. The rolls were alright, really small in my opinion. The apps were alright, nothing too spectacular. And the drinks were really weak, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised. The bar area had fans but for some reason when we were there the fans weren't on. We notified staff and the fans weren't turned on until we got our bill which was a total bummer because we were melting in the humid weather while we dined. I'll probably give Raw another try. But it won't be my go-to place for sushi.
(3)
Sebastian H.
We stopped in after having a couple of drinks across the street. We only ordered a few pieces of nigiri, so my review is based on a limited selection. However, my 4 stars is based on the freshness and taste of that same selection. We had 2 pieces each of sea urchin, hamachi, and otoro. The sea urchin, I was told, is from California. Melt in your mouth, fresh, and lightly sweet. Truly the ocean in a bite. The otoro was perfection. Perfectly fatty and fresh. Same with the hamachi. I wish we had walked in with a bigger appetite, because if what we had is an indicator of the rest of their offerings, we woulda been in for a real treat. Delicious delicious sushi. Go and ENJOY!!!
(4)
Sara M.
Loved sitting in the covered outdoor space tonight with a party of 5. The watermelon sake was INSANELY good, tasted just like watermelon with very little alcohol flavor. Do yourself a favor and get a carafe of it, complete with sake infused watermelon garnish. Yum! My table had various sushi rolls-crunchy tuna was really good for the average, non adventurous sushi lovers, and the dragon roll and the nights special roll (all I remember is yellowtail inside and some fish on top) were the surprises of the night. Even paced service and overall great experience!
(4)
M S.
Popped by during a recent business trip at the recommendation of the hotel concierge. It's dark in here and reminds of a NY basement bar. I sat at the bar and serve by the bartender vs sushi chef. Verdict is out on the sushi as in waiting for my order now. I hope it's great because I'm craving yummy sushi.
(3)
Jennifer P.
I love sushi and eat it almost everywhere I go. Raw has AMAZING FRESH SUSHI!! Come here if you can! Also lovely fast service and a great drink selection!
(5)
Gaz H.
Above average sushi rolls, tempura, and dumplings in this high-design center city location. With outdoor seating in warm weather. And hipster bathrooms.
(4)
Jessica K.
We came here for happy hour and they had some fantastic drinks and sushi deals. Cocktails were $6 and they had a specialty offering which we snatched up (the Sparkling Cosmo). It was great! The sushi was very good but average in comparison to other places in the city. One suggestion is that they extend happy hour to the outdoor seating area. Unfortunately, it's only at the bar. And the inside is so incredibly dark, we were almost blinded when leaving in daylight! I'm all for mood lighting but it was a little too extreme. That said, I would definitely come back for another happy hour.
(4)
Rosie S.
Come here when the weather is nice and the outdoor seating area is open, the seats are really comfy and it's generally a better vibe vs indoors. I've been here twice and ordered the udon noodle stir fry with beef both times because it was too good.
(4)
Nancy P.
*Center City Sips Review* After a long day of work, my friends and I decided to hit up a place for sips. I was starving since I had just finished my workout. We ordered two of all the appetizers on the sips menu. The spicy tuna roll...so dreadful that I found a huge fish bone in my piece. Turned off from any of the sushi. The shumai tasted like it was frozen and microwaved and plated with some sauce. Very mushy. The fried chicken (I think it was chicken..) was meh. The gyoza was probably the best of the bunch; crispy on the outside. From what I thought I read of Center City Sips...it's supposed to be half off appetizers, $2 beers, $3 wine and $4 cocktails. Not in Raw's case, since they charge $4 for a plastic cup of beer. I don't drink beer so it's not a big deal to me but I dunno, something else is fishy besides the sushi...
(2)
Bforphilly F.
Went there this evening...our neighborhood sushi joint IZUMI was closed for the holiday weekend. Raw is a beautifully designed restaurant. We opted to sit outside in the courtyard because it was a beautiful night with no humidity. I liked the courtyard because it's more private than being on the sidewalk which is where you usually sit in philly while dining "al fresco". The menu is huge with a ton of choices including maki, sashimi, great apps and saki! We had 2 amazing apps, 2 rolls a salad, soup with tempura plus alcoholic drinks...all for a little over $100. Sexy place...next time I'll go at night without my kid!
Came here on recommendation by the concierge at The Ritz Carlton Philadelphia. And a great one it was! ATMOSPHERE: Dark, contemporary & chic. FOOD: Calamari - Typically good, and the batter wasn't too heavy. Plate was full of the rings rather than a mix of the tentacles. Comes with sweet Thai chili sauce. Avocado salad - A simple salad of mixed greens and fresh avocado with a very good dressing. Udon beef stir fry - I absolutely LOVE noodles so this was an easy menu choice. Udon cooked perfect but beef strips were tough. Veggies included bean sprouts, carrots, and one broccoli crown. Teri salmon - My partner's dish. Two tender fillets done in a teriyaki sauce with steamed broccoli and a scoop of steamed rice. Delish! SERVICE: We were greeted and seated promptly. Service was friendly & professional. OVERALL: Great service & food even if we went 1-hour prior to closing.
(4)
Lea M.
Amazing amazing AMAZING! The best sushi in the entire city of Philadelphia. The eel especially, just melts in your mouth. Also their house fried rice is a dish that we always get when we go there. We always succeed in leaving pleasantly plump and fully satisfied.
(5)
Sara V.
Delicious sushi and tasty cocktails. The vibe is trendy and hip. Dimly lit, but chic. The service was outstanding and I left feeling so very full. The shumai was outstanding - homemade wontons, freshly steamed. They were delicate and flavorful. The Whisper cocktail is my favorite - light but fruity and fragrant.
(4)
Angella H.
This place is not bad. I wish they weren't out of half their stock though. Just a note to others, don't go on a Monday! Thankfully, they were not out of hamachi. That's a staple of mine. It wasn't great but I wouldn't return it either. What I was really impressed with was their rolls. I thought they were very creative. We got The Green River roll, which was one of their specials, and had a little bit of everything including the kitchen sink, topped with a green tea sauce and a spicy sauce - we both thought it was good. We also got the sweet potato roll which was simple and very yummy. And we couldn't go without a Crunchy tuna roll. All in all we got 1 order of gyoza, 1 sashimi set, and 3 rolls and were happily stuffed. Not a bad way to start our week in Philadelphia.
(4)
Seth G.
Raw is a great place for good sushi and a great atmosphere. I've been here a number of times and haven't been disappointed. The sushi is fresh. The bathrooms are quite entertaining especially in the men's room where you pee into a water feature with a picture of a female samurai with a sword on the wall behind the water. I tried the saki this time and well I'm not a fan but that's me. Our waiter Johnny was very helpful and friendly.
(4)
Bri H.
Based this past experience I gotta downgrade to 2 stars. I bought the Ruelala omakase deal before I'd ever been to Raw. I'm not a huge fan of Raw but I didn't want to let the voucher go to waste. I made reservations and confirmed that we'd be having the Ruelala deal. This time, my issue does not lie with the quality of the food. It lies with the quantity of food, atmosphere and service. To start, we were served a very small piece of salmon. Next up was a bite of crab wrapped in whitefish. Then striped bass carpaccio (tiny). Then a decently sized portion of risotto/steak/one scallop/one shrimp. Our 1 scallop was dry and rubbery but the rest of the food was good. Then we got a small bowl of green tea ice cream at the end. The food came with 3 shot glasses of sake. NOW....about the service and timing of the food...AWFUL. Right after we were seated, the 1st course came out. We didn't even have our drinks yet. Then the sake came out, but not the water we'd asked for. Then the beer that we ordered arrived and still no water - had to ask again for water. Then the 2nd, then the 3rd courses came out in rapid succession. I figured at this rate, we'd be in & out pretty quickly. WRONG. We were stuck there for 2 hours. I don't even know how much time elapsed between the 3rd & 4th course, but even averaged out, 5 courses in 120 minutes would be 24 minutes between each course. Twenty-four minutes between each literal BITE of food. I was so antsy that I wanted to leave without waiting around for the last 2 courses. Atmosphere: Dear Raw, could you remove a few tables please?? The tables are RIGHT NEXT to each other. It's uncomfortable. It's awkward. It's not romantic or intimate. The girl sitting next to me had her coat & bag all over my seat (probably because there was no room for it elsewhere), and upon being escorted to my seat I had to move it over (she wasn't paying attention). I have no desire to return to Raw. If they want to be a high class sushi joint, they need to get their shit together. Train your servers better. School the kitchen on proper timing between courses. Remove a few tables.
(2)
Ashley S.
I really like this place. Yes, it's a bit pricey, but if you know when to go, you can get good sushi for a reasonable price. I like going for happy hour or lunch when it's a bit cheaper. I got takeout lunch there today with a friend, and it was delicious. I got the sushi lunch platter. For $15, you get a spicy tuna roll and a variety of other sushi pieces like eel, shrimp, sea bass, etc. It also comes with a salad and a miso soup. Better yet, you should order the lunch box, which is what my friend got. There are a bunch of different types, and they come with a soup and salad, too, but it seems like she got a lot more food than me for the same price. It's a mix of everything. She got the Unagi box, which has a full eel roll, tuna tartare, veggie and crab tempura, and some other random stuff. Overall, our food was really good and tasted fresh, and I find that the lunch prices aren't too bad. For happy hour, I would definitely recommend getting the sake cocktail which has sake-soaked fruit in it. Delicious!
(4)
Rita M.
I visited Raw on an wintry afternoon and it was pretty empty. The staff was polite and prompt and we were seated immediately. I love the interior of Raw, mainly because black and red are my favorite colors. Even in the daytime, it was very intimate and sexy. (The bathroom fixtures are very trendy and chic, too.) The food was unmemorable. I got a box with salad, several sushi rolls, tempura, and ebi; it was extremely filling. I ended up leaving 40% of my food untouched. It was a good deal compared to the rest of the menu but Raw overall is quite overpriced. I recommend this place for lunch or an early dinner, as people seem to have less savory experiences at Raw in the evening.
(4)
Gautam T.
I love center city sips here in the back patio section, there are always a bunch of people and the specials are good although I wish they would put more effort into the food. I have been here for dinner and the sushi is just much better than what you get during happy hour. I guess that's to be expected because of the volume, but i definitely try and eat elsewhere if I go to raw for HH. On a side note if you are coming here for dinner definitely grab the scallop rolls they are absolutely delicious.
(3)
Kristin C.
Waited almost an hour for an 8:30 Reservation on Saturday. Food and service were good but I've been there once before and waited 20 minutes. This is frustrating since we usually have plans after dinner and even though they gave us complimentary edamame, I'm disappointed and don't think ill be back. I understand it's a Saturday night, but they should adjust their schedules and get their hostess on the same page. For food: beef appetizer was delicious. Fried lobster appetizer wasn't that great. Ordered rainbow roll which was good. They don't offer brown rice which is a bummer. Friendly staff.
(3)
Rita C.
At first I was worried it would be busy because 1) SIPS was going on and 2) I was going to make a reservation on Open Table, but it was blocked out for 6:30 pm. We forged on without reservation, hoping for the best. We arrived and were pretty much seated right away. I guess the hostess is instructed to grill patrons before they're seated to make sure they aren't there for SIPS (apparently that's only going on in the alley-type area) and to ask if we were using a Groupon. Since we weren't doing either of those things, we were allowed in and seated. The specialty rolls on this menu are overwhelming! I wanted to try them all, but in that case I'd have to take out a small loan to do so. We arrived there during happy hour but weren't offered any happy hour drinks/menu...bummer. For drinks, my friend ordered the Lady Dragon while I tried the season fruit sake (happened to be watermelon) and the Black Honda. All of the cocktails were really good! (So much so, that we ordered several of them.) For apps we ordered the ocean salad, miso soup, and steamed shrimp shumai. I loved everything! The ocean salad was fresh and sweet and a bit of a tangy after taste. I've had that salad before and thought it was bland, so this was a pleasant surprise. The miso soup tasted like miso soup...so I guess that's good. The shumai were on the larger side (although you only get four) and the shrimp was fresh and yummy. Two thumbs up! For dinner we ordered a special roll (some sort of salmon fish volcano explosion of taste), the spider roll, and the crab meat tempura roll. Getting the more common rolls out of the way, they were both tasty. That's about as much as I can say about that. The special roll was unbelievable - it had salmon, white tuna, and crab on the inside and was topped with spicy sauce, more salmon, crunchy stuff (that's it's technical name), scallions and red tobiko. I have no idea how much this thing was, but it didn't matter - it was so good, I'd definitely order it again. The roll was jam-packed with flavor and enormous (definitely two bites per piece). I was blown away by it! Raw also gets a gold star for service. The waitstaff here is excellent! In short, if you like sushi, go eat it. It's on the pricey side, so this would be a good date location. I will definitely be back!
(4)
Tear C.
Came to Philly from CT for a weekend trip. A friend recommended the place for the green monster roll (i think that's what it was called). I got the roll as well as the dragon combo lunch special. Loved the rolls and would come back.
(4)
Andrew W.
Raw is a really good spot for happy hour, especially in the outdoor lounge area which is surprisingly huge. They usually have small plate specials as well, which works for me. I'd say this is a well above average Sushi place, each roll that I had was fresh and unique in flavor. My major gripe is the price, its not cheap... especially the specialty rolls that can add up quickly.
(4)
Andi S.
The sushi at Raw is always very fresh, but they are pricey. Their sake selection is IMPRESSIVE.....and I grew up in California, so I am spoiled in regards to sushi and sake. The service is always classy and thorough, wishing I could eat here more often, but again, the prices.
(5)
Eliza D.
What's with the hype? I came here with a group of friends one night and since I was not too hungry I decided to order a salad and the spider roll. What a let down. I had heard such good things about this place and I was shocked by how disgusting the food was let alone the poor service. My salad was totally under dressed but since our waitress never came back until the sushi was ready, I didn't get to ask for more dressing. My spider roll came and with one bite it tasted funky. I couldn't even eat it, it was that off. I love soft shell crab and have eaten it enough to know what it should taste like. When our waitress finally returned to collect the plates, again never having checked on us until, she asked me are you done? I responded that it was off and inedible. She looked at me crooked and simply said oh. No offer of an alternative. No I'm so sorry let me take it off the bill. Nothing. With so many other sushi places to eat in this city, Aki is even one block away, I would never eat here again. Grossly overpriced. Rude waitress.
(1)
Colleen M.
Visited here before with friends for drinks in their outside section.. Which was nice but very crowded. Still, I was intrigued by the classy laid back atmosphere and have been wanting to try out their menu ever since. The other reviews are pretty accurate.. Wonderful food, a little pricey but worth it, and service that could use some tweaking. Our waitress was very nice and had some great recommendations, however it seemed like she was very busy and was always running away from us after we put in an order. I'm just going to assume that was due to how busy it was, even for a summer Tuesday night, and completely not holding anything against her for that. We started off Tempura rock shrimp which was okay, the three dipping sauces are what really made the dish. Followed that with the Suzuki carpaccio.. stripped bass topped with a yummy oils and tobiko. For the main dish we split a speciality roll recommended by our fine lady that was shrimp tempura topped with crunchy spicy tuna and jalapeños to give it that perfect kick - so good!! Washed it all down with both hot and the cold Kaori saki. To top everything off and to satisfy our sweet tooth, we decided to go for the banana tempura with red bean ice cream. Yum!! So good and my taste buds definitely have me wanting to go back for more. :) like mentioned before and through other posts, it is pricey but worth the splurge for a nice date night.
(4)
Kelly S.
I loved Raw! The selection and quality of sushi was great, along with the decor and overall ambiance. The price was very reasonable too in relation to the size of proportions. Definitely plan on going back next time in Philly!
This was certainly another enjoyable experience at an Asian restaurant (more specifically, a Japanese restaurant) here in the city of Philadelphia. I pass Raw every day on my way to school, however this was my first time actually dining here. Fun fact, the restaurant actually stretches straight back from Sansom St all the way to Chestnut St, and at night it turns into a club which you can enter in through Chestnut St (the restaurant entrance is on Sansom). Anyhow, enough digression, lets talk about the dining experience itself. First off, I wanted to have a Yards Ale draft, but they were completely tapped, which is now the second time I have been unable to order Yards draft in Philly (I mean come on, if you know its that good, stock more! Again, I digress...) so instead I got a Kirin bottle. Looking through all the great sounding food items, my fiance and I were very indecisive about what to get, which doesn't usually happen (not to me at least)! Finally, I decided to go with the Beef Negimaki off of the small plate menu (a dish consisting of beef wrapped around scallions covered in this delicious sauce), a spicy salmon and avocado maki roll (they don't have this on the menu, but said they could just add spicy mayo to their salmon and avocado roll), and a shrimp tempura maki roll. I found the Beef Negimaki and spicy salmon roll to be exceptionally good; the beef dish was actually the best of the night. I didn't think the shrimp tempura roll was bad, but upon having it, I realized I should have tried something a little more outside of the box... My fiance ordered a sweet potato tempura maki roll, and a dish off of their specials menu which was essentially a soup "hot pot' (which she requested to have vegetarian and they kindly obliged). I'm a huge fan of sweet potato rolls in general, and Raw did not disappoint with theirs, however, I was pleasantly surprised with how good the veggie hot pot was! There was a ton of flavor in the broth from all the veggies, and together we finished the whole thing. All in all, this was a very enjoyable experience (minus the lack of being fully stocked with Yards Ale!), and I am definitely looking forward to going back to Raw to try many of the other menu items!
(4)
John P.
Ive been to Raw, three times now and each time has been ok. I came here on the recommendation of a coworker and it did not disappoint, the first time we had a special roll and some usual tuna and other items. We loved every piece and thought that it was extremely fresh. Second time, tried some of the other special rolls instead of our normal sushi and definitely wanted to try more. The special rolls are worth the money because they really out do themselves there. The only reason the review is not 5 stars was the last time I was in there it took over an hour to bring out our rolls and for sushi thats a little absurd. Other than that I will definitely go back.
(4)
Rach And Just F.
Whenever I leave a restaurant feeling post-coital, I'd say it was a great experience. For a Friday night, we got sat right away (had a reservation) and the service was great and very attentive. I liked that unlike some other Philly restaurants, I didn't feel boxed in and there was plenty of room not only at the table, but no one was sitting on top of us. The ambience was nice without being corny or too trendy, which I always like. I also found a parking coupon online for a block away for $5, pretty impressive for a Friday night in Philly. The food was all excellent, as good quality sushi as i've had anywhere else. My girlie drink was delicious (summer punch). Edamame to start was good, wasabi shumai was excellent. We ordered 5 different rolls- Salmon/avocado, yellowtail/scallion, dragon roll, rainbow roll and the Arina roll. They were all excellent, even the basic salmon and yellowtail ones. Being I like everything spicy, the Arina roll was amazing (this was the overall opinion of our party). It was definitely one of those rolls that you have to stop talking (and listening) while you're eating, it was that good. My wife had chicken teriyaki as she doesnt like sushi, and that was the only so-so thing, but she liked it. I don't think most people go to a sushi bar for teriyaki, so take that for what its worth. We had a coupon for the $100 bill was only $60, but either way I would have said it was worth it for 4 people. I'd go back here in a heartbeat.
(5)
Wedge W.
We got to the restaurant just before the dinner rush on a Tuesday night and had the full attention of the waitstaff. Food was amazing and well priced for the area and cuisine. Excellent recommendations from our server, especially the sake. Beautiful exposed brick walls, wonderful lighting, and a GORGEOUS bar!! I will be back, and next time I'll bring more people!
(4)
Kelly L.
Some of the Best Sushi I have had on the East Coast!! Raw has a lovely ambiance, and the sushi is "to die for"! The Cocktails are wonderful as well!! The sushi is prepared fresh to order. The fish is fresh, the rolls are a great size and the rolls do not fall apart when you are dipping them in the soy sauce. The presentation of the sushi is beautiful! Along with the sushi, the beef negamaki is scrumptious! Staff is incredibly friendly! Make sure you make a reservation if you are going on the weekend! If I could give this place 6 stars, I would!!
(5)
lauren z.
In all fairness I am not the best judge of sushi. I fall into the category of unadventurous but really enjoyed my crispy tuna roll. The staff was attentive and friendly and we were seated quickly even though it was packed. I was surprised for it to be so full on a random Wednesday but I guess most people were there just like me with a fresh living social coupon that I had bought earlier in the week. My only complaint is that the elevated tables are in really close proximity to each other and I heard a lot more of the boisterous groups conversation next to me than I could make out from my dining companion. She is a much more adventurous sushi eater and enjoyed both her roll and tuna tartar. They have an outdoor seating area which looks like it would be really nice for warmer weather and I will definitely be back to check that out later in the year.
(4)
Brian M.
Raw is hard for me. The seating area is kind of awkward. The service seems sort of impersonal. But the food is good in presentation and quality. It's not my favorite sushi place in Philly. It's not even my third favorite. But I find myself eating here at least every other month for lunch - the service is fast and I know what I'm getting. Not sure I'd go for dinner on purpose. I typically get the bento box and an extra roll on the side (can't be a bull by eating like a field mouse). Big fan of the sweet potato in the vegetable tempura - and any time you wrap shrimp in bacon you are going to catch my attention. Anyway - not my favorite - but its the kind of place you take clients to lunch... it's a descent meal and you know what you're getting. But if you're looking to get your sushi loving socks knocked off - I've got some other ideas for you. PS - my nine year old loves this place - don't shy away from dragging kids. It's laid back and there is plenty of space between the booths.
(3)
Janna M.
I really love the atmosphere in this place- it has a very NYC underground feel, a lot of dark red and black, and even a seating area that looks like its under in the subway (in a good way lol). I ordered the ocean (seaweed) salad and it was realllly good, and I know my seaweed salads. I don't recommend the sashimi appetizer as you only get about 5 pieces for $12. I ordered the tuna/avocado and salmon/avocado maki rolls- these were amazing! They tasted really fresh and there was a LOT of fish in there. I mean the fish to rice ratio was awesome. I would definitely come here again... I didn't try the sake.
(4)
Liza P.
Excellent presentation. Daily specials usually include a few inventive rolls. Moody atmosphere (dark, ultra modern, sushi chefs somewhat hidden behind the bar). Impersonal wait staff (perhaps they are working on being ultra cool?). Best part? The incredibly awkward bathroom downstairs. Women's on the left, men's on the right, and a shared sink area in between. Each and every time I am down there, someone thinks they've walked into the wrong restroom. It would be funny if it did not so clearly cause angst for the patrons. At the end of the day, very overpriced - unless what you want to pay for is moody atmosphere.
(3)
Joy C.
This is a review of their happy hour only. I've never eaten dinner there and the plates that were being passed around to some of the tables looked pretty decent, so maybe the food there is actually really good. I went there with a friend right before going to see a show, and we ordered one of each of the four happy hour food specials to try. We got four of the tiniest California rolls I have ever seen for $3, which was not a deal by any means since you can normally get 8 pieces for $6....Same with the spicy tuna roll. The steamed shrimp shumai were each about the size of a Rollo candy and had no actual chunks of shrimp in them, and the pork gyoza tasted like deep fried versions of the Trader Joe's gyoza at $1 per bite. Pretty disappointing to say the least... My friend liked her Pink Bubbly, which tasted pretty refreshing, but we also couldn't taste any alcohol in it. Needless to say, we won't be back for happy hour ever again.
(2)
kathryn p.
Always a good experience. I bring clients there when in town and it is always a big hit. They have unusual roll combinations and a great cold sake menu. Fun to share different rolls and combinations. I would recommend reservations.
(4)
Cara S.
I work above Raw and this past Wednesday me and my co workers decided to go to sips at Raw. They force you sit outside in there outdoor seating around at the restaurant which i thought was unprofessional since it was 90 degrees out and the inside part of the restaurant was empty. Our server forgot to put our drink order in. We sat there for 20 mins before i finally waved someone down (not our server by the way) and then we still waited another 10 mins. Never once did our server stop at our table to ask how our food was or if we needed anything. We only saw her when she first took our order and brought us our check. My drink was good but pricey for the size. My sushi was not good at all. I was highly disappointment in everything me and my friends ordered. It was a very bad experience. Why pay more to go there and get less when i could play less and go somewhere else in the city where the food is good and i get more? That is a question i asked myself, and the reason i will probably never go back.
(2)
Patience P.
I've had great experiences here. The food is amazing and the daily flavored sake even better. I loooooove the almond crusted shrimp.
(5)
Michael L.
Ever feel like you got the RAW end of the deal? Well, I definitely did tonight. Since this place seemed to be more about rolls than sashimi (with that chic atmosphere, I couldn't imagine it really being about the fish- more razzle dazzle with fish flavor-covering ingredients). I just ordered one of their specials of the day (nabeyaki udon) and a portion of salmon sashimi (just to give them a chance). The sashimi comes out. Looks like it was literally store-bought and sliced. I could've (and have) done a better job on my own. The fish was ok. Definitely not very fatty, definitely not melt-in-your mouth. "Meh" is exactly the right description. Nabeyaki Udon- noodles were cooked way too long- to the point that you could see a thick translucent outline of the noodles because the broth soaked so far into the noodles. Flavor was nothing special. And shouldn't noodle broths come with soup spoons? My guess is that way too many people fall for the "atmosphere" and "ambiance" of this spot. When you walk in, the place smells like cherry flavored "Now & Later" candies. Serious. So yes, that statement definitely dates me as a child of the 80's- but it's completely true. What is with places that feel entitled to 20% tips? It's called GRATUITY for a reason. It's not just some surcharge- but these guys (and many other spots in Philly) act like it is. Absolutely the raw end of the deal on a waste of a meal. RAWr.
(2)
Erica M.
This was our second visit to Raw, and we enjoyed it. We had a Groupon each time, which makes the price a bit more palatable. Every server we encountered was very friendly and helpful, particularly our server Irene. The prices are a bit steep, but I enjoy the ambiance. The bar area is not a "sushi bar" so much as a regular bar with people boozing it up. We had a sushi platter and 2 orders of eel and avocado rolls. The second order of eel and avocado wasn't as good as the first. My drink wasn't great, but it was nice and strong. I think the sushi and drinks are pricey for the quality, but I would definitely return with another Groupon.
(4)
Gary G.
Used to love this place. Took my gf here on our first date and all.. Fat Salmon has overtaken my heart on this one. I dont know what happened RAW, theyre just better. However, if you are here, the Tuna tar tar will is the best. If this joint ever loses that appetizer, im afraid itll be the end of my 3 yr love affair with Raw
(3)
Nikki E.
After hearing two RAVE reviews about Raw, I knew I had to go and check it out for myself. The decor is very modern and there is a nice outdoor area as well. The sushi is PERFECTION. The cooks even vary the temperature of each roll, it's phenomenal. The only reason this place didn't get 5 stars is because the service was pretty bad. But if you can look past that and just want really great sushi, this is the place to go.
(4)
Steven C.
FYI: This review is based on their Restaurant Week offerings. I love dimly lit restaurants! I came here with a large group and I was very happy with my experience here. All 4 of my portions were not skimpy at all and were packed with flavor. I tried the salad & calamari and both came in large bowls, the salad had lots of avocado, and the fried squid wasn't greasy, not too crunchy, and flavorful. The sushi rolls themselves were very good as well. I had the red & white platter and I split that with my girlfriend's salmon dragon rolls and it was such a great idea because I got to try so many different flavors! Our waiters were pleasant and the place's interior was trendy... my only complaint was that they have the cheap, wooden chopsticks and I'm always afraid of them since I once got 3 micro-splinters from them in one sitting so I prefer they get the heavy-duty, reusable, washable chopsticks. PS. I ate here with a group of 14 and all of our food went on 1 check but 5 of us ordered drinks to be paid separate from the food, on 1 check. They restaurant automatically added %22!! tip to that drink bill! I found that a little outrageous...
(4)
Juliana K.
Sushi is great. Priceys are sky high. Decor is very cool and trendy. Fancy and classy place to go. Romantic for a date.
(3)
Melissa A.
We had a group of four in our party and tons of two tops got sat before us. We had to wait 40+ minutes past our reservation time. They final held two small tables and put them together for us. Luckily we didn't have a tight timeline. There was not enough room at the bar for us to grab a drink; we just had to stand piled on top of each other in the very crowed atrium. Once we got seated the service was fast and the food was fantastic! They had a special "Drunken Dragon" roll that was amazing!!! The "Channel" cocktail was really good too. The males were quite impressed with the men's room and loved the fountain/urinal wall. They actually took pictures to show us and posted on Facebook.
(4)
Beth W.
Stay away! The previous reviewer who said that the place "smells fishy and not in a good way" was spot on! Worse than the smell was the food. We ordered 3 specialty rolls with raw fish on each. I don't think I've had this bad of sushi EVER before, not even grocery store sushi is this bad. All of the fish tasted like it was past its date even though we went on a Saturday. Let me say this: the sushi tasted weird and old and not fresh. Then later that day the stomach cramps came. Don't think the idea of a tapeworm didn't occur to me. We substituted plain raw tuna for spicy tuna on the top of one roll and the server actually charged me $6.00 for the substitution. Um...it was a tuna sub with different tuna request. Does spicy tuna cost more than plain tuna when they get it off the boat? I don't think so! Not only that but they charged us for EVERYTHING! Extra side of spicy mayo -$1.00 (never been charged for a small cup of extra mayo ANYWHERE before. Added avocado - $6.00 up charge. Whatever. This place is gross and SO not worth the money. Spent $60 on lunch of only 3 sushi rolls and water to drink. Lame!
(1)
Christine B.
I went here for Sips, and had a very disappointing experience. First, when you walked in the door the hostess asked if we were there for sips, when we said yes, we were told that we had to sit in the courtyard area. It was like 85 degrees and 100% humidity. I will say that being in the shade and having the fans was helpful, but I still thought it was kind of weird that we were herded to a special "sips" section. The beer special was Miller Lite :( and then there were some white and red wine specials, and some special cocktails. I stuck with the cocktails, and they were good, but $4 and served in smaller plastic cups than the beer. There were some food options as well, but those portions were also tiny. It definitely just seemed like you were paying less and getting less, not much of a happy hour deal. I will say that the service was quite good considering how crowded it was.
(2)
Lilli C.
I have been to Morimoto, but when I want to splurge on sushi on amazing sushi I go here. The sushi is fantastic. But not only is the sushi great, but the other food items are great as well. The spicy tuna tartar is one of the best I've ever had, the dark horse roll (tempura eel with a spicy/sweet soy sauce), the beef negimaki (tender, juicy strips of beef), and even the house fried rice is sooooo gooood. Raw has a chill environment, great, friendly service and you can roll in and yoga pants without reservations without feeling judged....or rejected.
(5)
Dia S.
Raw is delicious. The ambience is also perfection. For a sushi, sake bar, the design is very thought out and the lighting is beautiful. The food is also excellent, yellowtail being my favorite. Also the variety of sake is also impressive. A great place when its not crowded, would not suggest to go for dinner during center city sips as it is very crowded. The courtyard is also a very nice touch, and it is a great find tucked away on sansom. Recommended.
(4)
Katrina C.
Since I am a Very Big Fan of Sips, I came here on Wednesday. I arrived at 5:01 and already all of the outside tables were taken up by singles and couples "waiting for the rest of their parties." Annoying, but I was able to snag a comfy booth inside. The little plastic glasses of wine they served for Sips weren't particularly life changing. The little $3 spicy tuna rolls they served (4 pieces) were pretty delicious. The Panko Chicken Bites were good too. I tried the 2 cocktails for $4 - the Pink Bubbly and Sake Tango and both were good. The patio are is super cute, and I hope to go back at some point and sit out there. I cannot speak of their regular menu. Overall, my Sips experience was ok and the little bit of sushi I had was good, but there will not be a repeat experience this summer for Sips.
(3)
Tyler R.
For being named Raw, there were a number of rolls that had tempura and other cooked elements. My girlfriend and I came here because of a groupon she purchased. The atmosphere was casual upscale, and the service staff was very friendly. We were seated in just a couple minutes on a Thursday evening. We had looked through the menu online earlier in the day, so we had a general idea of what we wanted. However, their sashimi offerings looked better than at first. However, we went with a couple typical rolls and one or two specialty rolls. I think the best we had was called the white tiger roll, and it was just okay. Overall, I think it was a decent meal for the money, but I'm more likely to visit Sumo Sushi or Vic's Sushi bar if I'm going for quality food. If I want a little more ambiance and don't mind spending a few dollars more, Raw is a very good choice. P.S., they have a seemingly full bar.
(3)
Fam B.
The service could have been better. The sushi was good though--the white tiger was really good. We also got the beef nagamaki and the spider roll. I think I would've been more impressed if we were greeted better and had water. Maybe it was because we had a groupon?
(2)
Kunjan P.
One of the better places for Sushi in Philadelphia. Although it is pricier than other places, the price was worth the service and quality of food we received. I went with a group of 5 friends and everyone loved what they ordered. Had a reservation so did not have to wait at all on a Friday night. We ordered the Beef Negimaki, Vegetable Tempura, Dragon Roll, and various other dishes. The Dragon Roll was superb! I don't eat beef, but every single one of my friends raved about the Beef Negimaki. They said it was the best dish we had ordered. We were greeted in a kind manner and seated promptly. Raw has great ambiance and is a perfect for dinner with friends or a date night. Definitely recommended for sushi lovers.
(4)
Brian F.
Raw has it all! Ambience, great service, but the food really stands out! I hate sushi, but I love it at Raw. Try the ones with the tempura vegetables in them. They are divine!
(5)
Sarah P.
I just got back from a lunch out with co-workers and I am feeling pretty uncomfortable based on how much food I just ate. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. As this was my first time coming for lunch, I was really impressed with their array of lunch specials which they don't list on their website. I got the sashimi lunch box (6 pieces total: tuna, salmon, and striped bass) which came with a TON of great items. My favorite was the spicy tuna tartar which i used to top my sashimi. It also came with the traditional miso soup, spinach salad, beef wrapped around green onion, two pieces of avocado and cucumber, and vegetable and crabstick tempura. I'm not a fan of crabstick, however everything else was delicious and hit the spot. The outdoor space is a winner and people at our work joked about whether they had WiFi so that we could work from there. I will be back soon!
(4)
Brian S.
Meh. They used to be better years ago. It's not like I got sick or anything but the sushi is just mediocre. The service is pretty good though but who goes to a sushi bar for good service?
(2)
Matthew B.
Kani soup and volcano roll were the bomb! They just need to upgrade their registers so you can transfer your bar tab to your table. Were I not on a first date, I would've totally bartered my software consulting skills for more sushi :)
(5)
David T.
It's fine-the sushi is ok, but not top grade. Service was uneven--our waitress was "very nice," but the other servers picked up and dropped plates off like they were dealing poker in a speakeasy. The portions are generous, but inelegant. I'm just not a fan of rolls with a dozen ingredients. Drinks were also good but not great. One appetizer (the Suzuki Carpaccio?) was just bland and oily, the other--Spicy Tuna Tartare was actually quite nice. So why the two stars? The price. This place is like a hipper bar version of Shiroi Hana, which has equally half-decent sushi but decently for half the cost. Go to Zama, which along with Morimoto has the best sushi in town (for similarly high prices).
(2)
Edward M.
I used to like this place a lot. Now it's only okay. The bento box lunch used to be a tasty deal where, for about $15 you'd get a small-but-sufficient smorgasbord of delicacies. Now it's only an okay deal where, for the same price, you get a few tasty items and a few meh items. Perhaps wiser bento-box selection would yield yummier options. But, they still have a great sake selection, a decent beer selection, nice ambiance, and the coolest bathroom sinks in Philadelphia (yes, go, and wash your hands). So maybe we can still be friends.
(3)
Erin F.
Trendy and cool vibe. Good location. Sushi was good. Good for a date night. They have an outdoor courtyard with heat lamps if the weather is good. Went with the veggie tempura dish bc of yelp reviews and it was ok. Typical tempura appetizer. Not sure why other yelpers are recommending it. We got the white tiger roll based on yelp reviews and I didn't like it. It has a charred taste to it that I thought made it taste funny. At first I couldn't figure out what the taste was and I was kind of disgusted by it. The highlight was the roll that was on special. It had spicy tuna and some other fish on it. It was really good. Does not take Discover credit card. Nothing beats Umai in Fairmount!
(3)
Colleen M.
I preface this review by saying that I came here after a number of cocktails at other places... oh, CC Sips -- you are dangerous. Anyway, the food was pretty delish, Sips specials were extended until 8 and the service was a-ok. I can't complain one iota about this place. There was seating available for 3 and service was right on top of their game. Perhaps it is a little expensive but it was worth the eats. We enjoyed our rainbow roll and dragon roll as well as some tasty drinks. I would definitely hit this place up again!
(4)
A B.
Hostess: unfriendly Atmosphere: (too) dark and perhaps a bit pretentious Service: good Sushi: below average
(2)
Alyssa M.
Raw is a nice sushi spot, but like Lena N. said...it's on the expensive side. I like their spicy tuna roll because it actually does have some heat to it. I've tried a couple of their speciality rolls too which are creative, huge, and yummy. The outdoor lounge is perfect for happy hour in the summertime, but can get overcrowded. Nevertheless, the atmosphere is swanky enough to make you forget you're in Philly for a bit. All in all, Raw is a nice spot to chill in the summertime mainly b/c of the outdoor happy hour. However, I just feel like there are more inexpensive and cooler places to go to for Raw fish year round.
(3)
Monica H.
My first visit here and I was iffy about it after reading some of the reviews. But I'm glad I tried it out. Sushi was very fresh, price was decent. The only thing that kinda bothered me was that the tables are REAL close to each other... You can hear an entire conversation the people sitting next to you are having... Waitress was friendly and kept a nice smile on her face which is a plus (i cannot stand rude service). I would definitely come back again!
(4)
Johnny B.
I went here for the Groupon deal, and was pleasantly surprised for the following reasons: 1. It wasn't as packed as I expected, even with the Groupon 2. The service was still top notch. I love how they refill your water the second you take a sip 3. The sushi was great! 4. The soups and other appetizers were awesome as well. The salad was a little dry, but the rest of the meal made up for it 5. I LOVE THE SINK IN THE BATHROOM That's all. Definitely check this place out :)
(5)
Rachel S.
Fabulous sushi!!! Just went for the first time last week with one of my favorite dining companions. Very good sake - we each got the sampler. Shared 4 rolls (White Tiger, my absolute favorite, Spider Roll, Wasabi Lobster and a special roll). All were sooooooo good. The service was top notch and our server suggested we get only 4 rolls instead of the 5 we wanted because we had enough food, which we really appreciated - and she was right! It was pricey, but I wasn't surprised or offended. You get what you pay for - incredible sushi, classy ambiance and terrific service.
(5)
Patrizia C.
This is one of my favorite sushi restaurants in the city and I take every chance I can to come here for dinner. I went there last night to celebrate my birthday with my boyfriend and I had to give them a review because the service and experience was a great one - it normally is a positive one, but last night they went above and beyond. The reservations got a bit complicated as I had originally made them online, pointing out that we'd be celebrating my birthday. When I called to let them know we'd be using a Groupon, they said I had to have a reservation made over the phone. It was fine with me so we cancelled the one made online. When we arrived, the place was pretty empty since it was Monday night, so they gave us the seats of our choice in the outside patio area. Our server knew it was my birthday and brought us a free round of champgne to start off. Throughout dinner he was very attentive, he turned on the fans when we requested it, and he even brought me dessert with a candle. The food was delicious as usual, especially the Binny and Arina rolls (which I always get). All the serves seemed to know it was my special day by wishing me happy birthday when they'd walk by, making my celebration that much more special!
(4)
Monique C.
This review will echo other reviews so... you've been warned. I came to Raw on a GNO with my friend. She's a vegetarian and recommended this place as a middle ground for us since I'm her carnivorous friend. We were seated quickly on a Sunday night. There were only about 3 other pairs in the place (I didn't see the outside dining area but I hear it's really nice). I really liked the modern feel to the restaurant. Our server greeted us right away. He didn't introduce himself or recommend any dishes in particular; however, he did inform us of the specialty sushi, but $19 for 8 pieces seemed a bit overpriced for my taste. So we ordered a la carte. She got the veggie sushi platter and said it was great. I got the beef negimaki and shrimp tempura sushi rolls (6). So good I ate it all and happily didn't have to share :) Our cocktails were also pretty good. 4/5 for Raw. Yeah it's pricey for sushi but really really good.
(4)
Jen S.
Went here for my first time last night for CC Sips. Great food, awesome atmosphere, and good service. I will definitely return! My only complaint was the misting fans outside... i was a little soggy by the time I left.
(4)
Justine W.
I've been here quite a few times, and I've been impressed from my first visit down to my last visit (which was not that long ago! :P) It's a really nice place but I've gone there in both dressy and more casual attire, so I definitely like that I can go one day in a nice dress or another day in jeans and sneakers. The very first time I went to Raw was for a friends birthday, and I was blown away by the quality of fish. The salmon, my favorite, just melted in my mouth and, despite being full, I just wanted to order more. They also have some cool rolls, such as the White Tiger and the Green River Rolls. I'm really weak when it comes to spicy things so I didn't think I would enjoy these rolls as much as my friends because there were some spicy sauces used in these rolls, but they tasted so good that I didn't mind my tongue burning for a while. Aside from the sushi, the drinks are a little on the stronger side, and while I think the entree's are worth the prices, the drinks are a little up there. Also, depending on where you sit, the atmosphere can be a little creepy. Whenever I go in larger parties, we get seated in the way back room, and they have a wall that is kind of animated and some of the images are kind of out there and a little creepy to be flashing while you're eating!
(4)
Barrett L.
Came here last night with a Groupon. Despite the crazy rules and regulations they impose for using it (must call for a reservation at least 24 hours in advance), they let me use the same day via reserving on OpenTable. This "hip" Japanese restaurant in the gayborhood has a swanky indoor/outdoor atmosphere with decent sushi; but overall I found the food and restaurant to be visually stunning, but lacking depth and true flavor. I started with an avocado salad, a huge pile of salad greens with some cherry tomatoes, carrots, and a whole sliced avocado. It was pretty big for a starter salad, but I didn't mind all the veggies. We also split the Tuna Carpaccio. It was aesthetically beautiful, especially with the red roe and watercress on top of the raw tuna, but the flavors didn't quite match. I also found it difficult to eat the thinly sliced lemon on top of the food. For dinner, we split a White Tiger Roll and a California Eel Roll. The White Tiger Roll is outstanding: beautifully presented, tasted delicious and fresh, and combined a complex and wide array of great flavors. The Eel roll was the same here as it would be at the next sushi joint. While it was nice to eat outside in the courtyard, I couldn't get over the wobbly table, so-so service, and the fact that the music ranged from hard-to-hear to overly loud throughout the course of the night. Furthermore, the Groupon helped to offset what would have been a very pricey check. While the food was very good, I don't think it truly justifies the prices they charge. Overall, I would come back maybe for lunch or drinks, but probably look elsewhere for sushi.
(3)
Cuong P.
Well, if I could give 3.5 stars, I will. Raw is my buddy favorite sushi spot so we come here several times during lunch. The design of the restaurant is great, warm and elegant. They have some tables outdoor but snow and rain mess them up. I would recommend the Dragon combo for lunch. The sushi is fresh but not much impressive. The price is a bit high.
(4)
Kelly B.
I don't know if I've ever left a restaurant feeling as ripped off as I did at Raw... Went for omakase with a coupon (cost $60) that claimed a friend and I would be receiving $120 worth of sushi and sake. I don't even believe our meal was worth $60. The first three courses of our '5-course' meal were each LITERALLY one TINY piece of fish that were MAYBE as big as the size of a sashimi. The 4th course was about 5 spoonfuls of risotto with 2 absurdly tiny pieces of scallop and some shrimp (and a few TINY slivers of steak for my friend). The 5th meal was about half a cup of ice-cream. The 10 bites of food I had could have been pleasant if the restaurant hadn't claimed that it WAS WORTH $120. DON'T GO HERE if you don't want to get ripped off.
(1)
Jillian M.
This has been the best sushi I have had in Philadelphia, the fish was fresh and the ambience was perfect for either a date night or a fun night out with friends. It's also in a great area to walk to surrounding fun!
(4)
Dave H.
I've been to Raw for a few happy hours. As a happy hour venue, it's more cramped than I'd like, making it difficult to navigate the crowd if you want to see everyone (or if you're snapping photos). Their appetizers are tasty but go quickly - there's less finger foods available if you're restricted to sushi (need chopsticks) and nacho chips don't need as much time (or a sushi chef) to prep. Months later, I returned for dinner, which was amazing! The dishes we had (cooked or otherwise) were all delicious - love the gal bi (traditional *Korean* BBQ beef) and oysters! The variety of maki rolls we had were a treat too. One of my friends knew the staff/ownership (I forget if they were family or something else - wasn't sure of the relationship), so that COULD be why service (Kevin, and others - the owner even talked with us) was outstanding, and PROBABLY why a round of shots (and probably other items since I didn't examine the check in detail) were comped.
(4)
Kevin F.
The courtyard seating area is very nice. Lounge furniture is inviting for a drink, and tables aren't crammed together. Perfect weather helps :)
(4)
Matthew L.
Large rolls. Fresh fish. Slightly pricey. Swanky. I tend to start with the steamed wasabi shumai. A nice bit of heat around a juicy piece of pork, though you only get 4 pieces for $8 or $9. I always feel compelled to order 6 rolls (usually the daily specials plus the Green Dragon, White Tiger, and other random color/creature combinations), the rolls are simply too large to justify this. Prices are also a little steep but I've never been disappointed by the flavor so for the location, I can't complain. Raw is a really swanky place, possibly not the best first date (unless s/he's really into sushi) but it puts out a very cool vibe. Awkward to discuss, but the bathrooms are really freaking cool. Hard to explain, so check them out when you come here. Fairly attentive service and the bar looks like it'd be a decent place to hang out to chat. On a side note, I've come twice with Groupons and both times, the transactions were quite smooth. Putting 'Raw Sushi' into Google doesn't get you here but don't despair. Putting Raw's sushi in your belly will make at least one participant happier! Cheers.
(4)
LISA H.
the ambiance is cool and they have nice outdoor sitting. Had the Cracklin Calamari salad, which was relally good, dressing was yummy, there was a ton of calamari in it, basically calamari appetizer on a bed of lettuce with dressing. Wine selection was good, service was very good and were seated immediately. we will be back.
(4)
Kemi A.
This is a happy hour/sips review. Despite trying to get here extra early to secure outdoor seating, there was no seat left outdoors when I got here. Don't these people work! How the heck did they get here before me, and I was off all day? My party opted to sit inside. they get one star for offering sips menu at the table. Some places only do sips by the bar and then you are ass'd out because you can't sit...etc. The downside is that their menu is sorta limited. They offer two fruity drinks (I'm a fruity drink typa person). And the two drinks aren't that great to be honest. I rather go get my Mai Tai on at Roy's ($5 and it's a bigger drink). The appetizer options...the crowd seemed pleased with the spicy tuna roll. They offer 5 small items which seem to go down VERY fast. I'm not that into raw food but I tried my friend's spicy tuna and it was very good. I stayed most with the shrimp and the pork goyza. The mini-fried chicken thingy was nothing special... I prob won't come back here for happy hour just because I wasn't too impressed. Would like to try their regular dinner menu though. On to the next place....
(3)
Bill W.
The atmosphere and the food is great. It's a good date spot that's lightly lit and not too loud. Two of us ate for around $100 with two appetizers, three entree rolls and a bottle of wine. Not too bad for a other end place. The waitresses could do a better job with wine service. I gave it four stars because the wine selection is small and the waitress service could have been better. However, there sake list is extensive. I had the spider roll and the special - a red dragon. Although the special was priced at $20, it was about 14 pieces (huge). I would recommend this place to others for a date. Definitely too pricey to grab lunch with a buddy
(4)
Giacomo C.
Excellent sushi, great service, and amazing saki menu. A good experience all in all.
(4)
Alexandra P.
I used to be a regular at raw, especially at the location at the piazza. I purchased a ruelala coupon for a tasting menu months ago and have been trying to use it. The first time we came to use it they told us we couldnt because we didnt give them the proper notice in advance. On arrival (friday, jan 20th), we were told we had to wait 20 mins past our reservation. The hostess was rude and pretentious, she didnt even suggest we have a drink at the bar while we wait. She also told us that we could only sit in a certain section since we had the ruelala deal. I cant complain about the quality of the food, except for the fact that the portions were laughable in size. We ended up having to order 2 other dishes in addition to the 5 course tasting menu we had already paid for. Also the "saki pairings" that the coupon promised were simply 3 shot glasses brought on a small plate at the beginning of the meal. They were not paired with anything and were given with no explanation. Overall a negative experience and i will not be back.
(2)
Yuri P.
Love the chef special rolls here. Our waitress was very polite and friendly. RAW is definitely pricier than other place in Philly, but the sushi rolls are very good. If you're going with a group of people (3-4), I would recommend getting a couple of the chef special rolls and 3-4 of the regular rolls, and spitting them. I love going in to the spring or summer time because of the outdoor patio. It's fun going with a group of people and just hanging out at the patio bar.
(4)
Anne P.
In my opinion, the perfect chirashi would contain the following ingredients: *multiple slices of sake, hamachi, saba, hotate, maguro, unagi, amaebi, tamago, white tuna *ikura (salmon roe) *slices of sweeten braised shiitake mushroom *pickled radish or daikon *seaweed salad (optional) This restaurant's chirashi had the following pros and cons, relative to my notion of the perfect chirashi: Pros: The fish was actually pretty fresh and each piece was of a good size -- not too big, which is good since this place was obviously Korean-run and usually Korean-run places cut the pieces disgustingly too big. The main reason I liked this chirashi was b/c I was on per-diem from work travel and splurged to customize the chirashi to have virtually all the fish i like. But not for cheap. At $29, base price, and $1.50 for each piece I substituted, it better be good! My chirashi ended up with hotate, amaebi, sawara (spanish mackerel), saba (boston mackerel), sake, hamachi, unagi, some white fish, and squid. It also came garnished with wakame salad. my substitutions were ebi, tako and 2 slices of maguro for hotate, amaebi, and saba, respectively. Cons: It was pricey and I probably wouldn't have ordered this if I were pay out of pocket. It didn't have any pickled radish or marinated mushrooms. Nor did I want to pay $1.50 to substitute another piece of fish for tamago, ikura or white tuna. Overall, the place had a pretty classy decor. The service seemed really slow for me, but I wasn't in a hurry and was enjoying my company, so i didn't really mind! If you're on per-diem and/or can afford $1.50 per substitution, I'd go for creating the perfect chirashi, as described at the top of this review! I almost had it, but my conscience eventually got the better of me :)
(4)
Alyona C.
My husband and I absolutely love this place! We dine there for any occasion and without an occasion! If you like sushi, you will just love anything on the menu this beautiful restaurant has to offer!
(5)
christina j.
Fresh sushi; we had spicy tuna, salmon & avocado & special roll of the day which consisted of blackened tuna. Sadly, there is no substitution for brown rice. Pricey. Drinks are good - can recommend the kono hito. The outdoor space and unisex bathroom sink both pleasant surprises.
(3)
Bobby M.
This was my third time here. My third visit was on a rainy Friday. Food there was good. The Rock shrimp for appetizer was pretty addicting. Every bite reminded me of eating Pringles chips, Crunchy and can't stop eating it. Don't remember the rolls I ordered but it was tasty too. The server was friendly and helpful. She recommended the rolls and I was not disappointed. This might not be the best sushi place in town but it's worth a try.
(5)
Tae K.
Sushi and sashimi were good but sashimi reg was pretty small for the price...wasabi lobster roll was delicious...it was pretty dark inside and our waitress was nice but seemed unenthusiastic (maybe the lighting had something to do with it)...overall the food was good but pricey/service was decent/atmosphere was a bit on the dark side (in regards to lighting)...I would return just for the sushi alone but not on a regular basis, more of a special occasion kind of thing
(3)
Chris R.
Green River roll, all day every day. Great atmosphere, great food, good service. A little pricey but worth it.
(4)
Stephanie Y.
I was surprised it was not busy on a Friday night. I went early to reserve a table of 4 for a friend's birthday dinner and didn't have any difficulties. But hey.... better for us. I started off with a martini with lychee and deliciousness... I can't tell you what was in it, but it was GOOD. The sashimi pieces here are thick and fresh. The waiting staff is over attentive and price is reasonable, unless you order something crazy off the menu. My favorites are bella cucina, dragon, and white horse. This time we also ordered the pancake which was thicker than last time, but still crispy.
(4)
Robert B.
As an MBA graduate focused on marketing, this place hit all the touchpoints: 1. Product - I ordered the sushi/sashimi combo. The tuna was a fresh ruby red. Came with a standard salad and miso soup. 2. Place - Good decorations. Esp. loved the men's bathroom and the wall with the samurai warrior 3. Price - Decent 4. Promotion - I heard about this place via groupon. I'll bring my buddies for happy hour and more meals
(4)
Dynise B.
Very beautifully presented, thoughtfully made sushi. Attentive service. Nice atmosphere indoor & out on terrace. Freshest edamame in town! Try the Veggie Tempura Rolls and Ocean Salad.
(4)
Stephanie H.
Delicious sushi. The speciality rolls are fantastic. Seaweed salad was excellent. Definitely best sushi I've had in Center City. Atmosphere is a bit off. Sat in the front near the door. Reasonable price.
(4)
Lin Z.
Went there couple of months ago. Not really impressed by their sushi and sashimi.
(3)
Jessica S.
The food here is spectacular. Really, so so good. The service, on the other hand, is really awful. My server was nice enough, but she was hard to find and totally inattentive. The restaurant is beautiful, but I also felt a bit too close to the people dining on either side of me. If you don't mind having to search for your waitress in order to pay your bill, I'd recommend the spicy sashimi salad, the capital roll, and a cocktail called "whisper."
(3)
Michelle C.
It would have been helpful to know that white tuna (aka, butterfish) is known for causing digestion issues... especially since I ordered the white tiger roll, loaded with white tuna, about an hour before I had to pedal my company's wares for three hours at an exhibit hall cocktail party nearby. That information would have been useful. Never again! Last week's dinner/gastrointestinal lesson was my second time trying Raw. My first visit was at least two years ago, during the dreaded Restaurant Week. On that occasion, my friend and I had to send cocktails back twice and put up with a know-it-all server who insisted that eel could not be removed from (the top of) a specialty roll because "it would compromise the flavors of the roll." Although we did enjoy most of the dishes we ended up ordering that night, the experience as a whole fell flat and I did not return... Until last week. I was in the area and had time to kill, so I pulled out my iPhone and utilized my yelp app to find a nearby sushi restaurant. Raw was very close, and since it had been so long since my last visit, I decided to give it another try. My server was great, and repeated the specials several times at my request because I couldn't decide. I usually stick with regular tuna or even yellowtail, but something on this evening told me to go balls to the wall and try something different. Enter the aforementioned white tiger roll. In fairness, I enjoyed the roll, although I still preferred the taste of regular tuna to the fattier consistency of white tuna. The roll, a bowl of miso soup and a cosmo ended up costing a quick forty bucks, including tip. I wish I could point my finger and blame it on the ambiance, or the location or something... but I can not. I'm just not all that impressed and I think there is better sushi to be had, in swankier digs, around the city at the same price.
(2)
Trev S.
My buddy and I stopped here to get some food and were immediately seated. The waitresses were quite friendly and the seafood was fresh and delicious even though we went off peak hours. Prices are fine contrary to other reviews and I had more than enough food. Will go back again soon.
(4)
Jerry C.
Watermelon sake..... I like -.- Walking around, this place popped up out of no where. I'm a sucker for sushi so i said why not. I'll make this one short and sweet. The food was good but over priced. Sushi was tender and fresh. The place was very trendy and chill. Not many points for originality on the whole though. Same old same old sushi dishes. They had a killer drink special called watermelon sake. Very decorative with pieces of watermelon in it. if a drink is the most memorable thing about your sushi dinner then it could be better. On the whole, below par however is did seem good compared to my other choices in the area.
(3)
Christina Q.
Favorite Sushi in Philly Service was iffy when I was there a two years ago so this could have changed. The fish is always so fresh and sake is up to par.
(4)
Jason L.
This place is great, it has amazing rolls and cool atmosphere! The only reason I gave it a 4 instead of a 5 is you almost always need a reservation which gets annoying! But very good service and food.
(4)
Michael M.
Times change, and Raw has lost that fantastic glitz it had when it first opened. Yes, the samurai in the lavatory is still the coolest thing we've seen in a public bathroom, and the flat granite slab that serves as a co-ed sink is someday going to grace our home, but ambience isn't what we come for, we come for food. The hot kitchen has suffered recently and that's been reflected in a menu that has dropped to a quarter the size it once was. The short lived tempura menu is no longer offered, a shame as the tempura was some of the best we'd tasted. The Sake menu has also started to suffer due to supplier issues, with some of our favorite sake's no longer available. There are still some great offerings (try the black bottle) but it's always a disappointment when your old 'standards' go by the wayside. Luckily, there's Chef Sam. Chef Sam will be the only reason this place pulls through from the gutting of the hot menu. His skill with sushi is amazing and on this visit we tried his interpretation of Beef Negemaki, which was delicious. The bartender that evening, Chris (one of our favorites so tip him well) suggested it be served with a small portion of rice and I agree, it would be perfect with the delicious sauce. Sam's sushi is always delicious. Check with him to see what he's brought in fresh the day you go. White Tiger is delicious though a tad spicy for me, but Sam is always happy to cut back on the spice when requested to. If Sam's not there on the night you go, we suggest you come back another day. We'll be trying this place every so often to see what happens as Sam takes the reigns of the hot kitchen and the place gets it's feet back. The bell hasn't tolled for Raw yet, but the hunchback and his hammer have started climbing the steps.
(2)
Rosemary B.
Cool interior, great sushi and inventive rolls. I'd recommend this place for sure.
(4)
Andy Y.
First off, the service was terrific. Attentive and friendly servers. However, the food was just blah. I am a raw fish aficionado and the fish at Raw was barely acceptable. It tasted slightly..."fishy", and any sashimi lover knows that it's supposed to taste smooth and buttery. There are far better places in Philly to have fresher tasting fish. Next, the portion sizes were tiny, not small...TINY! I had to order about 50% more than I usually eat just to get full, so it ended up being an above average expensive meal for below average food. Uggh, what a disappointing meal.
(2)
David A.
Killer sushi and a cool place to dine. I think it is better than morimoto at better prices. Nice selection of sakes as well. My favorite sushi in Philly.
(4)
alex F.
Made a reservation for 8 pm for an out of town visitor. They made us wait 30 minutes with no explanation or any attempt to rectify the situation. Sushi was minced (tuna) and not fresh the appetizers may have been microwaved but the waiter was friendly. Not worth it.
(1)
Tina C.
BEST sushi I have EVER had! Phenomenal, fresh, and delicious! Lots of options and very good. They also had Finding Nemo on which I thought was adorable! Atmosphere is awesome, tables are cozy, and drinks are good. LOVED this palce, so fresh, delicious, and amazing! Service was really good too. If i had a restaurant I would hire that server! Definitely try it out!
(5)
C K.
Their sushi was just OK. The ambiance and drinks are good. The cooked food was just OK. Overpriced for what you get.
(2)
Allyza L.
The concierge at my hotel recommended this restaurant to me. I walked in and was immediately greeted by a friendly host. The ambiance is really nice. I sat in what looks like an outdoor area surrounded by brick walls. The seating was very comfortable with individual couches as seats. The restaurant section was dimly lit which gave it a nice romantic vibe. I got two special rolls. The green river roll - with a hefty portion of shrimp tempura with spicy tuna - topped with plenty of avocado, tobiko and a spicy cream sauce. My only complaint would be that there was too much sauce, it took away from the spicy tuna. I also got the white tiger roll definitely a must try- white tuna topped with sashimi slices, yum! The rolls were very filling And it was nice that it was served with seaweed salad. Definitely worth the hefty price!
(4)
Karen P.
My meal last night was so delicious, I'm still thinking about it. My oldest friend and I went out last night to celebrate my birthday. Let me start out by saying we both love food. And with over 30 years of friendship behind us, feel quite comfortable gluttonously stuffing our faces when we dine out together. Last night was no exception. We indulged in four amazing rolls: The Spider, The Wasabi Lobster, The Tuna Mite, and the White Tiger. We loved them all but the White Tiger takes the crown. The tender white tuna melted in your mouth and the combination of sweet soy sauce, cream sauce and red hot sauce blended perfectly together. Yes please, may I have some more...and that's not just the sake talking.
(5)
Elizabeth M.
Love this place! They serve great sushi and the service is always great! The courtyard is awesome...a summertime must!
(5)
M H.
This is a number 2 or 3 behind Morimoto. I like this place a lot and would definitely go here for sake over Morimoto or Zama. IMHO this place is the number 2 sushi bar in center city.
(4)
Winnie F.
Came here for a friend's birthday party was given a room in the back of the restaurant at no extra charge. Nice space - interesting changing light screens of Japanese anime, fish, etc. Sushi was great across the board - no complaints from anyone in our party of 20! White Tiger was by far the best!
(4)
Ji B.
Good service, I went for lunch, salmon teriyaki lunch box, it was pretty tasty, server name Michelle was very attentive, and awesome atmosphere. ...
(5)
Peter P.
Had the tempura rock shrimp (6/10), beef negi(6/10), white tiger roll(8/10) and arina roll(7/10). service was great. good environment. but a bit overpriced in my opinion.
(3)
Duy N.
I came here for Center City Sips. Drinks were ok, but the place was so packed, it took forever to get anything. I had the dumplings and a salmon roll. Nothing amazing especially for the price. Ambiance wise it was nice, they have a courtyard area. Like another reviewer said, too cool for school. Oh yeah, for the guys, the bathroom is a wall fountain. yeah, it's awesome. so awesome... you should go just for that... so awesome...
(3)
Mari H.
Uuuugh there's nothing worse than mediocre, overpriced sushi. We walked in late on a Saturday night in our grubbiest apparel - shorts and flip flops, and got the lookup lookdown from the hostesses and waiters. Puhleeeease this ain't no Morimoto eyerolllllll. Everything about the meal was mediocre, service: average, including a wrong order. Sushi: blah. Our eel cucumber roll was 60% cucumber, and the cucumber was chunky, like a salad in my sushi, what iiis that. Waitress: curt, turn that frown upside down m'lady. But the crowd... I can't blame Raw for it but there is something so annoying about Asian guys wearing button up shirts with the first 3 buttons undone. Complete your outfit with a gold chain around your neck and a tacky earring, why don't you. And Asian girls, don't think that just because you're tiny I can't see your crotch in that too short dress. I don't want to see that kind of fish at a sushi bar. I don't hate my kind, I swear... I've only got pet peeves.
(2)
Brad P.
I find Raw to be the ideal balance of cost and quality in a sushi bar. All of their basic rolls are above average(the yellowtail, salmon, and tuna rolls are happy standards that I can always use to supplement the more over-the-top rolls that I get). The Golden Tiger Roll is a veritable smorgasbord of various sushi flavors that will attack your taste buds(if you can fit a whole piece in your mouth). It is one of those specialty rolls that have like tunascallionspicysaucemasagoeelcucumberEVERYTHINGOÂHMYGOD that I like. I don't remember exactly what's in it but it is damn good.
(4)
Hank C.
Not a bad location, the decoration was comfortable - tall cushioned lounge seating on one side, and wooden chairs on the other. Playing Nemo in the background, and an outdoor seating area. Tried a variety of food, noticeable issue was that the appetizers were small. Gyoza (4) were tasty, and the spicy sashimi salad with the red hot sauce was amazing. The oshinko appetizer for $5 was expensive for only a few pieces of cut up oshinko, though. Spider roll - not bad, although could be crispier (5 pieces). Wasabi Lobster roll was decent but tasted almost too much like mayo (5 pieces). The rainbow roll was standard (8 pieces). The special roll of the night - a White Tiger roll - spicy white tuna topped with black tobiko, more white tuna, and eel sauce, was very tasty, and massive. I'll see if I can upload the picture later. Overall, not bad, but expensive for the special sushi or appetizers - the regular rolls were great, though.
(3)
Miguel R.
The sushi is great - I've enjoyed everything I've ever ordered here. Not much else to say really, the atmosphere is nice, but a little too trendy, and bordering on stuffy. The outdoor seating area is great during the warmer months, and prices are what you would expect from a slightly upper level sushi place. I'm not a huge sake fan, but they have a decent beer selection, and their seasonal specials generally fair well with their food. I generally stick to sushi here, and sometimes their soup bowls. I wasn't impressed with the way their entrees looked, but can't really comment on how they tasted.
(4)
Alison S.
I had been to Raw about a year ago w/ my bf. We sat at the bar, ate a few rolls, and had some delicious tasting--but weak and pretty pricey--drinks. I went again like a week ago for dinner with a friend. I had a great night (and we did make a night of it there), but that didn't have much to do with Raw (Although! They did have a video screen up on the wall facing me that played a close up of a sea anemone waving around slowly all night--hypnotic and I felt strangely dirty watching it, which I appreciated. Little details! Anyway!) The food here seems to be reliably good and the drinks, again, were really delicious but to me, prohibitively spendy. South Philly prices have maybe spoiled me, though. My main issue this past visit was the service. There were loooong gaps between rounds of drinks and our waitress seemed to disappear for large portions of time. I always feel kind of embarrassed flagging servers down or ordering things really fast as they are trying to walk away and that felt kinda unavoidable here. I'm actually a little surprised by how low my rating ended up being for this place. The problem w/ Raw is that there are *so many* sushi places to visit in the city and it wouldn't be hard to find one with equally good if not tastier sushi, friendlier and more attentive staff, and better lighting/mirrors in the washroom (just sayin').
(2)
Meghan C.
Went here for lunch yesterday...(or Tuesday?) At the behest of my boss. What is the deal with the service? Too cool for school.
(2)
Susan L.
We went for Center City Sips (happy hour) and it was a joke. I ordered a glass of wine which came in a small plastic cup. Really? You don't even have wine glasses to spare? We were seated in their outdoor patio area which is nice but you could feel the humid weather and the thumping party music was extremely annoying. Oh but look! $3 sushi, so cheap right? WRONG. It was $3 for 4 pieces. Wait, does that mean half priced appetizers also mean half-sized portions? At Raw it is! The sushi was OK, nothing to rave about. They cleared our plates and glasses as SOON as we were finished them, pretty much to usher us out as quickly as possible. Afterwards, we went to Aki (a block away) to try it out and it was 5x better and we only paid a couple more dollars more. If only we would have known...
(2)
Sharon P.
I seriously love this restaurant! I'm a big sushi person, and hate not-fresh sushi. But theirs is just fine and honestly, I only eat their special rolls LOL. Yes, the specials rolls are quite pricey. (Cheapest is like $17, then goes up past $20+). But even ordering their cheapest special roll ("Binny Roll") is freakin' good. It goes with seaweed salad which tastes good, but a bit sweeter than normal (probably because this restaurant is slightly Americanized), but STILL GOOD. And I always order a side of spicy mayo because... I MUST have it at any sushi restaurant, and their's is goodddd. Appetizers are great too. The Beef Negimaki, shumais and dumplings are great. Except they're tiny and don't give you a lot for the price. But this place is kinda fancy anyways. Oh! Their outdoor seating is really chill and lounge-y (when seated on the sofa-ish areas). Try it on a nice day at night. (Except your food MIGHT take longer... might..) They also have a variety of sakes. Not too much, but good enough if you're not a extra diesel sake drinker. Overall, Raw doesn't make me mind spending over $17 for 8 pieces of their special roll sushi. I still get full and satisfied, and happy (:
(5)
Ann V.
Food was decent (i've had WAY better), but the service was what ruined it all. I dont know if they were just seriously understaffed or the staffing that they do have currently just sucks. Everything is a wait. We waited nearly 20 minutes before they even took our orders. And when they finally did take our orders it took forever to even get a plate of sushi! It's just sushi! It should not take that long. I would understand if the restaunt was packed, but that was not the case. I wouldnt recommend anyone going here unless they enjoy nice decor and that's it. That's all they really have to offer. Would i return again? Probably not.
(2)
Jenn S.
Love the ambiance of this place! service was also excellent. I'd say the freshness of the fish themselves were mediocre, but they do a good job of making creative, tasty sushi. I also tried their beef appetizer (scallion wrapped in thin, grilled beef), which was excellent! very buttery and tasty. I'm taking away a star for the quality of fish. but otherwise, would recommend it for tastiness and the ambiance.
(4)
Zachary S.
Raw is worth the wait, but be prepared to wait a long time. I came here for lunch with two friends expecting to be in and out in no longer than an hour. Upon arrival it took us ten minutes to be seated. Twenty-five minutes after being seated one of the members of our party had to go track down a waiter so we could get service. The food, once it finally came out, was absolutely amazing. Their seaweed salad is to die for. Everything else was very good except for the ohitashi, but that's probably just my particular taste. The carnivores in my party also had beautiful looking Unfortunately, the hour long lunch quickly approached the hour and a half mark and made me late to an important meeting, but I am certainly willing to try Raw out again, as long as I have plenty of time to spare!
(3)
Karen F.
Raw - the sushi & sake lunge from 12 & Sansom - opened a 2nd branch inside Boyd's Department store on the mezzanine level. I just had lunch there today and for $13 it very well may be the only thing I can afford at Boyds! Less of the snotty attitude, too. Much quiter and more refined. I had a yellowtail bento box and the sushi and all of the elements (miso, salad, gyoza, and spicy tuna tartare) were all top-notch. I'll be back soon!
(4)
Beth R.
I think the differentiators here are the stylish atmosphere, and the outdoor patio area. But overall, Raw is more expensive that I think it needs to be. The quality of the fish and presentation were good, but I've had the same quality elsewhere for less, which is why I dropped to 3 stars on this one. Simple rolls, like a plain tuna maki,come in at $6.50. The cocktail menu looked delicious but at $13 a drink, I'm a little hesitant to start ordering rounds. I had lunch here today, but can imagine the damage after a full dinner plus several rounds of drinks! Delicious sushi though.
(3)
Lemuel R.
The sushi was really fresh and I love the special rolls, but MAN is it expensive! I had a Groupon which helped, but some of the special rolls are $20+!! The outdoor courtyard is awesome. We almost passed it up but it was really nice on a spring evening. They have fans and awnings to keep it nice and cool in the summer.
(4)
Nick M.
Full disclosure, I am not a sushi buff and nor do I crave like some people out there, so perhaps this review won't be that helpful. I enjoyed the atmosphere and food quite a bit at RAW. I don't drink Sake so I don't have anything to say about that. The sushi was delicous. I got the capitol roll and the eel and avocado roll. The Eel and Avocado roll was perfect, the sauce was a little sweet and there was a nice crunch to roll. The capital roll left a little to be desired. It had a rather unsensational taste and the tecture was not quite what I expected. I enjoyed the atmosphere quite a bit. It wasn't your typical sushi place but at the same time it kind of was. One thing I would say to fix would be it looks closed when you walk by, me and my girlfriend literally almost just turned around because we thought it was closed. Not sure if this something worth remedying or perhaps just a problem with certain daylight, but just my thought. I don't know if I would go back right away but if I was in the area and in the mood I would have no problem stopping again.
(3)
Ryan B.
Food was pretty good but service was absolutely terrible. I went with about 7 others for dinner and we never felt very welcome. Our waitress wouldn't check in for well over half an hour each time, and then when the check came she pressured us to pay and leave. On top of that I ordered a gin fizz from the bar and the waiter came back and asked me for the recipe because the bartender had never heard of it! I was embarrassed for them. Food is alright but expensive, ambiance is nice, but it is too gimicky. It's just another fine restaurant in Philly that has an unjustifiable price premium. Would neither return nor recommend it.
(2)
Nadia S.
Ambiance - Beautiful. Restrooms - interesting. Sushi - OK. But considering the price (ex: Total tax+tip for 1 small piece of yellow tail = $7 - YIKES!) I am not a fan. But I have to admit, service was great! Laugh out loud great! Our waiter asked us if we cared for dessert and when we asked him what the options were, he rambled out the restaurants dessert options and went to say, "but if you want really good dessert there is this spot around the corner..." and gave us 4 great selections of spots in the area to try. For a moment I was in disbelief, and then the laughter hit us all - Priceless! Final thought, for the maki lovers (aka: rolls), I saw some amazing presentations and heard "oohs" & "aahs" around the table. So, maybe Raw might be worth it to you. Sushi lovers, try another spot.
(2)
Julie Y.
this place has great sushi. it always tastes fresh and i've never felt sick after eating it. i love the SALMON VOLCANO ROLL and the SPICY SASHIMI SALAD. those are probably my favorite on the menu. it can be a bit pricey but definitely worth it!! service is really friendly too which is a plus.
(4)
Karol S.
Great ambiance! except the 2-seaters are a bit close to one another, i am not a fan of tight dining with strangers. Excellent service! Recommend: ocean salad (seaweed salad with yummy dressing) beef negimaki selection of rolls---including eel & avocado, spider roll, etc--quite good!
(4)
Kevin S.
The food at Raw is delicious. I'm no sushi aficionado, but I know a good spicy salmon roll when I taste one. It was fresh, the texture of the rice just right. The tempura was perfectly fried, and just the right crispy. What lacks at Raw is the service. One of our party members (one!) were late, and they wouldn't seat us. This is one of my pet peeves. The place was not so crowded that they didn't have any available space, and we had a reservation. Our waitress was generally slow, and not very friendly. The music and ambiance of this place are great. It was relaxing and didn't feel too pretentious. I loved that they projected old Japanese classic movies with sub-titles on the wall. I felt really mixed about Raw. The food was wonderful, but the service lacked the caliber that I would expect from a place with such a pricey menu.
(3)
Jonny C.
Raw is a chic Sushi lounge on Sansome in the heart of the Financial, COnference district in downtown Philly. They have a cool patio, great lighting, really rad bathrooms downstairs, and a great sake list. Food was pricey, but not astronomical. Sushi was very strong for the East Coast. The seaweed salad was tasty buit very small. The raw platter I ordered was pretty standard mix of maki, nigiri and sashimis, all of which were good, none of which were great. The spider roll was unreasonably chunky and a bit hard to eat. Sushi was a tad warmer than I like, but was not gross warm. This would have been a three, but the service was killer. The barkeep/waiter Sean was really cool, good conversation and had lived like everywhere I have (SF, Boston, etc.) He made a great saki recommendation that paired very well with the meal. Great date place, good client dinner, just a solid overall environment that isnt as insane or "See and be seen" as Morimoto.
(4)
Ben P.
Raw used to be one of my favorite places for sushi. Fun atmosphere, inventive menu, always great tasting and great looking special rolls. Obviously not just a place to go grab some sushi, but when you wanted a nice sushi night out, this was a great place to go. Last night was not that. The food was fine. The sushi was good. In fact, it was the usual above-average offerings, but the service was absolutely ATROCIOUS. From the minute we walked in to the minute we left we encountered nothing but un-smiling, un-friendly, un-welcoming staff. The girls working the front desk were bland, and frankly, acted like someone had just informed them that their dogs had died. We checked in for our reservation and then had to wait, standing there with our coats on, while she picked up the phone and took a call from someone looking for a reservation. Awkward. Rude. Put the call on hold! Then, when we went to be sat, I had to ask if we could hang up our coats. Awkward. Rude. We were sat at a table that was, for the most part, touching the two-top next to ours. What is this, The Melrose? The hostess made no effort to move the tables once we sat. We had to move it ourselves so that we weren't sitting WITH the couple next to us. Awkward. Rude. Our server was relatively inattentive. I asked to see a drink list after my first cocktail. She never brought it. She never offered dessert, always a classic sign (especially to two veterans of the industry) that this is a server looking to go home. Rude. Oh, and let's talk about the menu. A "specials" menu had only a couple of cocktails and a "seasonal" beer list included Miller Lite, Yards IPA, Yards Gen. Washington Tavern Porter and something like a Harpoon that wasn't seasonal at all. I ordered a cocktail called a Black Honda that was basically a cosmo. Seriously. It was pink with a lemon garnish. WTF. Admittedly, I have never had a cocktail here that was great. Stick to the sake. On the way out, we waited an interminable amount of time for the still un-smiling, un-friendly hostess to get our coats. All in all, the food was great. I might consider going back to sit at the sushi bar, but I will be hard pressed to sit down at one of their tables again. It's a shame, too. It used to be so good.
(3)
Paul B.
Food was all pretty average here. The sushi rolls were fine, but nothing special. The rolls are just a little pricy for the quality of the taste. Good ambience in the lounge. The miso soup was good, but beef negimaki rolls were not. Dumplings were also only ok. I would recommend waiting to come here until center city sips rolls around again, and you can get some 1/2 price appetizers and drinks, and sit in their outside alleyway.
(3)
igor p.
Sushi was very good, ambiance and mood of the place was very loungy and dark. Check out the sink in the basement.
(4)
Soyoung K.
I'm glad I'm reviewing Raw now. Previously, having been there a couple years ago, I was quiet disappointed at their service, sushi and their drinks. My very last visit was a complete disaster from what I can remember and thank goodness(for the restaurant) I wasn't really into yelping then. Last night, I went to Raw with my co-worker since we were both desperately craving some sushi. What a great choice we've made! We sat at the bar - the bartender, Moriko, took a good care of us. My friends ordered their sparkling cosmo. Very refreshing and nice. I got my favorite Hangar One kaffir lime straight up. That alone deserves 2 stars - Raw has some great drinks to offer...I didn't get to try sake but wish I had. Then, we ordered spicy tuna roll, capital roll(crunchy with spicy mayo and kani), spider roll(tempura soft shell crab with masago and cucumbers, I think). All the rolls were very delicious. We loved every bite of it! We also got shrimp spring rolls as an appetizer which was above average. The sauce was delicious! Moriko hooked us up with beef negimaki(scallion wrapped in thinly sliced beef) and it was such a pleasant surprise. I am often disappointed with beef negimaki elsewhere because the beef gets really chewy after being overcooked and etc. However, Raw's beef negimaki was definitely one of the best I've ever had. My friend who has never had it absolutely loved it as well. Overall, I was very pleased with my dining experience at Raw. I'll definitely visit again very, very soon. PS. Raw connects to Sumo, the bar/lounge. Totally cool, I thought.
(4)
Mike S.
Sushi, in raw or fancy form, can be good if prepared correctly. Raw does a good job of that. Wander in around 6:15 pm, and get a table inside. Too humid outside. Plus it seemed like everyone and their mother was going outside. Waitress got us water. That's it. Didn't ask in the same motion if we wanted anything else to drink. I asked if there were any specials. Nope, in a more terse way. I ordered 3 different rolls, plus three pieces of sushi. My wife got her old standby (because she is not a fan of sushi), teriaki chicken. Rolls were good. The sushi, except for the spanish mackerel, was delicious. Eating the mackerel was like chewing on shoe leather. Only that every time I chewed, the taste of mackerel intensified, even water, sake, and pickled ginger did not help. I am definitely NOT blaming the chefs on the fish piece, as I made the choice. The pricing is a bit high. But, considering the sushi always is good, I am not going to blame them.
(3)
Kate K.
Got stuck going to this place but was pleasantly surprised. Had a fun time there with a group--it's more about the atmosphere than the food, but the food was totally fine. Also, we got good service and the servers were nice. It's a little expensive for what it is, but the atmosphere is chic.
(3)
Rich L.
Amazing appetizers, really good sushi! The specialty rolls were a little too much...But maybe we just ordered the wrong ones. Atmosphere is really cool, and the outside area is really nice to hang out and have a drink!
(4)
Joe Z.
I expected better. Based on other reviews I was willing to go with higher prices in exchange for some really good sushi, but honestly it was disappointing. The money part is not even really a factor in my review since I was there on business expenses. The interior of the restaurant is very nice and the menu seemed interesting. I had no problems with the service, as others have reported. Immediately as I was seated I was asked if I wanted a drink and it was brought over immediately. After ordering, my sushi came about as quick as I would have expected anywhere else. I ordered three rolls (I'm a big eater) - the rainbow roll, soft shell crab roll and "dark horse" roll, which was a eel based roll that was deep fried. Presentation on all the rolls was very nice. The dark horse roll was advertised as having a spicy sauce drizzled on it, but to be honest it was just flat and bland - not much flavor at all. In fact, none of the rolls had much flavor. Even the wasabi seemed bland - I dumped the entire dollop into the soy sauce. I started getting the feeling that maybe my taste buds died, but I verified that they were still in working order afterwards with some dessert elsewhere. I don't visit Philly that much, but I'm pretty sure if and when I do return I won't be in a big hurry to come back to this place.
(2)
Chris T.
Raw is consistently good and creative sushi. The food is fresh and the cuts are generous and prime. The service is always friendly and helpful, though upon walking in one might feel a bit intimidated by the atmosphere and clientele (i.e. trendy shiny people). The servers do set one at ease, however. Sitting outside in the courtyard is an especially nice treat.
(4)
Ryan A.
Food: The food here is good. I was impressed with the freshness of their sushi. They have the best dressing that accompanies their garden salad. They have all of the common rolls that most sushi places have. One of my favorites is the Kampyo roll, which is a vegetarian roll but you would never know it because the pickled gourd tastes just like meat. Service: Attentive, nice and prompt. Ambience: The interior design of the place is spot on. Hardwood floors, really nice lighting and outside seating.
(4)
Stephany B.
Acceptable sushi, some of the better sushi in Philadelphia. For the price I recommend Morimoto's instead. For similar sushi, Fat Salmon has less variety but just as fresh, sometimes fresher sashimi and nigiri. The white tiger roll here is very good and is a nice compliment if you want something other than just nigiri. I had a couple bad experiences here which involved a piece of toro that could not be chewed. (I never send food back, but I had to send this back) and a rat on the patio which I suppose is expected in Philly, but still ruined the dining experience. The nigiri is priced per each piece so can add up very very quickly.
(3)
Don R.
If I ate sushi, I think this would be the place for me. Yet since my appetite for the imported Fed Ex fortunes has not yet won me over, I was extremely impressed and satisfied with their civilian menu. The beef "medigaki" was superb which featured seared steak slices wrapped around asparagus. The only downside is that it took me about 10 minutes of it resting on the table before my girlfriend informed me that I was the one who actually had ordered it. I guess I was expecting something else and thought it was her's. oops For my main course the Udon spicy noodles were equally as impressive. Go if you love sushi. And relax if you're just feeling steak and chicken...
(4)
Philly P.
Raw's sushi is ALOT of rice and a LITTLE fish. The rice they use for the sushi has good flavor and they also use good sauces. Fish quality is mediocre. I think that the higher price reflects the atmosphere (which is a good summer/ outdoor spot in their courtyard) not the food. I would come back here only to possibly go to Sumo Lounge which is located in the back.
(3)
Melissa K.
I've only been to Raw three or four times, but I really do think it's among the best sushi places in the city. Some positives: 1. good food (including really yummy seaweed salad) 2. a variety of choices for vegetarians and non-sushi eaters 3. pretty setting, nice for a date or for happy hour with friends/coworkers 4. really cool outdoor lounge One thing you should know: the place gets really crowded at dinner time. I recently had a lunch date here with my husband and there was almost no crowd. The lunch specials were huge, delicious, and well-priced, and the service was great. If you're into sushi and want to beat the crowd, I definitely recommend trying it at lunch time.
(5)
Parisa S.
I want to love this place. Mostly because my fabulous boyfriend brought me here on our second date a long, long, long time ago. Back then, I had a fabulous time. Not just because of the 5 glasses of wine I had. It was the company more than the alcohol, I swear. I mention all the wine only to suggest that my first time here, I was apparently on a liquid diet. Last night, I returned. This time, I was craving sushi and ready to overdose on it. I'd been going to Zama recently, so I knew Raw was going to have to compare in order to leave me satisfied. In fact, the only reason boyfriend and I decided to go back to Raw was because we wanted outdoor seating, and Zama doesn't have their license yet. Yes, Raw has a great outdoor patio. But that's about the only thing that's great. My pinot grigio was just meh, edamame needed to be steamed a few minutes longer, and I've had better seaweed salad from Whole Foods. Now for the fish - a solid 2 stars, nothing more. We ordered the following rolls: spicy tuna, eel avocado, rainbow, capital, and salmon avocado. None impressed. Lovers of Raw may point to the crazy fancy rolls this place offers. As a sushi purist, though, I firmly believe that 8 sauces on a roll shouldn't be a savior for less-than-fresh fish. I'm also morally opposed to paying $20 for one roll, I don't care how crazy it is. I'm sad to say I'll never be back here, mostly because of my fabulous second date almost 2 years ago. But I'd rather hold on to a great memory than force myself to eat bad sushi.
(2)
Kathryn M.
One of the better sushi spots in the city but with a price tag to match - although not outside of reason. Overall I felt the food was better than average and the ambience was pretty cool. The highlight across the table was a crunchy tuna roll (with spicy tuna substituted in). As for the rest: Sashimi (Hamachi and Suzuki): Good but not great. The tuna was not the freshest and the person eating it said it tasted like it had not been defrosted in the best manner but this is from someone working in the fish industry. Sushi: Great: Crunchy Tuna roll made with Spicy Tuna Good: Rainbow Roll and Spider Roll Disappointing: Capital Roll and Oshinko Roll (OR - not surprising) The waitstaff was phenomenal. We didn't have a reservation but got seated in about 40 minutes. We wanted Saki bombs (that kind of a night) and although they didn't really have it (their glasses are too "fragile") they were creative in coming up with an alternate way to have our Saki bombs without causing destruction. I will definitely be back - but only if looking for a special place for sushi and not ordering takeout (a rare occurrence at times).
(4)
Drew P.
Dinner at Raw on Saturday night was an effortless affair, despite the fact it was St. Patrick's Day and Center City was crawling with....revelers. They were nice enough to change our reservation for us when we needed additional time to get through the city traffic. We were seated rather early (6:30) and we were given a nice table near the back of the front room. The entire place looks huge, with what I assume is a private party room in the back. The edamame was a welcome starter and then we went with several rolls and hand rolls. The Spicy Salmon was a cut above ordinary. 'The Avocado salad served with a bland Russian dressing was unremarkable, but not offensive. We had a pork dish that was entirely forgettable, deep-fried in bland panko bread crumbs. But our table liked the eel rolls and the tuna rolls as well. The bathrooms are in the basement and that's a bit of a schlep with some intoxicants weaving on the stairs, but that was no fault of the establishment. The ladies liked the Cosmos and we left with a rather reasonable bill for a party of four adults.
(3)
Stefanie A.
Torn between 3 and 4 stars here, so I'll go with 4 because it was better than A-OK. Why torn? I hate the crowd here. Not the restaurant's fault, per se, but it's hard to be around so much douchiness and truly enjoy yourself (I'm talking to you, guy talking on the phone at the table for 15 minutes super loudly in a foreign language. And you, non-working suburban 20somethings listening to our conversation, and making snide remarks... though if you had anything interesting to say perhaps you'd be talking to each other rather than snickering needlessly at us?) Phew. OK. That's almost all the bad. The only other thing is it's expensive for what it is. Now the good: The garden is a slice of heaven with ample seating, a great bar, and sunlight at the right time of day. The lunch specials are cheap and huge. A bento box with soup + salad + negimaki rolls + tempura + tuna tartare + tuna rolls + tuna sushi for $14? That's a resounding yes. And the quality is very good. It gets crowded, so make a reservation or come during the week if you can. And bring your gold card if you're getting drinks, as well.
(4)
Caroline V.
I've been here twice, 2 things that stand out -- delicious STRONG fruit sakes (with chunks of fruit in it! yum) and great rolls. Seating is comfortable and it's a nice modern place. I haven't tried the outdoor courtyard yet in summer but I've been wanting to. This coming summer hopefully. Staff is helpful and we've had good experiences. Just one glitch the last time in waiting a while for the check but otherwise we'll be back! Oh yes, another fave was the fall midtown festival, raw had a tent set up and they had the fruit sakes for sale - $5 for a nice big cup. DELICIOUS!! And the servers are friendly and hilarious. Can't wait til fall for more of that!
(4)
Dylan S.
Certainly above average for c.c sushi. Far better than its neighboring wash west competitors. While the price can quickly escalate, I recommend the sea salad, calamari, dark horse roll and tiger roll. Awesome combination for 3 people.
(3)
Thi N.
Great food, nice indoor and outdoor patio space. Too bad the entrance is next to a dumpster - very unfortunate. But the inside is very nice and the service very good. The fish seemed extremely fresh. Will definitely return.
(4)
Michael B.
This restaurant is in a great location, is quite trendy, and a great place to go on a date. The drink selection is great, and the sushi is good. The quality of the sushi is excellent, but the size of the rolls for the price is a bit off. I do understand this is a sushi restaurant in a trendy area of the city, but I would prefer my less trendy sushi place near me where I can get a normal amount of fish in my sushi rolls, especially when paying hefty prices for sushi. Overall, this is a fun, trendy, cool place to go on a date or with a group of friends.
(3)
Daniel H.
Have been here twice now. Solid service, solid food, and cool vibe. Rolls start at around 6 or 7 bucks, but they're nice and big. Good beer selection. I have nothing bad to say about Raw. Was able to get a table for 2 at 8pm on a Saturday. Can be casual. Recommended starters: edamame, beef negimaki, and steamed gyoza. All good (gyoza being my least favorite). Recommended rolls: lobster wasabi roll, capital roll.
(4)
Bob S.
OK. Here is the deal. The first time i went here and I had a bad experience with the staff. The second time I went here - surprise! A bad experience with the staff. However.... The third time I came here I had a good experience. A few items... 1. The sushi is good! And the way they make their rolls is interesting and flavorful. 2. The atmosphere is nice and relaxing. After a crazy day of running around it was nice to relax with friends. 3. The staff was excellent and welcoming. 4. Try the salmon and tuna sushi - it melted in my mouth. 5. Also try the special rolls - pricey but worth it. Also the bathrooms were nice and clean. I am glad I gave them a third chance. :)
(4)
Dennis N.
My friend and I wanted to go here since it just opened and we love trying new restaurants. The place is very nicely decorated and the atmosphere is pretty nice. One thing I didn't like, however, was that the tables in the back (where we were seated) were very close to each other. I was practically in their conversation and eating off their plates. Although this was kind of uncomfortable we did chitchat with our neighbors so I guess its not all bad. But not a very good idea for a first date (like the couple on our other side). And I thought the lights were a bit too dim. The sushi was alright but not for the price they were charging. My friend's yellowtail roll was too chewy and tough. The drinks took too long to order and oddly, our appetizer arrived after our sushi. Perhaps it was the high volume on that Friday night but I assume if they can charge that much for mediocre sushi, they could hire a few more hands to help out. Unfortunately, I will not be coming back here.
(2)
Flavio S.
The place has a great atmosphere and ambiance. It's a modern looking contemporary style restaurant.Perfect for dates. The food was very good. I had a green tea, which tasted very good! To eat we got some Makis. A Black Horse and a Salmon one. The black horse is pretty big and is made with eel! I loved the taste! The price was fair for a japanese restaurant trendy like this. If you stay with the Makis you won't spend as much as some of the reviews say. Overall, the experience we had was very pleasant. The only side note is that the tables might be too close to each other and can break the privacy a bit.
(4)
Sean H.
It's a Japanese place...no real surprises in store, to be honest. The sushi was good. I actually forgot to order mine with soybean paper instead of seaweed and didn't notice until I was halfway in. And I always hated seaweed! So I have Raw to thank for getting me over that one. The edamame was good, too. If you're into sushi, they have a lot, and it's not like something they do on the side as is the case at so many other restaurants.
(4)
Minh C.
Simply some of the best sushi I have ever had! Let me break it down. The hostess and my waitress was so nice and friendly! The edamame was actually warm, most restaurants irritate me when it sits around before serving it and it gets cold. The miso soup was fantastic, but let's get to the important stuff, the sushi. I had ordered the rainbow roll (maki) and the spicy scallop roll (maki). The fish tasted so fresh and the color of the fish was so solid and vibrant on the rainbow roll. The presentation was pretty standard. Now the spicy scallop roll is what had really impressed me. They actually give you large single chunks of fresh scallops not mashed or chopped or minced, genuine whole pieces. In addition it had a nice kick to it. Wasn't too spicy to overpower the taste of the scallops, yet it wasn't too subtle. I will definitely go back again soon!
(5)
Joseph H.
If i could write a review of just the quality of the sushi I would give it 5 stars no question. The presentation was top notch. Same thing goes for the quality and freshness of ingredients.We had a few special rolls all were excellent. I found the service to helpful and attentive. That being said. . . . We had a 7:30 reservation. We walk in 7:25 and are told they are running "a little behind". I ask how long they say about 15 minutes. We make our way to the bar and have a few cocktails. Half hour later I ask "about how long?" She tells me "Umm about 15 minutes" You can see where my frustration is coming from. We dont get seated till 8:45. We would have left if i wasn't so hungry. Glad we stayed because the food was amazing. Oh and there is like a mini-club in the back. From what I understand it gets crowded but by the time we lift at 10:30 or so it was still empty.
(3)
Holly H.
This review is just for Center City Sips, and just for the tasty bits they include on their menu. The drinks are the deal of the century. $2 bottles, $3 wine, $4 cocktails are some of my favorite in the Center City Sips - "Sake Tango" and "Pink Bubbly" (resembling a cosmo/champagne mash-up with frozen fruit. YUM.) Their $3 apts are ok for the price, but haven't exactly lulled me into staying for dinner. We've gotten everything on their list for apts except the California rolls, and I'd say the Spicy tuna rolls and the chicken bites were the weak points, tasting a little pre-made, and lacking in any real interest or intrigue. The Shrimp shumai and Pork dumplings, on the other hand, rocked my world. I know what people mean when they're talking about the attitude. This place is too cool for school, but the ambiance is great, and if you're there before 6, you're probably getting good real estate near the bar or in the court yard. PLUS, they have a court yard.
(3)
Faye S.
We came here for my first time at Sips, but decided to return after tasting the yummy spicy tuna roll and other Sips goodies. I've bad experiences with swanky sushi places-- they're usually not as good as the decor they have. I had my reservations, but I was pleasantly surprised when the food came out. The o-toro was SOOOO good. Most places I've been to haven't had the best, where it's too fatty. This, however, was the perfect balance of tuna meat and fat. Mmm!
(4)
Glenn J.
In my opinion this is one of the top sushi spots in Philadelphia with exquisite fair minus the extraordinary Morimoto prices. I must say at the Center City location there is outside sitting that is a must, minus the hard plastic chairs that are or should be reserved for a yard party I was expecting a bit More comfort coming from a place as refined as this. The happy hour during nice days also draws a lot of attention and rightfully so. The first item I tried was one of the appetizers: Beef Negimaki- cooked and seasoned perfectly I can't say it has always been consistent though. 4/5 Spicy Tuna Tar tare- 5/5 Spicy Tuna- Some of the best in the city 5/5 White Tiger- I was not a fan of the seared Mutsu 3/5 Arina Roll- 5/5 Totally addicted to this roll. Best I have ever had and I wish I could rate it higher. The price point can be a bit steep, but they can get what with it because where else are u gonna get this refinement without paying with a Kidney like over at Morimoto??
(4)
pracheta t.
i really miss this place since I've moved from Philly! It's modern and trendy inside, the service is on point and the food/drinks are great. I've celebrated two birthdays here and gone to countless Center City Sips with friends. the outdoor area allows you to feel like you're not even in Philly. I've been here on dates, with girlfriends and with large groups of people - awesome every time.
(5)
Guy E.
Very mediocre and expensive for what they offer.
(2)
Kent S.
I thought the atmosphere at Raw was great and our waitress was really nice too and helpful with a few recommendations. I do have to say though, I thought that some of the rolls were overly filled with rice and lacking on actual fish. I should have stuck to sashimi and/or the tartar dishes.
(3)
Daniel T.
A friend and I went for the Rue LaLa special. I had missed a call from the restaurant earlier in the day to see if that's why we were there so when we arrived, they didn't have the ingredients prepped. The service and response was amazing. They staff were extremely attentive. They comped us a few starters as an apology, even though it was more my fault than theirs for not getting the call. The sashimi salad was really good. The rolls are as good as you can expect in Philly (yes, the bar is quite low). The ambience and service were really top notch.
(5)
Lindsay T.
Food was okay, service was HORRIBLE. Overpriced sushi, go to your local joint.
(1)
Kumar S.
It's a nice place, a bit over priced for the quality of the food but great atmosphere. Try the Kizakura Sake, its delicious. Only costs $4-5 if you get it at a liquor store and $18 here, but it's the cheapest there!
(4)
Xtine H.
This place caught our eyes while on the way to a different restaurant. Am so glad I went back to try it! Very cool space, it got filled up pretty fast and they ran out of seating at the tables, but the menu is fantastic as are the drinks. I love a good spicy tuna roll, and they did not disappoint.
(4)
Caren C.
White Tiger and Green River. While I may be a boring sushi connoisseur, since I stick mostly to Tuna, the two special rolls, which are usually always offered are phenomenal. When Raw first opened, I went on a weekly basis. These two rolls might just change your life! Raw is a great date place. They have one of the most wide array of Sakes I've seen in Philly and they don't play that little joke on Americans by serving it warn, especially in the Summer. Your waiter can always reccomend something if you feel a little overwhelmed or the Sake tasting is a good start to picking something. They also offer a variety of fun cocktails. Raw is one of the Best Places for Summer Sips on Wednesdays in the Summer and the new outdoor space is really amazing with vibrant red pillows and is one of the few places tucked away from the street in the city.
(5)
Melissa R.
I have tried to find a better sushi place in the city than Raw, really I have, but I have had no such luck. The atmosphere is sophisticated and I love dining al fresco in the courtyard. And the Sumo lounge in the back is pretty cool too. Since my boyfriend is a Master Sushi Orderer, I never look at the menu here, so I can't tell you exactly what to get. All of it is good.
(4)
Lily N.
Came here with a couple of my college friends on a weeknight. Seemed small from the outside, but decently spaced. But we were sitting near the kitchen so people were always walking by us. Sushi was yummy, and the drinks were good. Trendy and wallpaper was kind of cool. Mochi ice cream = delicious. For bigger groups, I would recommend Haru instead.
(4)
Luigi C.
I have been at Raw's twice, in 2010 and three months ago (in 2013). I felt my first experience was a million times better than the second. I'm sure what went wrong. The sushi rice was too thin and light. The fish didn't appear to be too fresh. Too bad because the place is really nice inside. And it's right in the center-city. I'll have to try it again.
(2)
Clarissa D.
Friday and Saturday are amazing here - red, black, poshy ambience tempered with the friendly, casual wait staff is super fun. The sushi s fresh, lots of sauces, and consistently good. They opened up their courtyard so now you can eat outside on a nice night. They have amazing fruit-drenched house sake and a very nice sake and other cocktail menu. Their special rolls including the WHITE TIGER roll is seriously peerless ambrosia. I would suggest this place for either a first date or something where you are trying to impress OR night with friends who like sushi. Its not good for kids or families unless you all like sushi and like to be loud like me and my fam. However, I once ordered the spicy scallop roll and was expecting scallops with spicy sauce (similar to a spicy tuna roll), but I got a scallop roll sprinkled with red apparently spicy flakes. However, they did bring me a side of spicy sauce when I asked. I also will say it is pricey, but worth it on a Friday or Saturday out with friends. And although this is one of my favorite restaurants that I am constantly recommending, I must admit that Mon thru Thursdays are a little...not fun. Less people and less of a crowd somehow detracts. Also, Capogiro is right around the corner...
(5)
Nina S.
Great sushi, good service but still not a fabulous sushi spot. I think that the set up is a bit odd, tables so close together and if you are at the bar you will get bumped into because it's a very narrow walk way. They have restaurant week specials so give it a try to see for yourself.
(3)
Heesun K.
Fell in love with this place! We sat outside in the courtyard and the atmosphere was great - felt kinda empty at first but thought it was nice to chill and enjoy the summer night in Philly. Gotta give two thumbs up to the DJ - he played a good mix of new hits and old schools and i felt like he was one of the best DJs I've listened to. I ordered Pink Bubbly and Sake Fuscia (i think that was the name) and my friend ordered Fruit Sake and Ginger Blossom. The drinks can be pretty $pricey$ since it adds up quickly. I ordered Sushi appetizer, Edamame, and Eel&Cucumber. Fresh and tasty- I would definitely go back. =)
(5)
mike b.
Alright, so I vote for a half star button. What's with the only whole star business? I think its just another case of the man trying to keep us down. Well not me. Three and a half stars baby, thats my review and I'm sticking to it. Take that Yelp/the man. So this place is kinda cool. The building is laid out like a shotgun apartment. Its narrow and sleek, stretching back from the foyer like an exaggerated hallway. The sushi bar invites diners to check out the fish as they pass on to either the remainder of the dining room or the outside saki bar. I like it. I have to say, its stylish, yet not over-blown and while the decor represents the price tag, neither elicits an audible guffaw from would be diners. Sushi is a wonderful delight of tasty splendor, no denying it. But, in my experience, there are the places that make a killer, well constructed roll and then those that take the rice-fish combo outside of the box by creating a symphony of gastronomic ingenuity (go to Sushi Zen NYC, you'll see what I mean). Raw lands squarely in the former category and thats not a bad thing per se. As such, the key is all in the ingredients. The fish has got to be primo or its just going to let you down and Raw doesn't disappoint. While the dining is sold, this joint's highlight is the outdoor saki lounge. Have a drink there during sips. Then have another. When you are well lubricated order some sushi and hang out for another round. Just ignore the D.J. spinning the latest blogosphere house-bangers at 300 decibels. I like house, but think of something better for a dinner/happy hour lounge - just a thought. ps - If you have a sec check out the men's room. It wont disappoint.
(3)
Joann Z.
My standby sushi restaurant, particularly recommended for when out-of-towners come to visit. No other sushi I've tried can come close to the capital roll - a basic mix of shrimp, crab meat, tempura, masago and cream sauce, and the presentation of their specialty rolls is divine. Their wine menu is extensive and cocktails unique.. highly recommend the Lady Dragon.
(4)
Rob S.
Four of us went and spent about $50 a person for a good amount of sushi and about 2 drinks each. I'm not well versed in sushi but I enjoyed the food and atmosphere. Extensive menu and drink list. Got to try Asahi Dark which I had never seen before. Not too bad. Most of the service including the hostess were very friendly. Our server was pretty attentive but we got a bit of a rushed vibe from her at times.
(4)
Trang N.
I haven't been to Raw in a really long while, however I can say, from the several times that I have been there, it has been great! The decor is Asian Contemporary (is that a style? I guess it is now!) - they have a great outdoor courtyard adorn with big comfy chairs, dark wood accents, all that is missing is an olympic size pool! Tt was a great transformation and use of space, from the cold hard concrete box it use to be. I always order a piping hot bowl of the Miso, edamame, Avocado salad and Arina Roll (spicy tuna, avocado some spicy sauce) when I stop in, I had to request it as sometimes it does not appear on the menu, I actually recommended that it be a regular menu item. I don't know if that request made the cut. The specialty rolls, although pricey are really large! Spicy tuna tartare is always fresh with large chunks of tuna! The rainbow roll is another crowd pleaser, again, HUGE! Lobster Wasabi roll- is delish, your tummy will thank you. Spider Roll- great presentation- can't recall flavor The first time I came here and made the mistake of ordering too much! They have a great selection of sake, I highly recommend the milky sake (obviously not the official name, but they will know what you are talking about) I have heard that the kitchen is hit or miss with the traditional dishes on the menu, I can't speak to whether the chef's have honed in on their culinary technique yet, but I would stick to the sushi. I met the owner, Tony on my first visit and he always goes out of his way to say hi to me if I ever see him, even at Target of all places! The rest of the staff is a bit hit or miss, the guys seem friendler than the ladies, but I suppose if I were a guy writing this review- I would be singing a different tune. Definitely stop in there for happies! They usually have a great mixed cocktail and an assortment of rolls, shumai and dumplings for a fraction of the regular menu price! Try to score a table away from the bar, or you might end up eating with someone's rump in your face, it's some tight quarters when the house gets packed! Thumbs up!!
(4)
Meredith B.
Raw is great. I love the atmosphere and their specialty rolls are where its at. I will say I do not believe their restaurant week deal is worth it. We were there on (on and not for) restaurant week. For the price tag - you're better off getting what you want and ordering off there RW deal menu. Reservations are not necessary but I'd go ahead and make them if I were you.... better to be safe, right?
(4)
Christina G.
I don't understand what all the hype is about this place. It is set up like a byob but it is not. Set up is terrible. The two seat tables are so close together. I could hear everything that the two tables next to us were saying and it made it difficult to converse with my date. The music was also loud. Specialty rolls are over priced. You can get just as tasty special rolls in the city for $7-$9 less. Everything else falls in line. Service was decent and fish was all fresh. I suggest going to Umai in Fairmount for a better overall experience.
(3)
Wade G.
They have really good quality sushi here! I love the lunch bento box specials, althought they upped the price on them a little over the last couple of years :(
(4)
Lisa K.
After hearing about Raw's very hyped up specialty rolls for quite some time, my dining companion and I decided it was best to focus on what the restaurant did best. The rolls are pricey (about 20$ for 8 pieces) but they are also very extravagent. To be honest, they weren't as grandiose or as big as I imagined them to be, but they were still delicious and VERY filling. Here's what we ordered: TORIMY ROLL(spicy tuna and eel roll topped with torched squid. garnished with eel and spicy sauce) The torched squid was not too chewy and really complimented the roll by giving it a subtle smoky flavor TRIFENA ROLL (shrimp tempura roll topped with eel, avocado, and spicy tuna. garnished with eel sauce and spicy dressing ). I loveee shrimp tempura. who doesnt?! WHITE TIGER (white tuna and masago roll, topped with white tuna sashimi and spicy white tuna. seared for texture and garnished with scallions, red tobiko, eel sauce and cream sauce). Definitely the winner of the night. We ordered this after we were already stuffed and quickly devoured half of it before I realized I needed to take a picture. Personally, I find white tuna much more appetizing than regular tuna. It has a much less fishy after taste and the texture is also a lot smoother. Was food really worth that much? Probably not. The decor, ambiance and service also all try to be more than it actually is. And for a Friday night, the restaurant was nowhere near as packed as Starr's El Vez across the street. However, for someone looking for some delicious and high-end sushi in a nice atmosphere, you might as well check out this place one time or another.
(4)
Kaz H.
I went here with my friend for her birthday. Kick ass place. We had the boat of sushi. It was delicious. The overall atmosphere was really cool...
(4)
Tara W.
I ate here for dinner as a solo diner while in Philly on business. I ate at the bar and the two bar tenders were attentive and made sure I had a full water glass, etc. I enjoyed my sushi but I would not say that it was spectaular. I ordered the green river roll with "shrimp tempura and spicy tuna roll covered in green tea tempura flakes. topped with avocado, spicy lobster, green tea sauce and spicy sauce" and while it was good, it had too much going on. The lobster and the tuna were lost in all the sauces, toppings, and generous dose of rice.However, Raw Sushi is all about the specialty rolls pile high with accoutrements, so if that's you thing you will love the sushi here.
(3)
Chris Y.
After a few hours of drinking at Yakitori Boy, my group decided it wasn't quite finished and teleported over to Raw for some sake. I don't remember seeing, tasting, or reading about the food, but here's a brief slideshow of what I do recall from my one-time impression: 1) groovy atmosphere; 2) nice selection of sake (I haven't seen better in Philly...); and 3) expensive (but I didn't care). If I hadn't gone inebriated, I may have left the place a bit ticked. Unfortunately, at the time I was rather eager to spend any amount of money for some good sake. I guess I wouldn't consider going back unless I was really, really in the mood again...
(3)
J M.
I came here for my birthday and.. the crowd.. Ugh.. I don't want to start pouring out the Hater-ade so early in my reviews.. but let's just say I can't stand a New Jersey accent-- it just makes me cringe. So, unfortunately I have to subtract 1 star for the hostess seating us right next to an obnoxious middle-aged women squawking over her new Blackberry while I attempt to have a nice conversation with my boyfriend. As for the food, let's just say that it's forgettable. I remember more vividly the over processed hair of that middle-aged woman than I do the food I had that night. So I'm going to have to subtract an additional star for that fact. But.. from what I DO remember, it was OK. Just OK. I've had better, but you definitely get what you're paying for. I strongly suggest you head over to Morimoto or even better, hop in your car and head to New York. =D
(3)
Molly O.
Food...pretty pretty pretty good. Service? Piss Poor. Horrid Host who tried to make us share a table with two other people we didn't even know. When all parties refused, he huffed off. We were about to leave, then the manager got us a table. We should have just left. The waiter was decent but like the "Magic Man" (now you see him, now you don't) but this place is just trying too damn hard. Not everyone wants a NYC-Wannabe lounge to eat sushi in. Too bad, cause the food is fab. Unfortunately, the rudness of the people working there was so off-putting, I doubt I will ever go back. Too bad for me I guess.
(2)
Barney B.
So here we are - review #200 - and I am faced with the conundrum of dedicating it to an awesome dinner experience I had in Center City or a pathethic one. 100 people were asked "which would Barney choose?" "Pathetic!" "Survey says.....99" I can't tell you how legit sushi is here in the states compared to its origin - but I know that when I first got into sushi, maki rolls were simple light and fresh - and if I was lucky, had a nice little kick. but it seems like we have begun americanizing maki, because this is the second place in a row where they add so much shit to a roll that things just get busy. in this case, the rolls were topped with so much crap that if you were lucky enough to pick it up without it falling apart, there was no way it was all fitting in even my big fat Irish mouth. and have you ever tried to eat a piece of maki in two bites - it doesn't work in general, and it's a downright disaster if it's a maki roll that somewhat resembles Tammy Faye Bakker. and if you are going to make me work so hard, make it worth my while - but somehow this place managed to mix up so many textures and flavors and still elicit a 'Meh' after each bite. But the good news is - the sushi doesn't make you gain weight.... because my two mediocre rolls cost me $38, and I threw up when I got that bill. That's what happens when you trust the 'specials' menu. It was special, alright. I came here despite the less-than-stellar reviews from my fellow yelpers, but they all seemed to start with "we came here after drinking a lot of booze somewhere else..." that might explain why they rated it higher than I would - lucky bastards.
(1)
Anisha H.
I am totally surprized people do not like the sushi here!! Being a obsessive fan of sushi.....I can basically live on sushi...ok ok back to the restaurant :) This place was by far the best sushi place in the country!! the sushi is out of this world.... I have been there twice, once with a bunch of friends...and then once with my bestfriend....okk soo lets talk about the place...going with a big group is good, cause you get a boot and thats great!! going with just one other person...make sure you are on a date..the second time I went with my friend..we were stuck in the middle of a bunch of two seater tables...and on either side of us were people on dates...I dont know what the others though....but while all the girls were trying to look cute and eat really danti..me and my friend were chowing down the sushi..it was that good!!! I definately recommend it...its the best sushi place you can find in Philly! :)
(5)
Vivian H.
I came here with high expectations, since my boyfriend said "everyone" he knew thought it was the best sushi in town (even though I told him yelp only gave it 3.5 stars). In the future, I think I'll go with yelp reviews instead. The atmosphere in Raw is very chic and trendy, with ambient lighting and music which complement the place. They have an outdoor patio which is very nice in the summertime. Indoors was also ok, even though our table was so close to the ones next to us, we could hear their entire conversations. If you want a booth, I suggest you ask for it when making reservations. The appetizers and sushi were pretty good and tasted fresh. We had the spicy tuna tartare, which was yummy. We also ordered 3 rolls of sushi, including the special, the Drunken Tiger roll, which was really good. They also have an extensive, but pricey, sake list. -1 because they are a bit overpriced, and because we had to wait soooo loooong for our food to come out.
(4)
Ryan B.
Probably the best sushi lunch deal in the city. 14 bucks for a spicy tuna roll a cali roll, mini tuna tar tar, 2 goyza dumplings, miso soup, side of rice and a ginger salad. Not too shaby actually not shaby at all.
(4)
Kim G.
Don't ask me why I went to Philly to have raw food. Or why I went with a pregnant woman who couldn't eat any, but sat there with her california roll attempting to live vicariously through me and my $10 Oh-Toro, which was small and nowhere near giving me the Oh-face. It's trendy, it's got the red lantern theme and suede booths. Not really my style though. Someone told me I ordered wrong, that I should go with the platters or combos, but out of our 6 orders, shouldn't something stand out?
(3)
Meg C.
I went here for my birthday not too long ago. It was a superb meal, the best sushi I've had in Philly. I started with miso soup, nice and light. Then edamame and gyoza, both delicious. Then I had the sushi raw deluxe platter, which is about 15 pieces of assorted sushi. All of it was very fresh and beautifully crafted. It was the first time I had eel and I loved it. The waiter brought me some green tea ice cream and fried bananas for dessert. I had a massive quantity of food, all of it impressive. Nice interior as well.
(4)
Joseph K.
I wasn't going to visit Raw because of the mixed reviews on here, but my good friend has been really wanting to go. Then I attended a party where Raw was serving sushi--it was delicious so I consented to a visit. The atmosphere was pleasant, but we ate inside on one of the nicest nights of the year. The courtyard is a beautiful space, I hope I can eat there before the season ends. There was a DJ spinning some delightful music. The lighting and the interior was thoughtfully designed. It seems that people had have issues with the service. I found the staff to be attentive but not overpowering. Everything was delivered to our table within a reasonable amount of time. Our server was friendly and well-informed. The food was very good. The White Tiger special was sublime. The seaweed salad was impeccably prepared but served as a minuscule portion. My good friend loved his avocado salad. We will be back.
(4)
Cindy C.
I was immediately impressed by the restaurant's fancy ambiance and professional staff. However the sushi was mediocre for the price.
(2)
Matthew S.
We went for a birthday dinner with friends, and had a good time. The bar had some very tasty concoctions while we waited for a table. We ended up sitting by the outdoor bar at a table with low couches. Very fun. It was a bit chilly, but the heat lamps were going so we were all comfortable. Something went screwy with our order, and we ended up waiting a long time for our food; but the management was very helpful, and brought several rounds of sake & some appetizers for us gratis while we waited, which I thought was very well-done. The crowd for dinner was very yuppyish (go figure), and I was annoyed by other guests being snotty to the wait staff. They were *very* busy when we were there. The food was well above average, though I've had better for less $$$. I had the "red & white sashimi" platter. The yellowtail sashimi was especially good. They had lots of good menu choices. And their specials looked very yummy. All-in-all, it was a good experience. Though if I go back, I think it will be for lunch, not dinner.
(3)
Georgie S.
I've eaten at Raw a few times, mostly for lack of better options. Their apps are pretty decent, I really like the beef negimaki...but then again everything tastes better when it's swimming in butter! As far as the sushi goes, their rolls are way over the top. NOT in a good way! They have too much rice and they have like 20 different things in each roll. I don't know if it is to mask the fact that the fish may not be so fresh or what, but you can't taste the fish at all, just lots of sauce. My server suggested that I try the White Tiger roll which is three different preparations of white tuna. I feel like if a sushi place serves you a roll with three different preparations of a fish that is banned in Japan because it makes you sick, maybe this joint doesn't know their fish. Over all the service was good, a little pushy at the end of the meal because it was getting busy and they clearly needed the table. I don't think I'll be going back anytime soon.
(2)
RB B.
We popped in on a whim on a Monday night. Our experience was wonderful. Sushi was delicious, as fresh as can be. Nice selection of the usual and some other creative offerings. Service was attentive. The atmosphere is comfortable. I am looking forward to going back.
(5)
Antoine K.
I can't give yall all of my spots, but I will share a few. Some of the best SUSHI I have ever had, The house seafood fried rice is banging and so is the miso soup. Drinks are very fancy and the price is not that bad!
(4)
Anna Marie C.
so apparently back in the day the special rolls were about $10 instead of the $17-20 they now are. if i had lived in philly and known about this place then, perhaps my review would be more stellar. but yes, the sushi is really good. the fish is fresh (at least, when i went). i went late one night when the place was emptying out, so it was fairly quiet and nice. the booth can be comfortable, and the sake is quite tasty (but why is it that i get uber-drunk off of sake and then sober up waaay too quickly?) but...i'm just imagining my giant plate making its edge over onto the next table over--it's just that cramped. seriously? maybe i'll try it for takeout.
(3)
Carrie E.
If I were Carrie Bradshaw circa 2001 I would go nuts over this place. Alas, I am Carrie E. and this is Philly 2008, not NYC, so I'm a little more subdued. Great sushi, albeit a bit pricey, and an exceptional sake menu that just might be one of the best in the city. I echo the previous concerns about the plating; the dishes were just a bit too big for the tables and the whole sushi mojo was thrown off just a bit. And I wish they'd do away with the television in the dining room; it was majorly distracting. I was trying to concentrate on my husband but kept being lured away by George Clooney and Brad Pitt in "Oceans 11." Not cool. Love the bathroom sinks, though. I'm sure there's a lot of shenanigans to be had in the bathrooms. Too bad this distracts from the quality of food being served to the beautiful people upstairs...
(3)
Michael E.
It is not my new favorite sushi place. I was excited to try it because I had heard so many good things, but it felt too sceney and a little contrived. The bartender was very attentive to the group of single women next to us; not so attentive to my wife and I. The tables are jammed pretty close together so it felt more like a country buffet than an intimate dining experience...which brings me to something that really bothered me. The plating of the food was well done, but the size of the plates were out of proportion to the tables. Our neighbor's plates were almost on our table. I know that this criticism is pretty nitpicky, but the presentation of sushi and the detail of the food are just as important as the taste of the meal. The food was good and the combo rolls presented interesting tastes. I must add that their urinals are not for the pee-shy. I had the feeling that a sake-soaked salary man was going to step up next to me and sing some karaoke.
(3)
Alex C.
Very cool sushi/saki bar in downtown Philly. The sushi was very fresh and not outrageously priced. We went here on a Friday night and the hardest part was getting into the city from the 'burbs! The atmosphere was definitely very cool and trendy; a more legit version of a trendy sushi place than we can find in the suburbs (not mentioning any names Kooma). We were there in the February but in the summer they apparently have a courtyard that you must sit in. The food was great. The sushi tasted very fresh and it was very affordable for what I was expecting from the looks. Sapporo usually washes things down well also. I did not get a chance to try any of the Saki but the list looked very extensive so if you're a Saki-aficionado definitely try this place. The other cool thing is the bathroom, it's sorta unisex. The sinks are unisex but the actual toilets are separate so it makes for some funny looks when you are washing your hands and a girl walks down thinking she is in the wrong place.
(4)
Megan K.
Their specialty rolls are out of this world! i have to say, at this point my fav sushi spot. but that is always subject to change. the outside seating is just adorable. it almost feels like youre not in philly. i love the bar. we went with 9 of us. we tried many different dishes/rolls. everything was great. the only problem was the service was slow for getiing our cocktails. i hate to admit it, but we like to drink. and when all of us are together, the drinks go down pretty fast. it just seemed like everytime we put in a drink order, it was at least 10-15 minutes before the drinks got to the table. and when we wanted the check, the waiter disappeared for what seemed like forever. but shit happens. the presentation of the food was flawless, and the environment was perfect. sushi is outstanding. and, i never thought about it before, but what a cool place to go for cocktails outside. that i will investigate!
(4)
Karen F.
Raw was a lovely place to spend my "23rd" birthday. In fact, I may have to fly back to Philly *just* for the sushi here. It was melt-in-your-mouth yummy! I casually mentioned that it was my birthday (and coincidentally, it was the chef's birthday too), and they gave me banana and ice cream for dessert...on the house. Yay! Note: I *am* awesome, so I can't guarantee that they'll be hookin' everyone up with birf-day treats. Also, their bathroom is beautifully designed and hella clean. Schweet :D
(5)
Lindsay R.
I was immediately impressed by Raw's ambiance and beautifully decorated interior. The service was incredibly fast! The rolls I tried were good, but not amazing. The Binny Roll was the best of the variety and the cuts seemed very fresh. The Capital Roll and the Yellow tail were also good but not incredible. I would go back for a happy hour or to sit at the sushi bar, but am anxious to try some other Japanese restaurants in Center City.
(3)
Annabelle S.
I went to Raw when I was on a vacation last year. One thing I could not forget from this place was thier Miso soup. It was the best miso soup I have ever had. The food was okay. I don't know about you but to me it was too dark inside and the way to the restroom is kinda creepy. The restroom is very trendy and new. I love thier sink. If i go back to Philly, I definately go back to Raw again for thier miso soup.
(4)
Sook K.
Went here for my bday dinner. The ambiance was great and the sushi was good but like many other reviewers said...way too small. After the 5 of us left the 4 of my friends immediately went and got a slice from Lorenzo's. After paying a lot of money for dinner, this is totally unacceptable, even if the sushi was good. I will not go back here again.
(2)
Barbara P.
I was at Raw for the first time on New Years. While I can't comment on the food, I can say the decor was fabulous. As a bar goes, it's very trendy with sweet loungey couches and a hip design. As a restaurant, I don't know... I could see how it would feel more clubby than like a restaurant. I had free open bar (with my ticket) until midnight. After midnight, I was ordering drinks for my friends, and my Sapphire and tonic was $10, while a Goose and tonic was $15 -- in my opinion, a littttle up there. There must be outdoor seating during nice weather, because there was an outdoor area with a few tables. Curtains hang all around, so you feel as though you're inside even though you're outside -- a nice little getaway for the smokers of your group. Last but not least, I want to go back just for the bathroom. It's like a beautiful temple for meditation.. but you're uhh.. doing your business in there!! The toilets themselves weren't too clean, but I'm sure that had to do with the New Years debauchery.
(4)
Lori H.
A friend took us here while we were visiting Philly and OMG, best sushi I have ever had. Which was shocking to me, as I was not expecting that while in Philly! Anyway, short wait for a table, but perfect service and amazing sushi rolls. Highly recommend.
(5)
Kap N.
not only is the sushi almost as fresh as my favorite sushi place in the world [yoshi's grand cayman], but the sake and japanese beer selection is totally on point. definitely recommend this place for a nice date or quality time with friends.
(5)
Wei T.
I've only been here for a few drinks but I liked the place - very nice atmosphere and the outside bar is perfect for the summer. Looking forward to trying the food.
(3)
Gina R.
I just tried this sushi restaurant, and it was very good. The rolls and the sushi platter were very yummy. The Sweet Potato Tempura Roll was really really good. The selections on the menu were varied. The price was moderate, but for a good dinner and night out; it wasn't too bad. They had a good selection of beer and sake. The decor was really cool, and it was pretty cozy for a Monday night. I can imagine a good crowd being there on the weekends. Go here for a good Sushi dinner!!!
(4)
David Z.
I've been here at least 20 times over the past few years and have always been happy but tonight was a major disappointment. They used old shrimp temporary for my roll and the spicy tuna handroll was the ground up tuna. I always found the spicy tuna handrolls with whole pieces of tuna much better. Might have to find a new regular sushi place.
(3)
Yasmin E.
Gave it a 4/5 cause the food was 'just ok' (variety was good, although the portions were smaller here than at other sushi places in the city) but the ambiance was CUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUTE! this is definitely a dress up your jeans/wear a really cute dress kinda place. great for dates, ok for a group of friends. im always boring and get the same rolls, so i have no food recommendations for you. what i do know is that the seaweed salad my friend ordered was out of this world, so if you're bold, give it a shot :) It gets buuuusy on Fri night/wkends, so caveat to those of you who are particular about waiters being at your table every 5 minutes.....it won't happen on these nights cause of how crowded it gets.
(4)
Jacquelin K.
I balked at heading to Raw for the first time because I'd heard they're overpriced. But my friend and I had a very satisfying meal for under $50. If you have the money to spare, Do come here. Regularly. I get yellowtail and scallions at every sushi place I visit -- here you get 8 pieces for $8 and they are positively stuffed with the most nuanced yellowtail I've tasted to date. No silly sauce between you and this heavenly fish. THIS is where it's at, and so Raw gets my heart on principle. Despite lackluster service. I do like the modern decor in here, and the food, but sometimes folks get a little too excited to be here. I don't know what it is, but it can get crazy loud on the weekends. I also made the fatal error of coming here for City Sips at one point. Never do that. Ever. People were packing in like Godzilla was outside. Oh and visit the bathroom regardless of whether you have to go. Design at its best.
(3)
Karl M.
I love this place! Every roll I have gotten here has been fantastic. Their specials are fun and innovative and they have some classic rolls. The Spider Roll is to-die-for with soft shell crab tempura integrated into a regular avocado roll. Just enough crunch to make it perfect! I also enjoy the spicy tuna roll, and I get it at every sushi place I go to - they make it perfect here! The decor is cool, and the staff is extremely friendly and attentive. While the space suffers from a lack of width (some spaces are really hard to squeeze through), the staff is patient and people seem to manage - it is always packed! One issue - the DJ on the weekends plays a little too loudly - but I guess that is what you get when you have dinner at midnight! Lastly, the bathrooms are very cool, yet a little strange. The "urinal" is a big wall with water running down it. I couldn't tell if it was just a water fountain or not, but then I walked in and someone was peeing in it! I'm still not sure if it was a mistake! Check out Raw for delicious, bulky sushi and a fun crowd!
(4)
David H.
This is my first time visiting Philadelphia, and I thought I would go out for some sushi with co-workers. I spoke with the concierge at the Marriott and Raw was highly recommended, big mistake. The food was good, but the portions of sashimi were small, an even bigger issue to us was the horrendous service. We ate at the bar, the bartender seemed to be going out of her way to be rude, and the sashimi that we ordered took 30 minutes to get. This is unfortunate as the location and atmosphere are great. The bottom line is that if I was to go out for sushi in Philadelphia again, I would definitely find somewhere else to go.
(1)
Jeff H.
I've been to Raw for both lunch and dinner. Two very different experiences and atmospheres. Both were fantastic meals. My wife and I went there for a last minute dinner on a late Spring Saturday night and sat at the bar (there is a bar and a sushi bar that are connected - if you sit at the bar, sit at the non-sushi part of the bar with more room and easier drink access). We ordered some fantastic and creative sushi rolls, sensational sashimi, soup, sushi, a bunch of beers, and more fun rolls. We love it all. The lighting was perfectly dim, the music was very cool and loud enough to be "lounge-like" but not too loud to talk. The bar tender gave us great advice for my beers and the rolls. We had a fantastic dinner, we were not rushed, and we felt like we did very well for approximately $120. We would go back there in a minute over Morimoto. When I went there for lunch with a colleague of mine, we ordered a bunch of the things each of us liked best - whether it be sushi, sashimi, rolls, soup, salad, whatever. All was very good and fresh. For lunch, the service was fast, and the server was very helpful. The mood of the place is not at all like dinner. It is a great place to go for a business lunch as it is a bit expensive for just a lunch.
(5)
Kelly W.
For sushi in Philly, this is a reliable place for well-presented and interesting rolls. Their specials are hearty and filling. Dark Horse roll is a must! If the spicy rolls/tartare weren't so redundantly heavy with what tastes like Sriracha sauce, I'd be ecstatic about this place. The lounge feel is nice, music is a little above conversation level for my taste, but it's got a nice groove. I like the clean, asian-contemporary decor. If you want to learn more about sake, sit at the bar: I recommend trying the flight of sake, which the bartenders can tell you about. One last thing: If you go in the winter and don't have a reservation, don't check your coat immediately: it gets absolutely freezing in the entrance way from the door draft, despite the curtainly efforts. Great location, as you can stop into Capogiro for dessert!
(4)
Sandy R.
17 pc sashimi in the chirashi for $29. hell yeah. i love the fact that we were seated about 5 minutes after we got there...on a FRIDAY night. the squid was fantastic. the staff here are very friendly. i also love the outdoor seating (who cares if my friends were cold? haha). i was really excited that they had brooklyn pumpkin ale on tap, and the black honda was good too, it tasted like an alcoholic tropical skittle. the drinks did take a little while to get to our table, but the bar was pretty packed already when we got there. its pretty reasonable for the amount of sushi and the quality that you are getting, and honestly...if you don't have the money for it, then don't go out for sushi! don't go to a sushi place and order a california roll, its embarrassing.
(4)
Morgan R.
This restaurant was super-yummy! All of the vegetarian rolls were delicious and beautifully presented, but somewhat difficult to eat due to the presentation. The rolls are huge, you definitely get enough food for the money. I would certainly return here if I were back in the city.
(4)
Kelly S.
I went here recently for the City Sips happy hour deal (for those not in the know, every summer, about 30-40 bars in the city all have the same happy hour special on Wed. nights - $4 mixed drinks, $3 wine, $2 beer, and $1 appetizers, with some free parking meters and $1 garages in certain areas). I thought Raw was really cool inside - very dark (extremely low lighting), granite bar top, kind of a modern decor - not a kitschy sushi joint at all. It was also so wonderful to step inside this cool, air conditioned, dark place from the sunny, muggy, and disgustingly hot outdoors. It's like a cool, inviting cave. I was a little disappointed, though, that the hostess wouldn't seat my party at a table b/c we were there for the happy hour, especially since there wasn't much room at the bar. I had planned on getting dinner, too, but I didn't order any out of spite once we couldn't get a table. The bar has no stools, so I wasn't about to eat standing up while trying not to spill anything because of the crush of people trying to get to the bar. I was especially annoyed when I got into the bar/dining area and noticed that all of the other tables of people were only having happy hour drinks and not dinner, and there were several empty tables in the back. That aside, though, I had a nice time. The place became very crowded as the happy hour wore on. It wasn't part of City Sips last year, but I think it's probably one of the most popular places in that program this summer. The drinks were very good. They had fruit-infused sake and a sparkling cosmopolitan as the drink specials. I had both. I've had way better fruit-infused sake in my lifetime. It tasted too much like honeydew, but some of my friends liked it. The sparkling cosmo, however, was great (cosmo + champagne for $4 = drunk in 2 hours or less). The $1 appetizers were also very good, but TINY (last year, the City Sips program offered free appetizers, so it sucks that they changed that part, but for $1, you can still get some cool gourmet food). They had beef negimaki (2 tiny pieces), gyoza (2 tiny pieces), and california rolls (4 tiny pieces). I had the gyoza and california roll, and I liked both, but I had a very difficult time getting chopsticks from the ditzy bartender, who could not seem to get our orders straight until we told him what we wanted 4 times. I eventually wound up eating my appetizers with my fingers. Basically, the place was a zoo. We finally left when bus boys started pushing by us with stacks of chairs and basically giving us dirty looks that said, "Leave, you're in our way." I left there starving, since 2 $1 appetizers do not a dinner make, but I think that I would give the place another go for dinner. My friends and I were at the end of the bar near the sushi counter, and we watched amazing looking maki rolls pass by us for two hours, so it got me interested in trying their sushi. I would hope, however, that the service is better for dinner, so I'm reserving my judgment on this one. I'll probably update this review once I go there for an actual meal. I would recommend it for happy hour, though - just get there early so you can get a spot at the bar!
(3)
T.J. W.
Really terrific sushi. Served fresh and with great presentation, Raw has a pretty decent sized menu, and the chefs are always accommodating when it comes to tweaking rolls. It is a bit on the expensive side, but that is expected of a trendy Center-City restaurant. My only real gripe is that the service can be lacking at times, usually during the weekends when the place is packed. But even that is easily forgiveable, given the top of the line eats.
(4)
Jenn H. H.
Omigosh, why did I never eat here before? Probably because it looks a bit snooty from the outside, and I'm not one for snoot. Well jimminy christmas trees, the food here is good. Like seriously good. And the fish was mad fresh, like melt in your mouth fresh, just how raw sushi should be. We had some of the special rolls and they were little mouthfuls of heaven. And the drinks are strong and good too. And yes, it is a nicer place, but not really snooty. They have an outdoor patio area, which I had no idea existed! The service was just fine too. All in all, an amazing meal. Only 4 stars cuz well, it is a bit pricey for this frugal frannie. But other than that, no complaints!
(4)
Kate T.
This is a nice place to go to if you just want to hang out while enjoying good food. The decor is nice and the food is good. They opened up their terrace for outside seating during the summer months. I like their tempura rock shrimp, but mostly ordered the sushi and rolls. So far, I haven't had any bad food there yet. Just keep in mind that It might not be a good place to take someone for a first date though, since the tables are so close together and there's barely any privacy between you and other diners.
(4)
P L.
This is my first Philadelphia review since moving here a couple of months ago! I dined at Raw on New Years Eve. My bf picked the place because we've walked by it a couple of times and were always enticed with the look of the place. So, we thought why not. I read the yelp reviews a couple of hours before and was not very impressed but we decided to go ahead with it. We made reservations and were seated immediately. It's not a big place and seating was a little tight, but the coziness seemed to fit the mood of the night. We had the calamari salad, a sashimi place, and 2 rolls. I thought the food was pretty good. It wasn't the most amazing sushi I've had and just slightly better than the $2.50 a plate sushi place I ate when living in LA, but the ambiance gave it a deserving 3 star. The server we had was very good. She didn't come off as being very pleasant at first, but she ended up being great. She was very good at giving honest recommendations. We overheard her poo-poo a dish (sorry I can't remember what it was!) to the table next to us and gave them an alternate. She also put in a customized order for another table but rang it up as a generic roll so that it was cheaper for them. If you're looking for amazing sushi, this might not be your best pick, but if you're looking for a nice date place for good sushi then I would recommend this place.
(3)
Jeremy B.
There was nothing wrong with my experience, just not great? The restaurant itself is very cool, caught myself staring a bit and I was with a very beautful woman so it must be ...I digress. Dinner was good, we got a bunch of rolls and sashimi, awesome mochi. Would I go back, yeah. Is it choice #1, no way.
(3)
Carla K.
Raw is usually an overall great experience. I recommend the Crispy Calamari Salad! Everything has a nice fresh taste which is the most important factor when getting sushi. A little expensive but it seems worth it just because of the great atmosphere.
(4)
nicole h.
You absolutely must sit in their outside patio. The atmosphere is great. The sushi is beautifully presented and delish. The wasabi is grated fresh. The prices are middle of the line. The bathrooms are crazy weird! I go almost every time I'm in Philly.
(4)
Lauren H.
Came here with a friend on a whim for a quick drink while we waited for our table to be ready across the street at Lolita. I highly recommend the Marguerita Fall, made of tequila, sake, cointreau, and lime juice. The place has a nice, slick but welcoming ambiance - soft lighting and suede booths. Although we only stayed for a drink, we were pleasantly surprised at how friendly and accomodating both the hostess and the bartender were. Next time, I'll stay for an entire meal.
(4)
Jillian E.
I've always wanted to eat here but I always opt for the places I know has great sushi. Last night my date took me here which is definitely a nice place for a date. The decor was pretty and the set up for the narrow space of the restaurant was done well. There is a long bar that hugs the right wall when you walk in and there is a raised seating area towards the back that has a long and may I add, very comfortable, couch along the wall. The mirrors had to be one of my favorite touches. They put together hundreds of, I want to say, 3x3 inch mirrors into one large mirror along the back wall. They also have it downstairs in the restroom which I must say is pretty dope as well. The sink area is shared in the "lobby" area of the restrooms and the sinks are level, perhaps marble or granite slabs that have a slight incline that allows the water to go towards the back of the sink. One woman came out of the bathroom and let out a "what the hell" trying to figure it out, quite funny! There is also a spiral staircase that I did not find out where it lead to but it gave the restaurant a nice touch. Now for the food! I am a HUGE Sashimi fan and am VERY picky and I must say their fish was very fresh and definitely satisfied my cravings. Although the place is a bit pricey, but what Japanese restaurant isn't?, the food was good. My date ordered the special Valentine Roll and it was HUGE and packed with so much it was a bit overwhelming to look at! He enjoyed it and I had a few and I liked it as well. I only gave it 3 stars because 1 their Mochi Ice Cream was not defrosted enough and the dough was rough going down. And 2 it was my first visit. This is me being way to critical but hey that's what Yelp is all about, no? Our waitress was great, very nice and attentive and their host was adorable wearing a red bow tie and made sure I didn't forget my coat. All in all a satisfying dinner at Raw, the date went well which also made it an even better evening! I'll go back when I want to feel baller and spend that much money and also for the lounge it looks like a nice place to have a few drinks! OH YES! I forgot, one thing I found interesting? Perhaps that might be the only word for it, but Finding Nemo was playing on the flat panel TV by the spiral staircase...not sure what that was about...
(3)
Gary S.
For me Raw definitely is a half star candidate, but I would vote for 2 1/2 not 3 1/2. It is definitely a scene during cocktail time - crowded and very noisy. Lots of people into being "seen" and in turn checking out others. The outdoor lounge area is definitely very cool and the defining feature, weather permitting. Place seemed to overloaded with young 20-something women in skimpy little dresses (Young single guys - might want to check it out!). The food: just OK. Sushi was certainly good, but there are many better places for sushi. I would rank Haru better on food, while also having a hipsterish nightlife vibe. But if you are looking for a sleek Center City nightlife scene to go with your Sushi you could do a lot worse than Raw.
(3)
Ben H.
Perfect example of a restaurant failing miserably at trying to be overly trendy. We sat and ate in what looked like an alley in between two buildings. While the deep fried sushi roll was cool, it didn't taste all that great. Come to think of it, nothing tasted all that great. You wouldn't have known that by the bill though. That said, you definitely don't get what you pay for. New trend needed - food that tastes good. Fire the hippie minimalist decorator and hire a chef.
(2)
Patty T.
So I went here for NYE and LOVED it.. I wanted a fun place to relax and dance with a few good friends. This was perfect! I got a VIP table which was great because we sat up a little higher than the bar area and had a mini stage. The sushi was awesome and the waitress was AMAZING... so attentive. I had told her I was allergic to crustaceans and she was super accommodating about it (I have had problems with places mixing in the passed). LOVE IT.. the outside bar area was awesome too.. it is like a mini oasis.
(5)
Rupal P.
I LOVE LOVE this place! I'm usually not a big fan of Japanese food, but after eating at Raw, I've become a fan. My most fav. is their lunch specials such as the veggie binto box and the veggie tempora and rolls!
(5)
Anna M.
Sushi is okay, but nothing special. way overpriced for the quality.
(2)
Timothy O.
Mediocre, at best. California roll was ok, spicy tuna roll was mushy and neither fresh nor flavorful, beer was lukewarm. Service didn't really save the experience. Methinks there must be better in this city, will keep looking...
(2)
John N.
I've been to Raw a couple times, and each visit has been pretty consistent. The service is ok, and the selection isn't the best. Their sushi isn't bad or anything...ok maybe I've been spoiled by Morimoto, but it just wasn't as fresh as the others. Sushi is apparently a very delicate art, so I am sure subtle differences make certain sushi restaurants more palatable than others. I never protest when my friends want to go to Raw, but if I had to choose, it wouldn't be in my top picks.
(3)
Mangala M.
This place serves outstanding sushi. My only complaint is some of their sushi specials are HUGE (size of the sushi, not the serving)! Everything is priced moderately well. The drinks were OK, not really too strong. Overall it was a great restaurant and we really enjoyed ourselves!
(4)
Pong C.
The best part of my experience was using the bathroom and peeing on a waterfall wall... so with that in mind .... Went with a group of 6 for restaurant week (nice place to take a group as there's plenty of group seating in the restaurant). Had the salmon & cream cheese springroll to start. Nice portion (2 rolls). It was appetizing, but nothing special. Follow that with the dejavu roll (asparagus tempura + salmon + yellowtail with wasabi crunchy stuff) which I think was probably good at the time, but not so memorable since I don't really remember it much. Lastly, for dessert, which was pretty much an afterthought for the kitchen (since the other choice was fruit cocktail), I had some ice cream thing... it was pretty boring. Service was good. Food was just fine. For a restaurant week outing, it really lacked value and thus I left pretty kinda disappointed.
(3)
anthony r.
Good sushi all around. The space is pretty cool. The outdoor seating is actual outdoor seating! Some places put 1 crumby table in an alley and call it a patio but Raw's outdoor space is big yet chill (perhaps cuz we went at an off peak time). They serve hitachino beer which is a plus. Girls loved their bubbly cocktail. I'd go back.
(4)
Celisa C.
i like the ambiance and the decor. the sashami was on point but it's expensive for no reason i guess. tryna make themselves 'high-class' but it's just not worth the price.
(3)
johnny b.
Favorite sushi spot in philadelphia. Tough to compete with new york or LA but better than anywhere I've been in chicago so far
(4)
Rebecca S.
i love food. i love sushi even more! i don't think i could date anyone who didn't eat sushi! i had the lady dragon drink and the green river roll and it was alllll that i wanted. my favorite sushi has to have crunch and spice and this specialty roll did just that for me! the only negative (and the reason for four stars instead of five) is the price. $21.00 for a roll?? com'on people! lunch for two was $87.00. but i enjoyed every bit of it. the place is uber clean and my waiter was pretty sexy! they close at 2:15 after the lunch rush...not sure when they open up again.
(4)
Mihir P.
I was disappointed with the food but very impressed with the service. The beef negamaki was pretty standard as was the soft shell crab tempura. How ever the spicy crunchy tuna rolls were just sad. Not spicy or crunchy. Tuna was a tad dry and flavorless and the sushi rice was undercooked and seemed to be missing the rice vinegar. I ordered a margarita which was just OK. I was very impressed that our waiter noticed I was not drinking it and asked me if there was a problem with it. He got me a new drink which wasn't much better but I was too impressed with the waiter's powers of observation to care.
(2)
Joseph L.
Where oh where to begin.. This is probably one of the more recent reviews of Raw Lounge. I have been here twice and neither time left a wonderful rosy impression upon me. Food: I do have to admit that this is pretty decent sushi. The first time I went, my fiancee and I agreed that this was probably in our top 5 as far as quality. Osaka in Chestnut hill is better in our opinion. Raw's food isnt bad at all, but it wont be a transcendental experience by any means. Service: Downright horrible. This place is trying so hard to be trendy that they have ignored fundamental people and service skills. The first time we went, we were at least seated promptly, however the waitstaff was incredibly slow and essentially nonexistent. I was halfway considering canceling my order, paying for our drinks and leaving. But after our food arrived all was good until we attempted to get validation for parking in the lot next door. The hostess gave us a 20 minute run around back and forth between the parking lot and the restaurant before finally admitting that they were out of vouchers. Why didn't they tell us upfront? Is it necessary to deceive your customers that way? The second time we went, we didn't even eat. We were so angry that we left. We were a little late arriving for our reserved table so they gave it away. No big deal, I can understand that. We were told to wait at the bar for a table that would open up within the next 5 minutes. Quite some time went by and when I asked the hostess what the situation was with tables, I get a blank look, a mumbled answer and she walks away. At the bar, the bartender is very snotty with us even though we ordered drinks directly from him and tipped him. No fancy drinks that require extra prep, just beers. As we are being led to our table, he makes a very condescending remark to my fiancee. We bring this to the attention of the owner who says he will speak to the bartender, but the damage was already done. My fiancee was angry and hurt and we left. To be fair, the owner attempted to comp us for our beers however we had already paid. We had three people in our group. I was prepared to drop at least $150+ for dinner, but I didnt think the food would have mitigated the rudeness of the staff. I dont think I will be back anytime soon, nor will any of my friends and coworkers (Isn't it nice how quickly word gets around?) The decor is nice, the food is good, but the way the staff treats customers is simply horrible. Why would anyone put up with such egregious treatment from these people?
(2)
lena n.
3 words = expensive ass sushi. if you can afford it, then go ahead. the wait? oh god, forever!!! would i recommend it? hell no! yakitori is 5 mins away. parking? hard as hell too. quality? eh, yakitoris better. lol and its small as hell so thats why the wait is forever.
(3)
Asia T.
I've been here three or four times. The service is pretty good but my last time there the sushi left a lot to be desired. Their tempora was horrible and the yellow tail fatty. I don't think I'll return again. It was great when it first opened, but it's gone downhill since.
(3)
Diana S.
Food is good but they have the dumbest hostess. They have no idea how to do their job and serious attitude problems. Stay away!
(1)
Erin P.
a group of 7 friends and i had a reservation for dinner in their courtyard. (fantastic dining area - i couldn't imagine sitting in the cramped indoor dining room) the experience was awesome! our server, chris, was helpful and attentive. the food was great - the sushi, special rolls, and beef teriyaki that we shared were flavorful, fresh, and really tasty. it is a bit on the pricey side, but it's worth it. i'll definitely be going back.
(4)
Kat J.
Perhaps I need to give it another go but I was really not impressed. They are extremely over priced too... Just went there with my coworkers for dinner. We are here for a trade show and wanted to get some food near the Marriott downtown. We stumbled upon this place while walking around. The decor was decent and the staff was nice, but the fish was very expensive and I usually eat my sushi in San Francisco. Your order sushi by the piece...yes, one piece...I know Morimoto does that and I've been to a couple other overpriced sushi restaurants that also do that. However, the sushi we got wasn't outstanding or anything. I tried a piece of the Spicy Scallop but the spices were overpowering and I am not even able to comment on the scallop taste itself. Perhaps I just got a bad bite... I ordered the garden salad which came with about 20 leaves of mixed greens, two tiny cherry tomatoes sliced in half and three slices of cucumber with some dressing on top. It was served on a big flat plate and I could see the plate through the salad - it looked pathetic. It would have looked much more substantial served in a smaller bowl. I also had one of their special mixed drinks - sake and mango puree served on the rocks. It was ok. So I can't say I hated it but it wasn't anything to write home about. And since it was so darn expensive, I'm not tempted to go back again. If I do, I'll be sure to post an update.
(3)
Andrew M.
Gourmet weirdo rolls are not my favorite kind of sushi, but they are really well done in a great atmosphere at Raw. For some reason, as in all gourmet weirdo rolls, the pieces are the size of your face. Can you fit your face inside your mouth? That would be challenging, given that your mouth is contained within your face.
(5)
J P.
Came here with some outta town friends. Got seated right away. Got fed right away. They messed up an order and gave me shit about it. I didn't care that much though, as the sushi was pretty tops. I really couldn't complain. I would say, this place is kitchy. And a little bit over rated. But still good. Bring some extra $$ if you want to drink. Expensive.
(3)
Toni V.
So the one time I ever went to this place was when I was a little tipsy and a friend and I just wanted to do some sake tasting... overpriced. I love sake. My friend works in a sake bar in nyc - authentic, underground joint in the east village (check out Decibel in nyc when you get a chance) but yes, Raw's selection of sake is definitely priced more than it should and the selection is pretty sparse. It was empty when we went on a Friday night. Maybe everyone went to Yakitori boy instead.
(2)
pearl l.
i have been wanting to try raw for awhile and finally got treated to a splendid lunch here. this place is tucked away and offers a serene calming environment. the decor is quite nice and there are big roomy booths for people to sit, chat and relax. the staff was helpful and friendly. i was here for my bday lunch and it was a weekday and was not crowded with the usual center city crowd. i particularly enjoyed sipping my miso soup while listening to old skool rap and krunkin. no lie. i kid you not! it wasn't blaring, but needless to say it was kind of amusing to be eating the delicate pieces of sushi while DMX is rapping. "X gonna give it to 'ya" "can you pass the wasabi?" not a good mashup... the lunch box specials have a lot of food and come with soup and/or salad. this place is pricier than shiroi hana (which is total yums), but totally less crowded and has that LA hip lounge feel. i got the tuna combo platter. the fish was fresh and everything was presented well. the waitress was told it was my bday and they brought out fried bananas for us all topped with honey and green tea ice cream on the house! i felt that was quite a nice gesture and i am one girl who never says no to dessert! the lunch combos and lunch boxes are the better deal since they give you a great deal of food, especially with the soup and salad. i wish you can pick and choose your choice of sushi, but they have quite a variety of lunchbox/combos. oh, the dessert they gave me thumbs up and i am not just saying that since it was on the haus! :)
(5)
Ben K.
Raw is really a great time. Cool loungey feel, and great food. The crispy spring rolls are always delicious as is the spicy crunchy tuna and my favorite, Spider Roll (soft shell crab tempura). The fish is always very fresh, the chefs are fast and the staff is very helpful. It's slightly less expensive than Haru so I'll typically go here to curb a sushi craving when my wallet is feeling light.
(4)
Stephanie H.
So no one told me that sushi can actually melt in your mouth but that's exactly what happened when I went to Raw this past Saturday. Amidst the craziness of Arts Fest, Raw was a cool (figuratively and literally) haven from the crowds and delivered a delicious meal and tasty wine. Our meals were nothing over the top as we just wanted a snack but I got a California Roll and the boyfriend got an Eel roll. Both of us agreed that the ingredients were so fresh and delicious it may have been the best sushi we've had. The ambiance is very sultry and plush. My aching body enjoyed the padded velvety bar stools that Raw offered after running around Arts Fest and a Phillies game. The bartenders were very nice and accommodating making sure we had water refills and bountiful amounts of ginger with our sushi (I can't get enough ginger). I am looking forward to returning again to sit outside in the outdoor area. I didn't realize there was an outdoor area until I had already been seated at the bar and served my wine but that is a definite for next time! This wasn't the cheapest place I've gotten sushi, but well worth the money for the taste and ambiance.
(4)
Sunaena C.
I've been here about 4 or 5 times in 2006-2007 and I had a blast each time. Their food and service was always exceptional.
(4)
Lauren H.
My boyfriend and I went here for our anniversary, and honestly, we would have had a better experience if we had gone to my favorite restaurant, Toyko 1613 (1613 Walnut St.). The decor at Raw is very nice, but the hood ends there. Except for their miso soup which was absolutely delicious, dark, and savory. The sushi was not good. On par with mall sushi. Seriously. The space is cramped, and we were sitting elbow to elbow with other patrons... Hardly the romantic, intimate atmosphere we were hoping to share on our special night. The green salad's dressing is completely inferior to toyko's. I ordered the shrimp tempura roll, and it was so bland. The presentation was non-existent. The rolls were just stacked on a plain white plate, with wasabi and ginger in sad little balls on the edge. The tempura was not crispy, or hot, which screams pre-made to me. My boyfriend's sweet potato tempura was DISGUSTING... it was cold, and again, not crispy or hot. My boyfriend expressed his dislike to the waitress, and was just told "Oh, I'm sorry". No attempts to remedy the situation were made, and she avoided us for the rest of our dinner, instead sending another waitress to clear empty plates, refill our water, etc. We decided to skip the main entree altogether and left. Very disappointing. I will not return. If you want fresh, beautifully presented food, and want some ELBOW room... go to Tokyo on 16th and Walnut. It won't break the bank, and the sushi is the best I've ever had .
(2)
Amanda M.
I loved the food that i ate here, i also liked the atmosphere,it was very hip and modern.. the only thing is if you are looking to be on a one on one romantic date this is not the place for you because you are crammed into your seating next to random people that you don't know,and it can be a little tight.Otherwise, it was fantastic.
(4)
Ngan H.
This place really has good food. The staff also works really hard in order to make the customer's experience well worth their time. I should know. I worked there for a brief amount of time. If you're going to try anything in the restaurant you have to go for the sushi specials. They are a little price-y but definitely worth the money. My favorite was the bellacucino roll or the wasabi lobster roll. They make some really good sushi there and the specialty rolls are definitely the way to go.
(4)
Miriam H.
If you want a trendy place with good drinks and a good vibe, this is definitely the place to go. Although the sushi was fresh, it is way overpriced and definitely NOT the best sushi in Philadelphia.
(3)
Sally f.
wow. fab service. fab food. just amazing. i had to close my eyes when eating the sushi so i could focus on just the taste! i want to go back in the summer so i can eat outside on the beautiful patio!!!
(5)
Leen L.
My boyfriend and I were celebrating our anniversary and decided to go to RAW since we both love sushi. Boy does this place NOT live up to the hype. After walking into the door we were informed that it would be 45 min until a table was ready. Ok we were fine that so we waited by the bar with some drinks. Since we were starving we decided to order the tuna tartar which was mediocre at best and looked like cat food. (Lowe's was MUCH better considering it was 1/4th the price at happy hour) The bartender was great though and made sure we had our drinks and our waters filled. We were finally seated at a table and could not even read the menu because the lighting was so dim. I had to hold the menu literally in front of my face. Finally we ordered, hoping the the meal would be better but it was only lackluster at best. Service was godawful that night. I almost fell asleep in my food with how much time we had to wait for the waitress to come and pack my food (got to the point in which I am not even hungry anymore) . Tired of waiting and nearly 2 an a half hours into the dinner, I flagged down the hostess instead to pack my food. The layout of the place was weird with the bar too wide and not enough walking area. The seating arrangement of the tables meant that you can hear everything that your neighbors were discussing. Talk about NOT romantic. We left a tip only because we felt bad for the waitress who looked young and probably had to pay for college. All in all disappointing first experience and if you want to stuff your face full of FRESH sushi I recommend Makiman who has plenty of afforable groupons WITH speedy service. Or if it is a fancy occasion and you want mouthwatering, Fat Salmon never disappoints. I will never visit RAW again. Next time I want to spend THAT much money on sushi I would probably visit Morimoto or Fat Salmon.
(1)
Bernard L.
dined with a group of nine out in the terrace. the ambiance was fantastic, and the heated lamps provided warmth on a chilly fall night. but the sushi was ok. enjoyed the darkhorse roll with eel that was lightly fried tempura style along with two piece of toro.
(3)
Dave W.
Had a great time here due to the company and due to copious amounts of sake and beer and due to good not great food..its not particularly noteworthy in any way, aside from having a large sake selection for a philly spot. The sushi is good. Nothing extraordinary. They had no toro during my visit. I had a few pieces of a la carte sushi which were fresh and good, some shumai, and a few rolls. Good stuff, nice atmosphere inside. I hear the outdoor space is nice, but I cant speak to that as we ate inside. Service was good too. If someone asked me if I wanted to go to haru or raw, I would choose raw.
(4)
Jaime V.
This place has great decor and really good food including sake, however the service is really bad. They arent very attentive and the hostess was rude.
(4)
Lindsey R.
Raw is usually an overall great experience. I recommend the Crispy Calamari Salad! Perfect Sweetness and Spicey to Leave you wanting more. Everything has a nice fresh taste which is the most important factor when getting sushi. It tends to be a little pricey which prevents me from giving that 5th star. But Raw is a must try for sushi.
(4)
Melissa G.
I went here last weekend for my birthday and it was fantastic! We had reservations for twelve but they were more than accommodating when we added two more people to our party. We started out with edamame, shrimp dumplings and wasabi dumplings which were all very tasty. I split the raw sushi and sushimi platter with several people. We all agreed it was very fresh and delicious! Two of my friends do not like sushi and they ordered terriyaki chicken which they enjoyed. I also was impressed how the owner came over several times to make sure we were all satisfied. He took several drink orders, provided my friend with silverware and even got us chairs for our two extra guests. The decor of the restaurant is very swanky but fun. Oh and I almost forgot the drinks! They have a very extensive Saki bar which several of my friends enjoyed. I ordered a pink bubbly which was delicious and not to sweet. They also offer a handful of Japanese beers to my boyfriends delight. I do recommend making reservations on weekends as they were packed!! I personally cant wait to return!
(4)
Michael G.
My fav sushi place in Philly area... Check out the mens room.. Crazy..
(5)
J B.
I went to this place last night. I loved the vegetarian sushi I got [the vegetable roll and the sweet potato tempura roll] and was pleased that they had a good selection of vegetarian sushi options. I felt comfortable there and liked the decor. I hope to get back there soon or order out.
(4)
Dan M.
Went here tonight for valentines day. To be fair we did not have reservations but that should not excuse service - and we were there by 6:15. My wife and and I eat Sushi every weekend and frequently come into the city to try different restaurants. Where do I begin with our horrible experience here. The hostess rudely pointed out we did not have reservations and we would need to eat at the bar (no big deal for sure...) - but there were 3 open tables right beside us. 1 of the tables did not fill until we were 3/4 through our meal and another was open the entire time!!! I even asked twice if we could move to a table and was told by two separate people - very rudely - the tables are all reserved. The staff was extremely rude and seemed to cop an attitude with everyone they came in contact with. The sushi was good but certainly nothing extraordinary. ...and it was on the expensive side. It took us nearly 40 minutes to get our sushi. We were actually set to order more and another drink but when I asked the waitress how long it would be to order some more sushi - her reply was "I have no idea". Nothing like 'I'm sorry, or let me check - but with a total huff and attitude - she basically told us to buzz off". I'm fine with a place that is hot and busy but when a place cops an attitude and is rude - its no excuse. After 25 yrs of being married, I have never left dinner without leaving a tip - tonight was my first. I am a generous tipper - even if I have bad service if its from the staff being overwhelmed by a busy night. This place was not overwhelmed. This place is so far from being one of Philly's hot restaurants - it in NO WAY deserves to cop an attitude - which by the way - I have NEVER received such an attitude at any of Philly's restaurants - hot or not. I will never go back!
(1)
Joey M.
Raw sushi came highly recommended by a friend and so I felt obligated to try it! When you enter, you walk into a sort of antechamber that is separated from the rest of the restaurant by a curtain. It is set up sort of railroad style with the sushi bar immediately to the right upon walking through the curtain and tables to the left. This opens up as you head further into the restaurant. The bathrooms are located downstairs. I started with green tea which was perfect given the chilly weather outside. It was just the right strength (right in the middle). I requested sweet n lo to be served with the tea but that didn't come as the tea was served but several minutes after and the tea had gotten less warm. Thankfully the green tea was bottomless so that I was able to refresh it while I had my sweet fix. The menu was very typical of a typical sushi restaurant. I did not notice anything overly creative that caught my attention. I ordered the miso soup (which apparently I've taken a liking to in recent months), a tuna avocado roll and a sweet potato roll. The soup was very good and standard fare. The tuna roll was super fresh with large pieces of tuna inside. As for the sweet potato roll...Typically this comes tempura style but I requested it to come only steamed/boiled. Generally this roll acts as a kind of dessert for me. I was unfortunately disappointed. The sweet potato lacked any sweetness and was a bit too firm. I have ordered this (without tempura) at other venues and did not have this problem so I don't hesitate to state my disappointment. While I enjoy the ambiance of the restaurant I am not sure that I would be willing to spend the money here again. I would likely try another venue. FYI: If you're interested in checking this place out they will be part of restaurant week at the end of January 2015
(4)
Alisa A.
Great sushi and their outdoor area is really great for happy hours. When SIPS is happening it gets really packed but it's really worth it. It's also good for groups or date night.
(4)
Lori H.
I don't know why Raw's aggregate is so low. I've always enjoyed dining here. Service, ambiance and food have been great every time. Nice sake selection. Helpful staff.
(5)
Kelsey W.
I was in Philly for a fun night out with friends and we came here first for dinner. There were 7 of us and since it was pretty busy, we opted to sit in the outdoor lounge area. It had ample room and comfy couch-like seating, however the table was as low as the couches therefore making it a little difficult to eat when the food arrived. I tried one of their specials, kampachi, as well as a yellowtail roll and rainbow roll. The fish was fresh and delicious, the presentation was great and the service was friendly and prompt! The ambience of the outdoor lounge was also really relaxing and chic. I just wish the seating was more comfortable without me having to worry about spilling soy sauce on my white pants! When I'm back in central Philly I will make sure to return!
(4)
Kelly C.
great spot for lunch! we come here occasionally when we're in the sushi mood. restaurant week menu didn't appeal to us so we stuck to the regular lunch menu~ IMO, the finest deals are the lunch boxes (bento)! it serves a great variety (and not to mentioned a well balanced meal lol) like veggie tempura, tuna tartare, salad AND it comes with a sushi roll! the portions are pretty big-- i always have left overs to take back with me. my favorite part is the mini tuna tartare! it's well seasoned minced fish packed in this little patty form served with some spicy mayo on top~ it looks delicious and it IS delicious lol we like to order the rock shrimp to start~ it's served with 3 dipping sauces: wasabi mayo, sweet chili and their bbq sauce. the tempura shrimps are like popcorn sized, nom-able in one bite! it's perfectly fried~ super crispy on the outside and piping hot and not overcooked on the inside, which can be a major challenge for some joints. the portion is great for sharing with a table of 4. sooo many shrimps in one order! this place is slightly pricier for your everyday lunch~ but def a go-to when we're looking to get a hearty meal!
(4)
Sarah A.
Very nice lunch specials at RAW: spicy rolls featured one salmon and one spicy tuna roll along with miso soup and a salad. The space is very pretty: tucked away in a mostly unsightly strip of Sansom Street. Next time I'll have to sit outdoors.
(4)
Lina S.
The sushi here is fan-friggin-tastic. It is consistently fresh and expertly cut. I've been coming here regularly for years and it just does not disappoint. I've heard so-so reviews from acquaintances that went during restaurant week, but anyone who eats out often enough knows that you can't judge by that week. The lunch special is an incredible deal. The ladies behind the bars are sweethearts. And not in that obnoxious over-friendly Applebee's type way, but that chill friendly way. And the head sushi chef.... Uhm Sushi genius. He churns out specials that rival a certain five star joint in the city. If I ever leave the city, I would absolutely make the drive in just to go.
(5)
Peter G.
Bad service, bland food. Made us wait over an hour to sit us down. Brought wrong dishes to table.
(1)
Eunni C.
I thought sashimi was ok but I did enjoy their spicy sashimi salad. Owner must be Korean or at least has staff who is Korean. They make kick ass spicy go-chu-jang sauce for sashimi salad. And I tried to copy it at home for other dish I cooked and I was terribly failed. I thought just mix sugar and sesame oil with go-chi-Jang but it wasn't same. I must go back there to find out.
(4)
Sara D.
Great sushi place! My boyfriend and I went for Valentine's day and had an excellent dinner. We're used to ordering several rolls, and we did not anticipate how large the rolls would be (they're pretty large). Everything was delicious. Neither of us tried sake before, and the waiter was very helpful with suggestions. I decided I am not a sake fan, but I was happy to give it a try. Beyond the food, the restaurant has a fun atmosphere! I highly recommend this restaurant.
(4)
Max H.
I went to Raw with a friend some recent Friday night. The atmosphere is very intentionally contemporary. We had a reservation for 7:30 but ended up waiting some time after that before we were seated. The waiting vestibule is mucho swanky. My friend ordered the sushi regular platter. It was a beautiful plate of mixed sushi and one California roll. Delicious. I ordered the white tiger roll. The fish was awesome quality and tasted very fresh. However, the sizing of my roll was all out of wack. I have never had sushi cut into such large pieces before. If you have a smaller mouth like me, be wary of these special rolls as you may find yourself with a real mouthful *hah* Good wine selection, fair prices for center city. I would go again, but not without exploring some other sushi options first.
(3)
John T.
Went there with a party of four with no reservation around 6pm on Friday. Got the table right away. The atmosphere is chill. The service was great! Looks very modern. The food was great as well. Would recommend it and come back again. The lighting was too dim for my preferences. Otherwise, great place to dine and hang out.
(4)
Alex V.
Teriyaki shrimp was my choice for dinner. The flavors were great. Good menu choice and service too! I would go back there!
(4)
Anna B.
I came here for my brothers birthday, and I have to say some of the stuff are hits or misses. We ordered the seaweed salad, the udon noodle soup, the raw sushi & sashimi deluxe, the spicy tuna with eel roll, and the torimy roll. The seaweed salad was good but a little too slimy for me. The udon noodle soup was average, nothing special. The sushi sashimi deluxe was something i was VERY disappointed with. The deluxe came out on a small platter, barely big enough for 4 ppl. And it was VERY over priced for the portion of the meal. We had to order more because it just wasnt enough. The sashimi was also just average. Wasnt super fresh/ melt in your mouth status. The sushi rolls on the otherhand are the reason why I give this place 4 stars. If you like torched squid, I would HIGHLY recommend the torimy roll. I could not get enough of the texture, taste, everything!! I would go again but ONLY for the sushi rolls, wouldt recommend coming here for sashimi.
(4)
Graham M.
Probably my favorite sushi spot in Center City. The set up is great. The food is amazing. I try and make it here once a month if I'm in the Center City area
(5)
Michael F.
Looking for a nice meal a bit later in the evening, JJ and I found our way to Raw. We'd heard good things, but didn't come in with huge expectations as we were both hungry. Honestly, the tone of our experience was set once seated. We were greeted and given menus, then had to wait at least 10 minutes before we saw the waiter again. That might have been acceptable in a crowded restaurant, but not in one with nearly every other table empty and most people finishing their meals. Once we ordered, the poor service continued without attempts to make us feel even somewhat welcomed. I'm sure the evening (and Raw) could have been saved had the food just blown us away. Instead four nasty gyozas, a few average rolls, and some bad soba did nothing but add to the regret that we chose this place. Since we don't like wasting food, we took leftovers to go. However, the server just threw them in a bag, so of course the soba leaked all over the bag, causing our poor experience to extend beyond the restaurant!
(2)
Jessie H.
We came here around 9 on a sat, didn't make reservations but we got seated pretty quickly. I got the spicy sashimi salad and salmon avocado roll. The wait was a little long for the food to come out. The spicy sashimi salad was pretty good, decent amount of sashimi and it comes with the korean hot sauce as the dressing. The salmon avocado roll was pretty good, 7 pieces with decent sized salmon. Total was like 20 bucks, so kind of pricey. The sushi was really fresh though so I'd come back.
We had a great dinner -- at Charlie Was A Sinner, a vegan place about a block away -- after having spent some 20 minutes without ever having a waiter to bother to speak with us and watching other tables, seated after us, not only giving orders but receiving drinks. Perhaps we're not the kind of trendy folks they prefer to serve, or something. Whatever. And we had reservations.
(1)
Steph R.
Just ate there for me and my boyfriends 3 yr anniversary. Awesome outside seating area, food and service. If you're struggling to find a place to eat, choose here!
(5)
Justine J.
Do not recommend. Two stars overall. (I factored in ambience) Probably one star for Japanese cuisine. It's a nice place. It's misleading though. The prices all seem reasonable, but the portions and taste is quite a disappointment. The gyozas are the top two worst gyozas I have ever had. It's grease filled for being pan fried and four dinky pieces for $7 bucks - NOT worth a single cent. The spider roll was pretty bad too. It was just rice and lettuce and avocado - 5 pieces of that for $10. First spider roll I have had that no eel sauce or any house made condiments for that matter. My plain soba was pretty bad too. Buckwheat soba noodles with watered down soba sauce you can find at pretty much Asian grocery store. If you want soba, go to Chinatown and get a huge pack of soba (imported from Japan) and soba sauce for less than $10 and make it in your own. It'll taste much better. I understand labor factors into costs, but no one should have to pay for crappy labor. The service was so bad. He doesn't refill water. He asks MF when he was walking back to our table from the bathroom if he wanted to pay the bill. I heard from afar. 1. What if I wanted something else? 2. What if I was paying becausr it was his birthday? I have never had a server that didn't ask the table, "would you like anything else?" Or anything of that nature until this person. He did it to the sane thing to the table next to us too. Doggie bag: please bring my soup shit back right side up. The oaf brought it back with the bowl flipped over and broth started leaking out. Downstairs women's bathroom? Gross. Crumbles tolilet papers in the stalls, people not flushing, and not to mention, it smells like stale urine. I've been to night clubs and rest stop restrooms cleaner than this place. They for sure aren't as fancy, but they don't smell putrid and the stalls aren't riddled with tissues crusted of human excrement. I don't really regret giving this place a try, but I know I probably will regret going back. It's one if those things where it's okay to make mistakes, it's when you don't learn from them is when you're a fool.
(2)
David P.
Went to a party in their hidden outdoor space. Hard to find outdoor spaces in Philly. You walk through a doorway between buildings, and the space opens up in the middle of the block. Great vibe. The sushi was pretty good, with interesting drink specials.
(4)
Jess D.
Raw has an awesome patio that I like to frequent in the summer months. I like to describe the atmopshere as "very NYC". It's swanky but not trying too hard. In the winter months, the places has a very different vibe. It's dark and very VERY cramped. We sat less than a foot from two other couples making it very difficult to have a nice conversation during our dinner. The Lobster & Shrimp roll appetizer we ordered was good but literally it was only 4 bites total so they should have been priced at $5, not $10. The rainbow roll was decent and much more substantial than the other two house sushi rolls we ordered (which were very, very small). Overall the sushi was average and the prices were high. The service was also average making the dinner a bit forgettable (although now it's documented here on yelp!). Great place to go for drinks (especially SIPS) but other than that, I'll pass.
(3)
Jennifer R.
Excellent food. Excellent service. Love the outdoor area! Can't wait to go back again!
(5)
Matt D.
Modern minimalism at its best within an sleek environment, compliments the fantastic, fresh sushi, and superior service available with both inside and outside dinning. Presentable and appealing entrees whisked out of the open air kitchen, freshly prepared, graciously introduced by our food runner, noting each delicacy on the plate to not confuse what we were eating. The atmosphere was dim, yet seductive in soft, warm red and black tones, with a barely recognizable hard overtone brick walls with steel when seated. There is an outside lounge with very comfy outdoor seating and a back area bar where weekend deejays spin a soft yet house-tribal groove to keep your toes tapping and the libations flowing. Although a bit pricey, if something peaks your interest with a sushi or sashimi special, definitely order it. You will not be disappointed. If you are looking for a great place for an anniversary dinner, first date with an intimate atmosphere, or just for a fun, casual dinner with friends that will not break your bank account, check this place out.
(4)
Mike L.
It's not bad sushi. It really isn't! It get's all the basics down right and the servings are respectable. Honest to goodness, I can't really call Raw out on anything bad (aside from the fire alarm going off mid lunch for 10 minutes). But it seems like what they have going on, everyone else does a bit better for equal or better price. On the other hand, the decor is actually pretty darn cool. And the bathroom is really nice surprisingly!
(3)
Louis D.
we sat on the side that was outside . Amazing! after dinner drink and a few special rolls for desert. I would go back again for sushi any time.. cozy.
(5)
Juli K.
Let me start by saying this was my first true sushi experience, my first, this is a raw fish going into my mouth-hole and into my belly place. I got the sushi lunch platter, and it opened my taste buds to a whole new world. I'm a much more seasoned sushi eater at this point, but this stuff is D-lish-iss. I've gone back many times and tried a ton of different dishes, and they're all great. The interior is beautifully decorated in a chic, modern fashion, and the outdoor eating area is awesome. Try it out for sure.
(4)
Barbara D.
Great little spot for a business lunch. Took one of my clients here for a holiday bite. So great!!! We ordered a ton of different things on the menu... edamame, stir-fried noodles, tuna roll, shrimp sushi, miso soup, and salad. Things were great. They forgot my salad, but I ordered that at the end... so I'm not upset. Definitely a good spot to grab a quick bite or a leisurely lunch. We were there for about an hour and a half and they didn't rush or hurry us whatsoever, but they were quick with payment when we were ready. Noodles were amazing. Good portion and delish! Will certainly return!
(3)
Ester C.
It was my first time dining here. My friend has made a reservation for 8 people for 8pm and when we got there we were waiting to be seated because there weren't enough menus. We were basically just floating around the restaurant because there wasn't a distinct waiting area and the hostess never told us where to go, we were all confused as to what was going on. We were then seated all the way in the back of the restaurant which was great because there weren't as many people in the back then the front and also not as loud. We all ordered different things so I can't really make a statement on the food bit I think everyone enjoyed what they ordered overall. I enjoyed what I ordered which was the beef negimaki and the spicy tuna tartare. The plating I would say was a bit interesting because there was spinach and arugula mix on the side and no it wasn't a mini salad. The decoration inside the restaurant was nice. And the bathroom was quite different from any other ordinary bathroom. I really liked the sinks :D Our waitress was very attentive and helpful while we were there! It was definitely a pleasant experience. I would return to try the sushi next time and maybe I'll find the food to be something different from the ordinary.
(3)
Abby B.
Go here for happy hour because they have some pretty tasty $3 bar snacks. Pork dumplings, california rolls and a juuuuust right with the spiciness spicy tuna roll - these apps will cure your case of the munchies once you start downing their $5 happy hour wines or delicious champagne cocktail for $6. My husband splurged with the tuna tartar and said it was delish. The decor is chill, but the time to go is when they have the back patio open on nicer evenings. Not sure if I'd dine here regularly, but I'd go for happy hour again if in the area.
(4)
Jo L.
Just came here today so use my Groupon. It was in an alley looking street that I would have not found if I did not look it up. The inside is very nicely decorated. The steps down to the bathroom was creepy but the middle and sink was really cool! Not because it is outside and used for boys and girls but just the way the sink works. The boyfriend and I had the: Salmon lunch box $14 Rainbow Platter $18 Green River Roll $21 The box did not come with rice like all the other bento boxes elsewhere but it was pretty good. It did come with Spicy Tuna Tartare. The boyfriend ended up ordering a bowl of brown rice $4 still. The Rainbow Platter was okay.. The fish looked and tasted a little ... oily(?) I don't think oily is the right word but I am not sure what the word to describe it is. I was a little disappointed in the Green River Roll but I think that's just personal preference. We also asked for some Spicy Mayo and Ell Sauce which costed $1 each whereas most places don't charge for that. The sushi rolls are much better than most places but it is mostly a HUGE rim of rice. I think I would prefer it smaller. Overall, the experience was pretty good but I think I liked the decor more than the food.
(3)
Phil D.
Sushi was good, a little fishy. Donburi was amazing. Highly recommend. Back room had great atmosphere, nice place for a date night. Proportion in the Uni bowl was nice. Also made a mean dirty martini
(4)
Maddie V.
I have to admit, I was surprised at how cheap this place was. And I mean that in the most flattering sense possible. I went to Raw for a dinner with a large group (11 people). The only hiccup occurred in the beginning of our experience when we arrived at the restaurant. Reservations had been made in advance, and hostess attempted to seat us at a large table in a back, more private room. This sounds ideal, except for the large (and NOISY) party that was happening back there... we asked to be re-seated since it would have been super awkward to yell at one another across the table... all the while in the middle of some other company's private party. Once seated, I saw they had a great menu with a lot of choices. While I'm not the adventurous type when it comes to sushi (sorry, take this review for face value) I did really enjoy the rolls I did order, as well as the edamame app. You also get a lot of sushi for a great price! Who doesn't love that?! Definitely check this place out.
(4)
Clare D.
The smell of raw fish may be overpowering to some, but, to me, it's a sign of a sushi restaurant with a larger than average selection of fish. For six years, RAW has been both delighting and frustrating diners in the Midtown Village area with its creative sushi in a posh lounge atmosphere. Perhaps its biggest complaints center around the Morimoto-like pricing for non-celebrity chef-endorsed sushi. It is a pricey venue, but is the meal worth it? I think it is. The rock shrimp tempura is nicely crisped on the outside and very tender on the inside. Three dipping sauces provide plenty of variety and the portion of rock shrimp is pretty sizable. The sashimi appetizer was a selection of basically what every other sushi restaurant serves, so there's nothing special there. The Torimy Roll (spicy tuna and eel maki topped with torched squid, sweet soy sauce, creamy sauce, tobiko, and scallions) and my sushi selections of yellowtail, sea scallop, king crab, surf clam, and jumbo sweet shrimp were all expertly handcrafted. The sushi was in between the smaller sushi you get from Morimoto and other authentic Japanese sushi restaurants and the big, jumbo fuckers you get from stupid Americanized sushi places. The phrase "bigger is better" doesn't apply to sushi. So is RAW on par with Morimoto? No, but it has a different atmosphere. Morimoto appeals to the see-and-be-seen crowd. In other words, guys who thought I was the most beautiful woman in the world have taken me to Morimoto and we'd do the omakase together. You will likely end your night at Morimoto because the omakase takes about three hours to complete. RAW appeals to clubgoers who are about to go out and party at a nightclub later in the night. The place is dark and it's difficult to see who your neighbor is in the next booth. There are some really nice cocktail and sake selections. Nigori sake is one of my favorites. Comparing RAW to Morimoto is unfair because Morimoto tries to be super authentic by making simple Edo-style sushi and basic rolls. RAW tries to be the elite of the creative maki restaurants that are all basically the same place but with different names. What RAW does well is understand restraint. Unlike the cheapie places like Jay's Favorite Sushi, they don't kill a dish with excess ingredients. I think of Jay's as the kind of place a five year old could work where he or she just throws huge amounts of whatever on a plate and call it sushi. RAW gives you just enough of each ingredient so you get a taste and even an accent on something else. The wasabi actually tasted real, not like the creamy or powder-based stuff in other sushi places. That's a special touch I truly appreciate.
(4)
Brittany A.
5 stars for ambiance honestly, this place is gorgeous. I've eaten both inside and outside. It's dimly lit, and the staff is very helpful and very tidy. The quality of food and selection of rolls was quite pleasing. The outside patio is very welcoming, and if you happen to sit there on a chilly day they're are warming lamps. You get what you pay for in the food. My mother did complain her drink wasn't very strong, especially for the price. But perhaps it was the drink she had chosen. I'm a huge fan of this place and it's one of the best in Philadelphia. I highly recommend. You will not be disappointed. A great place for a date or hangout with friends.
(4)
Amanda G.
I went to Raw for lunch on a break from jury duty. They had plenty of good lunch specials, so I opted for the spicy maki combo. You get a green salad, miso soup, spicy salmon, and spicy tuna for $13.00. The salad was good, but skimped on the dressing. The soup was decent, but basically just broth. The maki was also good, except for the fact that some of the rice seemed a little too hard, almost like it had been sitting out for a little while. The bathrooms here are weird. There's a common sink area and then the women's rooms are off to the left and the men's are off to the right. The doors to the stalls are basically foggy glass, so you can totally see when someone is sitting or standing in a stall. It's pretty weird. The sink was also odd. It was basically a flat piece of stone that was slightly pitched so that the water ran to the wall area and down a little slit between the stone and the wall. The whole setup there didn't seem very practical, but it was different at least. Overall the food was solid, and I was in and out in just about 30 minutes. Not a terrible lunch choice if you're in the area. I don't know if I could rationalize spending full-cost during dinnertime, though.
(3)
Adam W.
This is my favorite sushi place in Philadelphia. I love both traditional sushi and creative rolls (no california, please), and these two things are usually mutually exclusive. However, Raw does them both extremely well.
(5)
Jim L.
2nd time ordering. only had the sushi. very solid sushi place. apparently they have a delightful courtyard in the back that they open up when the weather is nice. will definitely be a consistent customer and will recommend to others.
(4)
Susanna P.
I went for restaurant week and the spicy tuna tartare was good and the soup, but the sashimi and special rolls were absolutely terrible. I will not be back.
(1)
Grace C.
Eh. Just eh. That's all I have to say for this place. It's got a trendy atmosphere, sure, but that's all Raw has going for it. It's ridiculously overpriced for the food - I've had much better sushi elsewhere. I went for a birthday gathering, and all of us were not too thrilled about the food. My friend opted for the rock shrimp, which were too much tempura, not enough shrimp. I had udon noodles, which were decent but a tad salty. Definitely not worth the money. (On a side note, though, they do have cool bathrooms. The sinks are granite and nicely designed.)
(2)
Dimitrios J. A.
My wife and close friends celebrated my last birthday @ Raw and dined in the outdoor area. The food was very good and enjoyable, but there were two things that made the experience unpleasant. The outdoor space was nice but the lighting was awful, we could barely see our table. The waiter bright over extra candles, but still this was disappointing given the cost of the food. The second issue was the terrible service, and I dont want to paint a broad stroke of the restaurants' service, but our waiter dampened the experience with poor service. He was just plain bad and inexperienced. Unfortunately these two issues are the reason for the poor rating.
(2)
Jennifer T.
Environment is nice. Sit outside if you can. Sushi is passable but not the best. A gem at lunch because no one is there. We had the patio to ourselves.
(3)
Sara E.
3.5 stars. I sat at the bar and waited a rather long time for the bartender to offer me a menu or ask what I'd like to drink. After than, the service improved (until I waited about 10 minutes for the check). Moody, dark ambience. The ocean salad was lovely and the suzuki carpaccio was very well prepared and flavorful. The torimy roll was very tasty but not as amazing as I'd hoped.
(3)
Lauren P.
Highly disappointing. A party of 5 of us sat down at 6:30 p.m. for dinner. At 7 p.m. we got our two salad appetizers. We then waited until 7:45 p.m. to get our meals - all sushi. We then asked when we were going to get our meals, "it's next to come out," the waitress said. 15 minutes later we FINALLY got our meals. We ordered a side of spicy mayo and a side of eel sauce and got charged to us- unbeknownst to us. Awful service will NEVER be back! It was a 2 hour meal for a fast food quality sushi. AWFUL!
(2)
Kevin R.
Nice ambiance and a great location. I had a great time at Raw....not because of the food...but because of my friends. Matt our terrific waiter took care of our party of eight very well. We started off with regular and spicy edamame accompanied by hot sake, sake flights, and beer. The sushi was good but cold...cold like it was pre-made. My Unagi was ice cold...like it was cooked earlier and placed in a refrigerator and my roll was the same. The rest of our party commented that the rice should be at least room temperature but was not. Raw is not inexpensive...in fact it's possibly the most expensive sushi in Philly. One would think that with the exorbitantly high prices the sushi would be made to order. Shame on you Raw!
(2)
Mike W.
Food was ok, but nothing spectacular especially for the price that they charged. For three sushi rolls, an appetizer and two beers for two people it cost over 100 dollars with tip. That's a little absurd. Quality is definitely not quite on par with the price point. Definitely better sushi options in the city.
(2)
Monica L.
PROS: Ambiance CONS: Crappy service, pricy Well... as my second time here, I left feeling much less impressed than the first time. First of all, the wait staff sucks. The service was incredibly slow, our glasses of water were almost never refilled, and we were ignored for a good 30 minutes. The food was okay. For the sushi portions and quality, I'm much better off visiting another sushi joint. I doubt I'll return again.
(2)
Ron H.
A top contender in Philly, it's a solid choice for when you're in the neighborhood. Service is consistent and friendly, and they score extra points for the decor. In the summer, their patio space outside is the only outside sushi option worth considering. This place makes a great date location. The Chicken teriyaki is huge and nice alternative to the fish on the menu if you have any picky eaters in your group. You really can find something for just about everyone's palette here. The hot appetizers are all recommended, although let's face it, you're here for the sushi and why waste your time on other things. Experiment, as the waitress for recommendations and try some of the signature drinks.
(4)
Melissa P.
I really like this place but it's a bit pricier than my usual sushi spots (Makiman or Vic's) so I usually only come when I have a groupon/livingsocial voucher(which I have a few times, so watch out for those), or when it's happy hour. HAPPY HOUR: This place is great for happy hour in the summer because of the awesome outdoor area and delicious cocktails (although last time I was there I saw a mouse, but hey what can you do, we live in a city). DEAL ALERT: One thing that annoyed me was they won't let you use opentable points and a groupon/voucher, so you have to pick one, not a huge deal but a minor annoyance. But on the other hand, the fact that they take your groupon/voucher number when you arrive is kind of nice because you don't awkwardly have to send your waiter back with your phone, have them writing down the number, or track them down to fix the bill if they charge you before applying the deal. VIBE:This place has a nice atmosphere, it's definitely no hole in the wall sushi place, but you also won't feel uncomfortable if you're not dressed up, which is nice. FOOD: The vegetable tempura appetizer is pretty big and awesome. Lots of veggies and tempura'd noodles which is kinda cool and crunchy and delicious. I've tried the sushi set which is a good deal, and they have really good special rolls too. VERDICT:Good service, good food, good atmosphere. Will be back!
(4)
a n.
This place is OK. The sushi is mostly decent, but not stellar. I spent a ton ordering lots of stuff as a mother's day treat so I tried a lot and overall I think "3" is a pretty fair ranking. It's kind of expensive for mediocre, but the ambiance is pretty cool, and it's in "the zone". I you're looking for a special place, Morimoto has the best sushi in Phila and actually the cooked food there is good as well for those non-raw folks. Reservations would be needed.
(3)
Gia M.
I visited Raw for Restaurant Week. I was really impressed with their Restaurant Week menu because there were many choices for each course, especially for the first two courses. The sake list seemed completely exhaustive (though I am admittedly not a sake expert by any stretch of the imagination). I ended up the gzoya soup, which was fish broth and pork dumplings. I was very hungry and ate it very quickly, but I have decided that I don't like fish broth-- it seems heavier than regular beef or chicken stock. I also ordered the avocado salad, which was a solid choice, though the dressing was slightly bland. Probably half of an avocado was sliced into it, which made me happy. My boyfriend ended up with the calamari salad, which was really good and came with a lot of calamari for a starter. We ended up trading, though, because he really liked my salad. For the third course, I got the salmon volcano roll, which was really really good and surprised me that it was put on a Restaurant Week menu. Red caviar of course topped it, which is my favorite part about sushi rolls. The rolls were expertly prepared. I got mango ice cream for dessert, which was also tasty, but nothing special. The service was good-- my water glass was being filled constantly, and we had a group of about twelve with us. Only one person's dessert order was "wrong," but I'm pretty sure he didn't know what he was ordering when he got it. The thing that most impressed me about the restaurant was the space. It was dimly lit, but it perfectly fit that atmosphere, which was pretty modern. You walk through huge velour curtains to get to the bar and seating area and the bathrooms are in the basement, with very private stalls and an infinity sink (definitely check out the sink!!).
(3)
Chris H.
Had dinner here on Valentine's Day and had a great experience! We had an 8PM reservation and were seated shortly after. The overall ambiance of Raw was great and we had great service. We ordered the wasabi pork shumai which had quite a kick, but were excellent. We tried the White Tiger roll and the spider roll. The White Tiger was excellent and the spider roll was decent. We also tried a sake sampler which included four different types of sake. Their cocktails were also good.
(4)
Liza A.
Raw is one of my favorite restaurants. I have been there a handful of times and the sushi is incredible, the service is great and the atmosphere is intimate. The wait is long on weekends so if you want to go there I suggest making an early reservation and making a reservation in general.
(5)
Di P.
Ambiance: 5 stars Everything else: 2 stars. So come here for like center city sips or happy hour or because you're renting the room for your birthday and you've got money to drain. Here's my main BEEF with the sushi place. We asked what that happy hour specials were. The waitress told us that the happy hour specials were only for people sitting at the bar. I almost got up to walk the one foot over to the bar. Isn't that freakin' ridiculous?! HAPPY HOUR SHOULD BE FOR THE WHOLE RESTAURANT. Duh. Five stars for being class-A d-bags. Is that too harsh? Yeah. You won't find this eloquent review in the city paper. But at least I'm being real, people.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
John K.
In the Midtown Village area, there aren't many options for sushi. The majority of Philly's favorite sushi hotspots are clustered closer to Rittenhouse or Fairmount. But close to El Vez and Chef Marcie Turney's bank of restaurants (think: Barbuzzo, Little Nonna's, Lolita, Jamonera), Raw Sushi is hidden away. So for Restaurant Week, the GF and I decided to stop by to see what they had to offer. The interior is sleek, reminiscent of an Asian-themed lounge. There's an outdoor area out back as well - a perfect area to grab an after-work drink. The restrooms? Interesting communal troughs. I'll leave it at that. But on to the food and drink - apologies for the phone pics! Hara-Kiri ($12) Gekkeikan sake, Sobieski vodka, wasabi, sriracha, Worcestershire sauce, tomato juice I opted to start off with a spicy tipple, an ode to that ritualistic self-suicide administered by Japanese samurai. The booze is hidden by the combo of wasabi and sriracha and had hints of a Bloody Mary with the tomato juice and Worcestershire coming through. Not exactly consistent with sushi, but a fun take nonetheless. Also, I had a bit of a cold so thought it would set me straight. In any case, on to the meal proper. As most of you know, Restaurant Week is $35 per person for dinner, but I've provided pricing for some of the a la carte items I ordered as well. Gyoza Soup Shoyu fish broth, pork dumplings The shoyu fish broth had umami undertones from the soy, with the fresh pork dumplings providing some additional savoriness. Tofu Soup Tofu, spinach, vegetables, enoki, kombu broth The tofu soup was a bit lighter, with the delicate soft tofu, fresh enoki mushrooms, and spinach providing some freshness. Spicy Tuna Tartare ($14) Chopped tuna, masago, scallions, special spicy sauce I was in the mood for tuna tartare so ordered this a la carte. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy the fact that this was finely ground rather than chopped, and the sweetness (not at all spicy) from the mayo-based dressing on top really detracted from detecting any flavor from the tuna. Cracklin' Calamari Salad ($15) Sweet Thai chili sauce I did enjoy an order of calamari, which were perfectly crisp, yet had a nice delicate chew. The sweet and spicy sauce came on the side and really complemented the squid. Uni Sushi ($6) I also went with uni sushi. The server wasn't sure where it was from other than "out West," so I assume it was Santa Barbara sea urchin as it was sufficiently creamy and sweet. Uni Sashimi ($11) I couldn't get enough so also had the uni sushi, which was interesting in that it took on the essence of the bed of cucumber, which provided a lightness to the butteriness of the urchin. Sweet Potato Tempura Roll ($7) If we get sushi, the GF always needs to get her sweet potato tempura fix. Sadly, these could have been crisper and needed a bit more salt. Sushi Red & White Platter Salmon, Yellowtail, Tuna, Tuna Roll Restaurant Week purportedly allowed us to choose which roll accompanied our sushi platter of salmon, yellowtail, and tuna nigiri. However, our waitress simply brought us a standard tuna roll without asking. The nigiri was fresh and the rice had a light vinegar acidity with a decent bit of bite to it. Salmon Volcano Roll We also had the salmon volcano roll, which came with tuna within and salmon on top, with plenty of masago to provide pop and some panko to add texture. Slightly spicy and definitely crunchy, this is what you expect with Americanized sushi joints. Overall, it was fine, but the abundance of rice and dressing overpowered the fish for my taste. Mochi Red bean, green tea Mochi was nice, with a great chew and gluttonous texture, with the sweetness of red bean and the lightness of green tea coming through. Mango Sorbet The mango sorbet was creamy and provided a sweet citrusy brightness that really cleansed the palate. Overall, Raw Sushi seems to have fresh tuna and salmon for its standard offerings. However, I would expect more of an Asian fusion element to sushi.
(3)Joanne W.
Been going here for a couple years. It was one of my first sushi restaurants when I moved to Philly back in '06. But...after all these years, the quality just keeps diminishing. The ambiance is quaint, so I do enjoy going there still. I'll just stick quick bites here though.
(3)Elle D.
This is one of my favorite sushi places ever! Their specialty rolls are delicious! Their outside patio seating is very romantic, and my favorite place to eat outside in nice weather. Inside, it can be a little noisy, but still a very cool vibe. They can be super busy, especially on the weekends. So if you're planning ahead, definitely consider a reservation. I would definitely recommend this place!
(5)Sean A.
Always worth it
(4)Bryan S.
Raw- awesome atmosphere, mediocre sushi (at best). The sushi is over priced and I couldn't tell the difference between the sushi here and at Acme. The descriptions of their rolls sound great, but fall way short of your expectations. If you want quality sushi, then I would suggest Morimoto's. You get what you pay for!!!
(2)Mishi C.
Awesome. Try white tiger roll and green river roll! Very flavorful, especially the white tiger has a seared charred taste. Delicious! Big servings as well Miso soup could have been better though.
(5)Brittany P.
I'm not a sushi person, but I came to raw with a friend, everything I tried wasn't as scary as id thought. The veggie and rice stuff was good too. Slightly over priced stuff here though.
(4)Michelle M.
Raw Sushi and Sake Lounge was recommended to my boyfriend and I by the hotel we were staying at while in Philadelphia. Since I was craving sushi and Raw Sushi received decent reviews, I made reservations for us to come here for dinner the night we were staying in the city. What I loved about this restaurant was how hit and cool it was on the inside. The lights were on low, candles all about and it was so quiet inside (compared to the noisy city outside). I was surprised that they weren't very busy the night we came in and we probably could have done without reservations, but better safe then sorry. For food I ordered the Rainbow Roll, a side salad and I split Edamame with the boyfriend. My boyfriend ordered a couple of Avocado Rolls and Miso Soup. We both really enjoyed our food and it was fresh and tasty. Service here was great and I liked our server. I'd recommend this place if and when you're in Philadelphia! Cheers!
(4)Thutrang L.
We visited Raw during the Sips promotion in the city. So drinks are $2-5 and apps are half off. So we walked in and were seated in the bar section of the restaurant which had seating and everything but it was separated from the actual restaurant. And upon entrance, there is a door guy who checks your id to ensure that you are 21+. We ordered a bunch of rolls, apps, drinks. The rolls were alright, really small in my opinion. The apps were alright, nothing too spectacular. And the drinks were really weak, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised. The bar area had fans but for some reason when we were there the fans weren't on. We notified staff and the fans weren't turned on until we got our bill which was a total bummer because we were melting in the humid weather while we dined. I'll probably give Raw another try. But it won't be my go-to place for sushi.
(3)Sebastian H.
We stopped in after having a couple of drinks across the street. We only ordered a few pieces of nigiri, so my review is based on a limited selection. However, my 4 stars is based on the freshness and taste of that same selection. We had 2 pieces each of sea urchin, hamachi, and otoro. The sea urchin, I was told, is from California. Melt in your mouth, fresh, and lightly sweet. Truly the ocean in a bite. The otoro was perfection. Perfectly fatty and fresh. Same with the hamachi. I wish we had walked in with a bigger appetite, because if what we had is an indicator of the rest of their offerings, we woulda been in for a real treat. Delicious delicious sushi. Go and ENJOY!!!
(4)Sara M.
Loved sitting in the covered outdoor space tonight with a party of 5. The watermelon sake was INSANELY good, tasted just like watermelon with very little alcohol flavor. Do yourself a favor and get a carafe of it, complete with sake infused watermelon garnish. Yum! My table had various sushi rolls-crunchy tuna was really good for the average, non adventurous sushi lovers, and the dragon roll and the nights special roll (all I remember is yellowtail inside and some fish on top) were the surprises of the night. Even paced service and overall great experience!
(4)M S.
Popped by during a recent business trip at the recommendation of the hotel concierge. It's dark in here and reminds of a NY basement bar. I sat at the bar and serve by the bartender vs sushi chef. Verdict is out on the sushi as in waiting for my order now. I hope it's great because I'm craving yummy sushi.
(3)Jennifer P.
I love sushi and eat it almost everywhere I go. Raw has AMAZING FRESH SUSHI!! Come here if you can! Also lovely fast service and a great drink selection!
(5)Gaz H.
Above average sushi rolls, tempura, and dumplings in this high-design center city location. With outdoor seating in warm weather. And hipster bathrooms.
(4)Jessica K.
We came here for happy hour and they had some fantastic drinks and sushi deals. Cocktails were $6 and they had a specialty offering which we snatched up (the Sparkling Cosmo). It was great! The sushi was very good but average in comparison to other places in the city. One suggestion is that they extend happy hour to the outdoor seating area. Unfortunately, it's only at the bar. And the inside is so incredibly dark, we were almost blinded when leaving in daylight! I'm all for mood lighting but it was a little too extreme. That said, I would definitely come back for another happy hour.
(4)Rosie S.
Come here when the weather is nice and the outdoor seating area is open, the seats are really comfy and it's generally a better vibe vs indoors. I've been here twice and ordered the udon noodle stir fry with beef both times because it was too good.
(4)Nancy P.
*Center City Sips Review* After a long day of work, my friends and I decided to hit up a place for sips. I was starving since I had just finished my workout. We ordered two of all the appetizers on the sips menu. The spicy tuna roll...so dreadful that I found a huge fish bone in my piece. Turned off from any of the sushi. The shumai tasted like it was frozen and microwaved and plated with some sauce. Very mushy. The fried chicken (I think it was chicken..) was meh. The gyoza was probably the best of the bunch; crispy on the outside. From what I thought I read of Center City Sips...it's supposed to be half off appetizers, $2 beers, $3 wine and $4 cocktails. Not in Raw's case, since they charge $4 for a plastic cup of beer. I don't drink beer so it's not a big deal to me but I dunno, something else is fishy besides the sushi...
(2)Bforphilly F.
Went there this evening...our neighborhood sushi joint IZUMI was closed for the holiday weekend. Raw is a beautifully designed restaurant. We opted to sit outside in the courtyard because it was a beautiful night with no humidity. I liked the courtyard because it's more private than being on the sidewalk which is where you usually sit in philly while dining "al fresco". The menu is huge with a ton of choices including maki, sashimi, great apps and saki! We had 2 amazing apps, 2 rolls a salad, soup with tempura plus alcoholic drinks...all for a little over $100. Sexy place...next time I'll go at night without my kid!
(4)Vikéndios N.
Came here on recommendation by the concierge at The Ritz Carlton Philadelphia. And a great one it was! ATMOSPHERE: Dark, contemporary & chic. FOOD: Calamari - Typically good, and the batter wasn't too heavy. Plate was full of the rings rather than a mix of the tentacles. Comes with sweet Thai chili sauce. Avocado salad - A simple salad of mixed greens and fresh avocado with a very good dressing. Udon beef stir fry - I absolutely LOVE noodles so this was an easy menu choice. Udon cooked perfect but beef strips were tough. Veggies included bean sprouts, carrots, and one broccoli crown. Teri salmon - My partner's dish. Two tender fillets done in a teriyaki sauce with steamed broccoli and a scoop of steamed rice. Delish! SERVICE: We were greeted and seated promptly. Service was friendly & professional. OVERALL: Great service & food even if we went 1-hour prior to closing.
(4)Lea M.
Amazing amazing AMAZING! The best sushi in the entire city of Philadelphia. The eel especially, just melts in your mouth. Also their house fried rice is a dish that we always get when we go there. We always succeed in leaving pleasantly plump and fully satisfied.
(5)Sara V.
Delicious sushi and tasty cocktails. The vibe is trendy and hip. Dimly lit, but chic. The service was outstanding and I left feeling so very full. The shumai was outstanding - homemade wontons, freshly steamed. They were delicate and flavorful. The Whisper cocktail is my favorite - light but fruity and fragrant.
(4)Angella H.
This place is not bad. I wish they weren't out of half their stock though. Just a note to others, don't go on a Monday! Thankfully, they were not out of hamachi. That's a staple of mine. It wasn't great but I wouldn't return it either. What I was really impressed with was their rolls. I thought they were very creative. We got The Green River roll, which was one of their specials, and had a little bit of everything including the kitchen sink, topped with a green tea sauce and a spicy sauce - we both thought it was good. We also got the sweet potato roll which was simple and very yummy. And we couldn't go without a Crunchy tuna roll. All in all we got 1 order of gyoza, 1 sashimi set, and 3 rolls and were happily stuffed. Not a bad way to start our week in Philadelphia.
(4)Seth G.
Raw is a great place for good sushi and a great atmosphere. I've been here a number of times and haven't been disappointed. The sushi is fresh. The bathrooms are quite entertaining especially in the men's room where you pee into a water feature with a picture of a female samurai with a sword on the wall behind the water. I tried the saki this time and well I'm not a fan but that's me. Our waiter Johnny was very helpful and friendly.
(4)Bri H.
Based this past experience I gotta downgrade to 2 stars. I bought the Ruelala omakase deal before I'd ever been to Raw. I'm not a huge fan of Raw but I didn't want to let the voucher go to waste. I made reservations and confirmed that we'd be having the Ruelala deal. This time, my issue does not lie with the quality of the food. It lies with the quantity of food, atmosphere and service. To start, we were served a very small piece of salmon. Next up was a bite of crab wrapped in whitefish. Then striped bass carpaccio (tiny). Then a decently sized portion of risotto/steak/one scallop/one shrimp. Our 1 scallop was dry and rubbery but the rest of the food was good. Then we got a small bowl of green tea ice cream at the end. The food came with 3 shot glasses of sake. NOW....about the service and timing of the food...AWFUL. Right after we were seated, the 1st course came out. We didn't even have our drinks yet. Then the sake came out, but not the water we'd asked for. Then the beer that we ordered arrived and still no water - had to ask again for water. Then the 2nd, then the 3rd courses came out in rapid succession. I figured at this rate, we'd be in & out pretty quickly. WRONG. We were stuck there for 2 hours. I don't even know how much time elapsed between the 3rd & 4th course, but even averaged out, 5 courses in 120 minutes would be 24 minutes between each course. Twenty-four minutes between each literal BITE of food. I was so antsy that I wanted to leave without waiting around for the last 2 courses. Atmosphere: Dear Raw, could you remove a few tables please?? The tables are RIGHT NEXT to each other. It's uncomfortable. It's awkward. It's not romantic or intimate. The girl sitting next to me had her coat & bag all over my seat (probably because there was no room for it elsewhere), and upon being escorted to my seat I had to move it over (she wasn't paying attention). I have no desire to return to Raw. If they want to be a high class sushi joint, they need to get their shit together. Train your servers better. School the kitchen on proper timing between courses. Remove a few tables.
(2)Ashley S.
I really like this place. Yes, it's a bit pricey, but if you know when to go, you can get good sushi for a reasonable price. I like going for happy hour or lunch when it's a bit cheaper. I got takeout lunch there today with a friend, and it was delicious. I got the sushi lunch platter. For $15, you get a spicy tuna roll and a variety of other sushi pieces like eel, shrimp, sea bass, etc. It also comes with a salad and a miso soup. Better yet, you should order the lunch box, which is what my friend got. There are a bunch of different types, and they come with a soup and salad, too, but it seems like she got a lot more food than me for the same price. It's a mix of everything. She got the Unagi box, which has a full eel roll, tuna tartare, veggie and crab tempura, and some other random stuff. Overall, our food was really good and tasted fresh, and I find that the lunch prices aren't too bad. For happy hour, I would definitely recommend getting the sake cocktail which has sake-soaked fruit in it. Delicious!
(4)Rita M.
I visited Raw on an wintry afternoon and it was pretty empty. The staff was polite and prompt and we were seated immediately. I love the interior of Raw, mainly because black and red are my favorite colors. Even in the daytime, it was very intimate and sexy. (The bathroom fixtures are very trendy and chic, too.) The food was unmemorable. I got a box with salad, several sushi rolls, tempura, and ebi; it was extremely filling. I ended up leaving 40% of my food untouched. It was a good deal compared to the rest of the menu but Raw overall is quite overpriced. I recommend this place for lunch or an early dinner, as people seem to have less savory experiences at Raw in the evening.
(4)Gautam T.
I love center city sips here in the back patio section, there are always a bunch of people and the specials are good although I wish they would put more effort into the food. I have been here for dinner and the sushi is just much better than what you get during happy hour. I guess that's to be expected because of the volume, but i definitely try and eat elsewhere if I go to raw for HH. On a side note if you are coming here for dinner definitely grab the scallop rolls they are absolutely delicious.
(3)Kristin C.
Waited almost an hour for an 8:30 Reservation on Saturday. Food and service were good but I've been there once before and waited 20 minutes. This is frustrating since we usually have plans after dinner and even though they gave us complimentary edamame, I'm disappointed and don't think ill be back. I understand it's a Saturday night, but they should adjust their schedules and get their hostess on the same page. For food: beef appetizer was delicious. Fried lobster appetizer wasn't that great. Ordered rainbow roll which was good. They don't offer brown rice which is a bummer. Friendly staff.
(3)Rita C.
At first I was worried it would be busy because 1) SIPS was going on and 2) I was going to make a reservation on Open Table, but it was blocked out for 6:30 pm. We forged on without reservation, hoping for the best. We arrived and were pretty much seated right away. I guess the hostess is instructed to grill patrons before they're seated to make sure they aren't there for SIPS (apparently that's only going on in the alley-type area) and to ask if we were using a Groupon. Since we weren't doing either of those things, we were allowed in and seated. The specialty rolls on this menu are overwhelming! I wanted to try them all, but in that case I'd have to take out a small loan to do so. We arrived there during happy hour but weren't offered any happy hour drinks/menu...bummer. For drinks, my friend ordered the Lady Dragon while I tried the season fruit sake (happened to be watermelon) and the Black Honda. All of the cocktails were really good! (So much so, that we ordered several of them.) For apps we ordered the ocean salad, miso soup, and steamed shrimp shumai. I loved everything! The ocean salad was fresh and sweet and a bit of a tangy after taste. I've had that salad before and thought it was bland, so this was a pleasant surprise. The miso soup tasted like miso soup...so I guess that's good. The shumai were on the larger side (although you only get four) and the shrimp was fresh and yummy. Two thumbs up! For dinner we ordered a special roll (some sort of salmon fish volcano explosion of taste), the spider roll, and the crab meat tempura roll. Getting the more common rolls out of the way, they were both tasty. That's about as much as I can say about that. The special roll was unbelievable - it had salmon, white tuna, and crab on the inside and was topped with spicy sauce, more salmon, crunchy stuff (that's it's technical name), scallions and red tobiko. I have no idea how much this thing was, but it didn't matter - it was so good, I'd definitely order it again. The roll was jam-packed with flavor and enormous (definitely two bites per piece). I was blown away by it! Raw also gets a gold star for service. The waitstaff here is excellent! In short, if you like sushi, go eat it. It's on the pricey side, so this would be a good date location. I will definitely be back!
(4)Tear C.
Came to Philly from CT for a weekend trip. A friend recommended the place for the green monster roll (i think that's what it was called). I got the roll as well as the dragon combo lunch special. Loved the rolls and would come back.
(4)Andrew W.
Raw is a really good spot for happy hour, especially in the outdoor lounge area which is surprisingly huge. They usually have small plate specials as well, which works for me. I'd say this is a well above average Sushi place, each roll that I had was fresh and unique in flavor. My major gripe is the price, its not cheap... especially the specialty rolls that can add up quickly.
(4)Andi S.
The sushi at Raw is always very fresh, but they are pricey. Their sake selection is IMPRESSIVE.....and I grew up in California, so I am spoiled in regards to sushi and sake. The service is always classy and thorough, wishing I could eat here more often, but again, the prices.
(5)Eliza D.
What's with the hype? I came here with a group of friends one night and since I was not too hungry I decided to order a salad and the spider roll. What a let down. I had heard such good things about this place and I was shocked by how disgusting the food was let alone the poor service. My salad was totally under dressed but since our waitress never came back until the sushi was ready, I didn't get to ask for more dressing. My spider roll came and with one bite it tasted funky. I couldn't even eat it, it was that off. I love soft shell crab and have eaten it enough to know what it should taste like. When our waitress finally returned to collect the plates, again never having checked on us until, she asked me are you done? I responded that it was off and inedible. She looked at me crooked and simply said oh. No offer of an alternative. No I'm so sorry let me take it off the bill. Nothing. With so many other sushi places to eat in this city, Aki is even one block away, I would never eat here again. Grossly overpriced. Rude waitress.
(1)Colleen M.
Visited here before with friends for drinks in their outside section.. Which was nice but very crowded. Still, I was intrigued by the classy laid back atmosphere and have been wanting to try out their menu ever since. The other reviews are pretty accurate.. Wonderful food, a little pricey but worth it, and service that could use some tweaking. Our waitress was very nice and had some great recommendations, however it seemed like she was very busy and was always running away from us after we put in an order. I'm just going to assume that was due to how busy it was, even for a summer Tuesday night, and completely not holding anything against her for that. We started off Tempura rock shrimp which was okay, the three dipping sauces are what really made the dish. Followed that with the Suzuki carpaccio.. stripped bass topped with a yummy oils and tobiko. For the main dish we split a speciality roll recommended by our fine lady that was shrimp tempura topped with crunchy spicy tuna and jalapeños to give it that perfect kick - so good!! Washed it all down with both hot and the cold Kaori saki. To top everything off and to satisfy our sweet tooth, we decided to go for the banana tempura with red bean ice cream. Yum!! So good and my taste buds definitely have me wanting to go back for more. :) like mentioned before and through other posts, it is pricey but worth the splurge for a nice date night.
(4)Kelly S.
I loved Raw! The selection and quality of sushi was great, along with the decor and overall ambiance. The price was very reasonable too in relation to the size of proportions. Definitely plan on going back next time in Philly!
(4)Andrew L.
Very classy, great food, great atmosphere. Bring your date here if you intend to keep her :P Went with my fiancé to celebrate her birthday. The Japanese Garden Martini was amazing. The sushi was very good. The tea was gen mai cha tea which has roasted rice in it (not our favorite, a slightly more tanic taste). Also, not the nicest chopsticks, so bring your own :P If we're in Phili again, we'll probably return (as a married couple).
(5)Niyant S.
This was certainly another enjoyable experience at an Asian restaurant (more specifically, a Japanese restaurant) here in the city of Philadelphia. I pass Raw every day on my way to school, however this was my first time actually dining here. Fun fact, the restaurant actually stretches straight back from Sansom St all the way to Chestnut St, and at night it turns into a club which you can enter in through Chestnut St (the restaurant entrance is on Sansom). Anyhow, enough digression, lets talk about the dining experience itself. First off, I wanted to have a Yards Ale draft, but they were completely tapped, which is now the second time I have been unable to order Yards draft in Philly (I mean come on, if you know its that good, stock more! Again, I digress...) so instead I got a Kirin bottle. Looking through all the great sounding food items, my fiance and I were very indecisive about what to get, which doesn't usually happen (not to me at least)! Finally, I decided to go with the Beef Negimaki off of the small plate menu (a dish consisting of beef wrapped around scallions covered in this delicious sauce), a spicy salmon and avocado maki roll (they don't have this on the menu, but said they could just add spicy mayo to their salmon and avocado roll), and a shrimp tempura maki roll. I found the Beef Negimaki and spicy salmon roll to be exceptionally good; the beef dish was actually the best of the night. I didn't think the shrimp tempura roll was bad, but upon having it, I realized I should have tried something a little more outside of the box... My fiance ordered a sweet potato tempura maki roll, and a dish off of their specials menu which was essentially a soup "hot pot' (which she requested to have vegetarian and they kindly obliged). I'm a huge fan of sweet potato rolls in general, and Raw did not disappoint with theirs, however, I was pleasantly surprised with how good the veggie hot pot was! There was a ton of flavor in the broth from all the veggies, and together we finished the whole thing. All in all, this was a very enjoyable experience (minus the lack of being fully stocked with Yards Ale!), and I am definitely looking forward to going back to Raw to try many of the other menu items!
(4)John P.
Ive been to Raw, three times now and each time has been ok. I came here on the recommendation of a coworker and it did not disappoint, the first time we had a special roll and some usual tuna and other items. We loved every piece and thought that it was extremely fresh. Second time, tried some of the other special rolls instead of our normal sushi and definitely wanted to try more. The special rolls are worth the money because they really out do themselves there. The only reason the review is not 5 stars was the last time I was in there it took over an hour to bring out our rolls and for sushi thats a little absurd. Other than that I will definitely go back.
(4)Rach And Just F.
Whenever I leave a restaurant feeling post-coital, I'd say it was a great experience. For a Friday night, we got sat right away (had a reservation) and the service was great and very attentive. I liked that unlike some other Philly restaurants, I didn't feel boxed in and there was plenty of room not only at the table, but no one was sitting on top of us. The ambience was nice without being corny or too trendy, which I always like. I also found a parking coupon online for a block away for $5, pretty impressive for a Friday night in Philly. The food was all excellent, as good quality sushi as i've had anywhere else. My girlie drink was delicious (summer punch). Edamame to start was good, wasabi shumai was excellent. We ordered 5 different rolls- Salmon/avocado, yellowtail/scallion, dragon roll, rainbow roll and the Arina roll. They were all excellent, even the basic salmon and yellowtail ones. Being I like everything spicy, the Arina roll was amazing (this was the overall opinion of our party). It was definitely one of those rolls that you have to stop talking (and listening) while you're eating, it was that good. My wife had chicken teriyaki as she doesnt like sushi, and that was the only so-so thing, but she liked it. I don't think most people go to a sushi bar for teriyaki, so take that for what its worth. We had a coupon for the $100 bill was only $60, but either way I would have said it was worth it for 4 people. I'd go back here in a heartbeat.
(5)Wedge W.
We got to the restaurant just before the dinner rush on a Tuesday night and had the full attention of the waitstaff. Food was amazing and well priced for the area and cuisine. Excellent recommendations from our server, especially the sake. Beautiful exposed brick walls, wonderful lighting, and a GORGEOUS bar!! I will be back, and next time I'll bring more people!
(4)Kelly L.
Some of the Best Sushi I have had on the East Coast!! Raw has a lovely ambiance, and the sushi is "to die for"! The Cocktails are wonderful as well!! The sushi is prepared fresh to order. The fish is fresh, the rolls are a great size and the rolls do not fall apart when you are dipping them in the soy sauce. The presentation of the sushi is beautiful! Along with the sushi, the beef negamaki is scrumptious! Staff is incredibly friendly! Make sure you make a reservation if you are going on the weekend! If I could give this place 6 stars, I would!!
(5)lauren z.
In all fairness I am not the best judge of sushi. I fall into the category of unadventurous but really enjoyed my crispy tuna roll. The staff was attentive and friendly and we were seated quickly even though it was packed. I was surprised for it to be so full on a random Wednesday but I guess most people were there just like me with a fresh living social coupon that I had bought earlier in the week. My only complaint is that the elevated tables are in really close proximity to each other and I heard a lot more of the boisterous groups conversation next to me than I could make out from my dining companion. She is a much more adventurous sushi eater and enjoyed both her roll and tuna tartar. They have an outdoor seating area which looks like it would be really nice for warmer weather and I will definitely be back to check that out later in the year.
(4)Brian M.
Raw is hard for me. The seating area is kind of awkward. The service seems sort of impersonal. But the food is good in presentation and quality. It's not my favorite sushi place in Philly. It's not even my third favorite. But I find myself eating here at least every other month for lunch - the service is fast and I know what I'm getting. Not sure I'd go for dinner on purpose. I typically get the bento box and an extra roll on the side (can't be a bull by eating like a field mouse). Big fan of the sweet potato in the vegetable tempura - and any time you wrap shrimp in bacon you are going to catch my attention. Anyway - not my favorite - but its the kind of place you take clients to lunch... it's a descent meal and you know what you're getting. But if you're looking to get your sushi loving socks knocked off - I've got some other ideas for you. PS - my nine year old loves this place - don't shy away from dragging kids. It's laid back and there is plenty of space between the booths.
(3)Janna M.
I really love the atmosphere in this place- it has a very NYC underground feel, a lot of dark red and black, and even a seating area that looks like its under in the subway (in a good way lol). I ordered the ocean (seaweed) salad and it was realllly good, and I know my seaweed salads. I don't recommend the sashimi appetizer as you only get about 5 pieces for $12. I ordered the tuna/avocado and salmon/avocado maki rolls- these were amazing! They tasted really fresh and there was a LOT of fish in there. I mean the fish to rice ratio was awesome. I would definitely come here again... I didn't try the sake.
(4)Liza P.
Excellent presentation. Daily specials usually include a few inventive rolls. Moody atmosphere (dark, ultra modern, sushi chefs somewhat hidden behind the bar). Impersonal wait staff (perhaps they are working on being ultra cool?). Best part? The incredibly awkward bathroom downstairs. Women's on the left, men's on the right, and a shared sink area in between. Each and every time I am down there, someone thinks they've walked into the wrong restroom. It would be funny if it did not so clearly cause angst for the patrons. At the end of the day, very overpriced - unless what you want to pay for is moody atmosphere.
(3)Joy C.
This is a review of their happy hour only. I've never eaten dinner there and the plates that were being passed around to some of the tables looked pretty decent, so maybe the food there is actually really good. I went there with a friend right before going to see a show, and we ordered one of each of the four happy hour food specials to try. We got four of the tiniest California rolls I have ever seen for $3, which was not a deal by any means since you can normally get 8 pieces for $6....Same with the spicy tuna roll. The steamed shrimp shumai were each about the size of a Rollo candy and had no actual chunks of shrimp in them, and the pork gyoza tasted like deep fried versions of the Trader Joe's gyoza at $1 per bite. Pretty disappointing to say the least... My friend liked her Pink Bubbly, which tasted pretty refreshing, but we also couldn't taste any alcohol in it. Needless to say, we won't be back for happy hour ever again.
(2)kathryn p.
Always a good experience. I bring clients there when in town and it is always a big hit. They have unusual roll combinations and a great cold sake menu. Fun to share different rolls and combinations. I would recommend reservations.
(4)Cara S.
I work above Raw and this past Wednesday me and my co workers decided to go to sips at Raw. They force you sit outside in there outdoor seating around at the restaurant which i thought was unprofessional since it was 90 degrees out and the inside part of the restaurant was empty. Our server forgot to put our drink order in. We sat there for 20 mins before i finally waved someone down (not our server by the way) and then we still waited another 10 mins. Never once did our server stop at our table to ask how our food was or if we needed anything. We only saw her when she first took our order and brought us our check. My drink was good but pricey for the size. My sushi was not good at all. I was highly disappointment in everything me and my friends ordered. It was a very bad experience. Why pay more to go there and get less when i could play less and go somewhere else in the city where the food is good and i get more? That is a question i asked myself, and the reason i will probably never go back.
(2)Patience P.
I've had great experiences here. The food is amazing and the daily flavored sake even better. I loooooove the almond crusted shrimp.
(5)Michael L.
Ever feel like you got the RAW end of the deal? Well, I definitely did tonight. Since this place seemed to be more about rolls than sashimi (with that chic atmosphere, I couldn't imagine it really being about the fish- more razzle dazzle with fish flavor-covering ingredients). I just ordered one of their specials of the day (nabeyaki udon) and a portion of salmon sashimi (just to give them a chance). The sashimi comes out. Looks like it was literally store-bought and sliced. I could've (and have) done a better job on my own. The fish was ok. Definitely not very fatty, definitely not melt-in-your mouth. "Meh" is exactly the right description. Nabeyaki Udon- noodles were cooked way too long- to the point that you could see a thick translucent outline of the noodles because the broth soaked so far into the noodles. Flavor was nothing special. And shouldn't noodle broths come with soup spoons? My guess is that way too many people fall for the "atmosphere" and "ambiance" of this spot. When you walk in, the place smells like cherry flavored "Now & Later" candies. Serious. So yes, that statement definitely dates me as a child of the 80's- but it's completely true. What is with places that feel entitled to 20% tips? It's called GRATUITY for a reason. It's not just some surcharge- but these guys (and many other spots in Philly) act like it is. Absolutely the raw end of the deal on a waste of a meal. RAWr.
(2)Erica M.
This was our second visit to Raw, and we enjoyed it. We had a Groupon each time, which makes the price a bit more palatable. Every server we encountered was very friendly and helpful, particularly our server Irene. The prices are a bit steep, but I enjoy the ambiance. The bar area is not a "sushi bar" so much as a regular bar with people boozing it up. We had a sushi platter and 2 orders of eel and avocado rolls. The second order of eel and avocado wasn't as good as the first. My drink wasn't great, but it was nice and strong. I think the sushi and drinks are pricey for the quality, but I would definitely return with another Groupon.
(4)Gary G.
Used to love this place. Took my gf here on our first date and all.. Fat Salmon has overtaken my heart on this one. I dont know what happened RAW, theyre just better. However, if you are here, the Tuna tar tar will is the best. If this joint ever loses that appetizer, im afraid itll be the end of my 3 yr love affair with Raw
(3)Nikki E.
After hearing two RAVE reviews about Raw, I knew I had to go and check it out for myself. The decor is very modern and there is a nice outdoor area as well. The sushi is PERFECTION. The cooks even vary the temperature of each roll, it's phenomenal. The only reason this place didn't get 5 stars is because the service was pretty bad. But if you can look past that and just want really great sushi, this is the place to go.
(4)Steven C.
FYI: This review is based on their Restaurant Week offerings. I love dimly lit restaurants! I came here with a large group and I was very happy with my experience here. All 4 of my portions were not skimpy at all and were packed with flavor. I tried the salad & calamari and both came in large bowls, the salad had lots of avocado, and the fried squid wasn't greasy, not too crunchy, and flavorful. The sushi rolls themselves were very good as well. I had the red & white platter and I split that with my girlfriend's salmon dragon rolls and it was such a great idea because I got to try so many different flavors! Our waiters were pleasant and the place's interior was trendy... my only complaint was that they have the cheap, wooden chopsticks and I'm always afraid of them since I once got 3 micro-splinters from them in one sitting so I prefer they get the heavy-duty, reusable, washable chopsticks. PS. I ate here with a group of 14 and all of our food went on 1 check but 5 of us ordered drinks to be paid separate from the food, on 1 check. They restaurant automatically added %22!! tip to that drink bill! I found that a little outrageous...
(4)Juliana K.
Sushi is great. Priceys are sky high. Decor is very cool and trendy. Fancy and classy place to go. Romantic for a date.
(3)Melissa A.
We had a group of four in our party and tons of two tops got sat before us. We had to wait 40+ minutes past our reservation time. They final held two small tables and put them together for us. Luckily we didn't have a tight timeline. There was not enough room at the bar for us to grab a drink; we just had to stand piled on top of each other in the very crowed atrium. Once we got seated the service was fast and the food was fantastic! They had a special "Drunken Dragon" roll that was amazing!!! The "Channel" cocktail was really good too. The males were quite impressed with the men's room and loved the fountain/urinal wall. They actually took pictures to show us and posted on Facebook.
(4)Beth W.
Stay away! The previous reviewer who said that the place "smells fishy and not in a good way" was spot on! Worse than the smell was the food. We ordered 3 specialty rolls with raw fish on each. I don't think I've had this bad of sushi EVER before, not even grocery store sushi is this bad. All of the fish tasted like it was past its date even though we went on a Saturday. Let me say this: the sushi tasted weird and old and not fresh. Then later that day the stomach cramps came. Don't think the idea of a tapeworm didn't occur to me. We substituted plain raw tuna for spicy tuna on the top of one roll and the server actually charged me $6.00 for the substitution. Um...it was a tuna sub with different tuna request. Does spicy tuna cost more than plain tuna when they get it off the boat? I don't think so! Not only that but they charged us for EVERYTHING! Extra side of spicy mayo -$1.00 (never been charged for a small cup of extra mayo ANYWHERE before. Added avocado - $6.00 up charge. Whatever. This place is gross and SO not worth the money. Spent $60 on lunch of only 3 sushi rolls and water to drink. Lame!
(1)Christine B.
I went here for Sips, and had a very disappointing experience. First, when you walked in the door the hostess asked if we were there for sips, when we said yes, we were told that we had to sit in the courtyard area. It was like 85 degrees and 100% humidity. I will say that being in the shade and having the fans was helpful, but I still thought it was kind of weird that we were herded to a special "sips" section. The beer special was Miller Lite :( and then there were some white and red wine specials, and some special cocktails. I stuck with the cocktails, and they were good, but $4 and served in smaller plastic cups than the beer. There were some food options as well, but those portions were also tiny. It definitely just seemed like you were paying less and getting less, not much of a happy hour deal. I will say that the service was quite good considering how crowded it was.
(2)Lilli C.
I have been to Morimoto, but when I want to splurge on sushi on amazing sushi I go here. The sushi is fantastic. But not only is the sushi great, but the other food items are great as well. The spicy tuna tartar is one of the best I've ever had, the dark horse roll (tempura eel with a spicy/sweet soy sauce), the beef negimaki (tender, juicy strips of beef), and even the house fried rice is sooooo gooood. Raw has a chill environment, great, friendly service and you can roll in and yoga pants without reservations without feeling judged....or rejected.
(5)Dia S.
Raw is delicious. The ambience is also perfection. For a sushi, sake bar, the design is very thought out and the lighting is beautiful. The food is also excellent, yellowtail being my favorite. Also the variety of sake is also impressive. A great place when its not crowded, would not suggest to go for dinner during center city sips as it is very crowded. The courtyard is also a very nice touch, and it is a great find tucked away on sansom. Recommended.
(4)Katrina C.
Since I am a Very Big Fan of Sips, I came here on Wednesday. I arrived at 5:01 and already all of the outside tables were taken up by singles and couples "waiting for the rest of their parties." Annoying, but I was able to snag a comfy booth inside. The little plastic glasses of wine they served for Sips weren't particularly life changing. The little $3 spicy tuna rolls they served (4 pieces) were pretty delicious. The Panko Chicken Bites were good too. I tried the 2 cocktails for $4 - the Pink Bubbly and Sake Tango and both were good. The patio are is super cute, and I hope to go back at some point and sit out there. I cannot speak of their regular menu. Overall, my Sips experience was ok and the little bit of sushi I had was good, but there will not be a repeat experience this summer for Sips.
(3)Tyler R.
For being named Raw, there were a number of rolls that had tempura and other cooked elements. My girlfriend and I came here because of a groupon she purchased. The atmosphere was casual upscale, and the service staff was very friendly. We were seated in just a couple minutes on a Thursday evening. We had looked through the menu online earlier in the day, so we had a general idea of what we wanted. However, their sashimi offerings looked better than at first. However, we went with a couple typical rolls and one or two specialty rolls. I think the best we had was called the white tiger roll, and it was just okay. Overall, I think it was a decent meal for the money, but I'm more likely to visit Sumo Sushi or Vic's Sushi bar if I'm going for quality food. If I want a little more ambiance and don't mind spending a few dollars more, Raw is a very good choice. P.S., they have a seemingly full bar.
(3)Fam B.
The service could have been better. The sushi was good though--the white tiger was really good. We also got the beef nagamaki and the spider roll. I think I would've been more impressed if we were greeted better and had water. Maybe it was because we had a groupon?
(2)Kunjan P.
One of the better places for Sushi in Philadelphia. Although it is pricier than other places, the price was worth the service and quality of food we received. I went with a group of 5 friends and everyone loved what they ordered. Had a reservation so did not have to wait at all on a Friday night. We ordered the Beef Negimaki, Vegetable Tempura, Dragon Roll, and various other dishes. The Dragon Roll was superb! I don't eat beef, but every single one of my friends raved about the Beef Negimaki. They said it was the best dish we had ordered. We were greeted in a kind manner and seated promptly. Raw has great ambiance and is a perfect for dinner with friends or a date night. Definitely recommended for sushi lovers.
(4)Brian F.
Raw has it all! Ambience, great service, but the food really stands out! I hate sushi, but I love it at Raw. Try the ones with the tempura vegetables in them. They are divine!
(5)Sarah P.
I just got back from a lunch out with co-workers and I am feeling pretty uncomfortable based on how much food I just ate. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. As this was my first time coming for lunch, I was really impressed with their array of lunch specials which they don't list on their website. I got the sashimi lunch box (6 pieces total: tuna, salmon, and striped bass) which came with a TON of great items. My favorite was the spicy tuna tartar which i used to top my sashimi. It also came with the traditional miso soup, spinach salad, beef wrapped around green onion, two pieces of avocado and cucumber, and vegetable and crabstick tempura. I'm not a fan of crabstick, however everything else was delicious and hit the spot. The outdoor space is a winner and people at our work joked about whether they had WiFi so that we could work from there. I will be back soon!
(4)Brian S.
Meh. They used to be better years ago. It's not like I got sick or anything but the sushi is just mediocre. The service is pretty good though but who goes to a sushi bar for good service?
(2)Matthew B.
Kani soup and volcano roll were the bomb! They just need to upgrade their registers so you can transfer your bar tab to your table. Were I not on a first date, I would've totally bartered my software consulting skills for more sushi :)
(5)David T.
It's fine-the sushi is ok, but not top grade. Service was uneven--our waitress was "very nice," but the other servers picked up and dropped plates off like they were dealing poker in a speakeasy. The portions are generous, but inelegant. I'm just not a fan of rolls with a dozen ingredients. Drinks were also good but not great. One appetizer (the Suzuki Carpaccio?) was just bland and oily, the other--Spicy Tuna Tartare was actually quite nice. So why the two stars? The price. This place is like a hipper bar version of Shiroi Hana, which has equally half-decent sushi but decently for half the cost. Go to Zama, which along with Morimoto has the best sushi in town (for similarly high prices).
(2)Edward M.
I used to like this place a lot. Now it's only okay. The bento box lunch used to be a tasty deal where, for about $15 you'd get a small-but-sufficient smorgasbord of delicacies. Now it's only an okay deal where, for the same price, you get a few tasty items and a few meh items. Perhaps wiser bento-box selection would yield yummier options. But, they still have a great sake selection, a decent beer selection, nice ambiance, and the coolest bathroom sinks in Philadelphia (yes, go, and wash your hands). So maybe we can still be friends.
(3)Erin F.
Trendy and cool vibe. Good location. Sushi was good. Good for a date night. They have an outdoor courtyard with heat lamps if the weather is good. Went with the veggie tempura dish bc of yelp reviews and it was ok. Typical tempura appetizer. Not sure why other yelpers are recommending it. We got the white tiger roll based on yelp reviews and I didn't like it. It has a charred taste to it that I thought made it taste funny. At first I couldn't figure out what the taste was and I was kind of disgusted by it. The highlight was the roll that was on special. It had spicy tuna and some other fish on it. It was really good. Does not take Discover credit card. Nothing beats Umai in Fairmount!
(3)Colleen M.
I preface this review by saying that I came here after a number of cocktails at other places... oh, CC Sips -- you are dangerous. Anyway, the food was pretty delish, Sips specials were extended until 8 and the service was a-ok. I can't complain one iota about this place. There was seating available for 3 and service was right on top of their game. Perhaps it is a little expensive but it was worth the eats. We enjoyed our rainbow roll and dragon roll as well as some tasty drinks. I would definitely hit this place up again!
(4)A B.
Hostess: unfriendly Atmosphere: (too) dark and perhaps a bit pretentious Service: good Sushi: below average
(2)Alyssa M.
Raw is a nice sushi spot, but like Lena N. said...it's on the expensive side. I like their spicy tuna roll because it actually does have some heat to it. I've tried a couple of their speciality rolls too which are creative, huge, and yummy. The outdoor lounge is perfect for happy hour in the summertime, but can get overcrowded. Nevertheless, the atmosphere is swanky enough to make you forget you're in Philly for a bit. All in all, Raw is a nice spot to chill in the summertime mainly b/c of the outdoor happy hour. However, I just feel like there are more inexpensive and cooler places to go to for Raw fish year round.
(3)Monica H.
My first visit here and I was iffy about it after reading some of the reviews. But I'm glad I tried it out. Sushi was very fresh, price was decent. The only thing that kinda bothered me was that the tables are REAL close to each other... You can hear an entire conversation the people sitting next to you are having... Waitress was friendly and kept a nice smile on her face which is a plus (i cannot stand rude service). I would definitely come back again!
(4)Johnny B.
I went here for the Groupon deal, and was pleasantly surprised for the following reasons: 1. It wasn't as packed as I expected, even with the Groupon 2. The service was still top notch. I love how they refill your water the second you take a sip 3. The sushi was great! 4. The soups and other appetizers were awesome as well. The salad was a little dry, but the rest of the meal made up for it 5. I LOVE THE SINK IN THE BATHROOM That's all. Definitely check this place out :)
(5)Rachel S.
Fabulous sushi!!! Just went for the first time last week with one of my favorite dining companions. Very good sake - we each got the sampler. Shared 4 rolls (White Tiger, my absolute favorite, Spider Roll, Wasabi Lobster and a special roll). All were sooooooo good. The service was top notch and our server suggested we get only 4 rolls instead of the 5 we wanted because we had enough food, which we really appreciated - and she was right! It was pricey, but I wasn't surprised or offended. You get what you pay for - incredible sushi, classy ambiance and terrific service.
(5)Patrizia C.
This is one of my favorite sushi restaurants in the city and I take every chance I can to come here for dinner. I went there last night to celebrate my birthday with my boyfriend and I had to give them a review because the service and experience was a great one - it normally is a positive one, but last night they went above and beyond. The reservations got a bit complicated as I had originally made them online, pointing out that we'd be celebrating my birthday. When I called to let them know we'd be using a Groupon, they said I had to have a reservation made over the phone. It was fine with me so we cancelled the one made online. When we arrived, the place was pretty empty since it was Monday night, so they gave us the seats of our choice in the outside patio area. Our server knew it was my birthday and brought us a free round of champgne to start off. Throughout dinner he was very attentive, he turned on the fans when we requested it, and he even brought me dessert with a candle. The food was delicious as usual, especially the Binny and Arina rolls (which I always get). All the serves seemed to know it was my special day by wishing me happy birthday when they'd walk by, making my celebration that much more special!
(4)Monique C.
This review will echo other reviews so... you've been warned. I came to Raw on a GNO with my friend. She's a vegetarian and recommended this place as a middle ground for us since I'm her carnivorous friend. We were seated quickly on a Sunday night. There were only about 3 other pairs in the place (I didn't see the outside dining area but I hear it's really nice). I really liked the modern feel to the restaurant. Our server greeted us right away. He didn't introduce himself or recommend any dishes in particular; however, he did inform us of the specialty sushi, but $19 for 8 pieces seemed a bit overpriced for my taste. So we ordered a la carte. She got the veggie sushi platter and said it was great. I got the beef negimaki and shrimp tempura sushi rolls (6). So good I ate it all and happily didn't have to share :) Our cocktails were also pretty good. 4/5 for Raw. Yeah it's pricey for sushi but really really good.
(4)Jen S.
Went here for my first time last night for CC Sips. Great food, awesome atmosphere, and good service. I will definitely return! My only complaint was the misting fans outside... i was a little soggy by the time I left.
(4)Justine W.
I've been here quite a few times, and I've been impressed from my first visit down to my last visit (which was not that long ago! :P) It's a really nice place but I've gone there in both dressy and more casual attire, so I definitely like that I can go one day in a nice dress or another day in jeans and sneakers. The very first time I went to Raw was for a friends birthday, and I was blown away by the quality of fish. The salmon, my favorite, just melted in my mouth and, despite being full, I just wanted to order more. They also have some cool rolls, such as the White Tiger and the Green River Rolls. I'm really weak when it comes to spicy things so I didn't think I would enjoy these rolls as much as my friends because there were some spicy sauces used in these rolls, but they tasted so good that I didn't mind my tongue burning for a while. Aside from the sushi, the drinks are a little on the stronger side, and while I think the entree's are worth the prices, the drinks are a little up there. Also, depending on where you sit, the atmosphere can be a little creepy. Whenever I go in larger parties, we get seated in the way back room, and they have a wall that is kind of animated and some of the images are kind of out there and a little creepy to be flashing while you're eating!
(4)Barrett L.
Came here last night with a Groupon. Despite the crazy rules and regulations they impose for using it (must call for a reservation at least 24 hours in advance), they let me use the same day via reserving on OpenTable. This "hip" Japanese restaurant in the gayborhood has a swanky indoor/outdoor atmosphere with decent sushi; but overall I found the food and restaurant to be visually stunning, but lacking depth and true flavor. I started with an avocado salad, a huge pile of salad greens with some cherry tomatoes, carrots, and a whole sliced avocado. It was pretty big for a starter salad, but I didn't mind all the veggies. We also split the Tuna Carpaccio. It was aesthetically beautiful, especially with the red roe and watercress on top of the raw tuna, but the flavors didn't quite match. I also found it difficult to eat the thinly sliced lemon on top of the food. For dinner, we split a White Tiger Roll and a California Eel Roll. The White Tiger Roll is outstanding: beautifully presented, tasted delicious and fresh, and combined a complex and wide array of great flavors. The Eel roll was the same here as it would be at the next sushi joint. While it was nice to eat outside in the courtyard, I couldn't get over the wobbly table, so-so service, and the fact that the music ranged from hard-to-hear to overly loud throughout the course of the night. Furthermore, the Groupon helped to offset what would have been a very pricey check. While the food was very good, I don't think it truly justifies the prices they charge. Overall, I would come back maybe for lunch or drinks, but probably look elsewhere for sushi.
(3)Cuong P.
Well, if I could give 3.5 stars, I will. Raw is my buddy favorite sushi spot so we come here several times during lunch. The design of the restaurant is great, warm and elegant. They have some tables outdoor but snow and rain mess them up. I would recommend the Dragon combo for lunch. The sushi is fresh but not much impressive. The price is a bit high.
(4)Kelly B.
I don't know if I've ever left a restaurant feeling as ripped off as I did at Raw... Went for omakase with a coupon (cost $60) that claimed a friend and I would be receiving $120 worth of sushi and sake. I don't even believe our meal was worth $60. The first three courses of our '5-course' meal were each LITERALLY one TINY piece of fish that were MAYBE as big as the size of a sashimi. The 4th course was about 5 spoonfuls of risotto with 2 absurdly tiny pieces of scallop and some shrimp (and a few TINY slivers of steak for my friend). The 5th meal was about half a cup of ice-cream. The 10 bites of food I had could have been pleasant if the restaurant hadn't claimed that it WAS WORTH $120. DON'T GO HERE if you don't want to get ripped off.
(1)Jillian M.
This has been the best sushi I have had in Philadelphia, the fish was fresh and the ambience was perfect for either a date night or a fun night out with friends. It's also in a great area to walk to surrounding fun!
(4)Dave H.
I've been to Raw for a few happy hours. As a happy hour venue, it's more cramped than I'd like, making it difficult to navigate the crowd if you want to see everyone (or if you're snapping photos). Their appetizers are tasty but go quickly - there's less finger foods available if you're restricted to sushi (need chopsticks) and nacho chips don't need as much time (or a sushi chef) to prep. Months later, I returned for dinner, which was amazing! The dishes we had (cooked or otherwise) were all delicious - love the gal bi (traditional *Korean* BBQ beef) and oysters! The variety of maki rolls we had were a treat too. One of my friends knew the staff/ownership (I forget if they were family or something else - wasn't sure of the relationship), so that COULD be why service (Kevin, and others - the owner even talked with us) was outstanding, and PROBABLY why a round of shots (and probably other items since I didn't examine the check in detail) were comped.
(4)Kevin F.
The courtyard seating area is very nice. Lounge furniture is inviting for a drink, and tables aren't crammed together. Perfect weather helps :)
(4)Matthew L.
Large rolls. Fresh fish. Slightly pricey. Swanky. I tend to start with the steamed wasabi shumai. A nice bit of heat around a juicy piece of pork, though you only get 4 pieces for $8 or $9. I always feel compelled to order 6 rolls (usually the daily specials plus the Green Dragon, White Tiger, and other random color/creature combinations), the rolls are simply too large to justify this. Prices are also a little steep but I've never been disappointed by the flavor so for the location, I can't complain. Raw is a really swanky place, possibly not the best first date (unless s/he's really into sushi) but it puts out a very cool vibe. Awkward to discuss, but the bathrooms are really freaking cool. Hard to explain, so check them out when you come here. Fairly attentive service and the bar looks like it'd be a decent place to hang out to chat. On a side note, I've come twice with Groupons and both times, the transactions were quite smooth. Putting 'Raw Sushi' into Google doesn't get you here but don't despair. Putting Raw's sushi in your belly will make at least one participant happier! Cheers.
(4)LISA H.
the ambiance is cool and they have nice outdoor sitting. Had the Cracklin Calamari salad, which was relally good, dressing was yummy, there was a ton of calamari in it, basically calamari appetizer on a bed of lettuce with dressing. Wine selection was good, service was very good and were seated immediately. we will be back.
(4)Kemi A.
This is a happy hour/sips review. Despite trying to get here extra early to secure outdoor seating, there was no seat left outdoors when I got here. Don't these people work! How the heck did they get here before me, and I was off all day? My party opted to sit inside. they get one star for offering sips menu at the table. Some places only do sips by the bar and then you are ass'd out because you can't sit...etc. The downside is that their menu is sorta limited. They offer two fruity drinks (I'm a fruity drink typa person). And the two drinks aren't that great to be honest. I rather go get my Mai Tai on at Roy's ($5 and it's a bigger drink). The appetizer options...the crowd seemed pleased with the spicy tuna roll. They offer 5 small items which seem to go down VERY fast. I'm not that into raw food but I tried my friend's spicy tuna and it was very good. I stayed most with the shrimp and the pork goyza. The mini-fried chicken thingy was nothing special... I prob won't come back here for happy hour just because I wasn't too impressed. Would like to try their regular dinner menu though. On to the next place....
(3)Bill W.
The atmosphere and the food is great. It's a good date spot that's lightly lit and not too loud. Two of us ate for around $100 with two appetizers, three entree rolls and a bottle of wine. Not too bad for a other end place. The waitresses could do a better job with wine service. I gave it four stars because the wine selection is small and the waitress service could have been better. However, there sake list is extensive. I had the spider roll and the special - a red dragon. Although the special was priced at $20, it was about 14 pieces (huge). I would recommend this place to others for a date. Definitely too pricey to grab lunch with a buddy
(4)Giacomo C.
Excellent sushi, great service, and amazing saki menu. A good experience all in all.
(4)Alexandra P.
I used to be a regular at raw, especially at the location at the piazza. I purchased a ruelala coupon for a tasting menu months ago and have been trying to use it. The first time we came to use it they told us we couldnt because we didnt give them the proper notice in advance. On arrival (friday, jan 20th), we were told we had to wait 20 mins past our reservation. The hostess was rude and pretentious, she didnt even suggest we have a drink at the bar while we wait. She also told us that we could only sit in a certain section since we had the ruelala deal. I cant complain about the quality of the food, except for the fact that the portions were laughable in size. We ended up having to order 2 other dishes in addition to the 5 course tasting menu we had already paid for. Also the "saki pairings" that the coupon promised were simply 3 shot glasses brought on a small plate at the beginning of the meal. They were not paired with anything and were given with no explanation. Overall a negative experience and i will not be back.
(2)Yuri P.
Love the chef special rolls here. Our waitress was very polite and friendly. RAW is definitely pricier than other place in Philly, but the sushi rolls are very good. If you're going with a group of people (3-4), I would recommend getting a couple of the chef special rolls and 3-4 of the regular rolls, and spitting them. I love going in to the spring or summer time because of the outdoor patio. It's fun going with a group of people and just hanging out at the patio bar.
(4)Anne P.
In my opinion, the perfect chirashi would contain the following ingredients: *multiple slices of sake, hamachi, saba, hotate, maguro, unagi, amaebi, tamago, white tuna *ikura (salmon roe) *slices of sweeten braised shiitake mushroom *pickled radish or daikon *seaweed salad (optional) This restaurant's chirashi had the following pros and cons, relative to my notion of the perfect chirashi: Pros: The fish was actually pretty fresh and each piece was of a good size -- not too big, which is good since this place was obviously Korean-run and usually Korean-run places cut the pieces disgustingly too big. The main reason I liked this chirashi was b/c I was on per-diem from work travel and splurged to customize the chirashi to have virtually all the fish i like. But not for cheap. At $29, base price, and $1.50 for each piece I substituted, it better be good! My chirashi ended up with hotate, amaebi, sawara (spanish mackerel), saba (boston mackerel), sake, hamachi, unagi, some white fish, and squid. It also came garnished with wakame salad. my substitutions were ebi, tako and 2 slices of maguro for hotate, amaebi, and saba, respectively. Cons: It was pricey and I probably wouldn't have ordered this if I were pay out of pocket. It didn't have any pickled radish or marinated mushrooms. Nor did I want to pay $1.50 to substitute another piece of fish for tamago, ikura or white tuna. Overall, the place had a pretty classy decor. The service seemed really slow for me, but I wasn't in a hurry and was enjoying my company, so i didn't really mind! If you're on per-diem and/or can afford $1.50 per substitution, I'd go for creating the perfect chirashi, as described at the top of this review! I almost had it, but my conscience eventually got the better of me :)
(4)Alyona C.
My husband and I absolutely love this place! We dine there for any occasion and without an occasion! If you like sushi, you will just love anything on the menu this beautiful restaurant has to offer!
(5)christina j.
Fresh sushi; we had spicy tuna, salmon & avocado & special roll of the day which consisted of blackened tuna. Sadly, there is no substitution for brown rice. Pricey. Drinks are good - can recommend the kono hito. The outdoor space and unisex bathroom sink both pleasant surprises.
(3)Bobby M.
This was my third time here. My third visit was on a rainy Friday. Food there was good. The Rock shrimp for appetizer was pretty addicting. Every bite reminded me of eating Pringles chips, Crunchy and can't stop eating it. Don't remember the rolls I ordered but it was tasty too. The server was friendly and helpful. She recommended the rolls and I was not disappointed. This might not be the best sushi place in town but it's worth a try.
(5)Tae K.
Sushi and sashimi were good but sashimi reg was pretty small for the price...wasabi lobster roll was delicious...it was pretty dark inside and our waitress was nice but seemed unenthusiastic (maybe the lighting had something to do with it)...overall the food was good but pricey/service was decent/atmosphere was a bit on the dark side (in regards to lighting)...I would return just for the sushi alone but not on a regular basis, more of a special occasion kind of thing
(3)Chris R.
Green River roll, all day every day. Great atmosphere, great food, good service. A little pricey but worth it.
(4)Stephanie Y.
I was surprised it was not busy on a Friday night. I went early to reserve a table of 4 for a friend's birthday dinner and didn't have any difficulties. But hey.... better for us. I started off with a martini with lychee and deliciousness... I can't tell you what was in it, but it was GOOD. The sashimi pieces here are thick and fresh. The waiting staff is over attentive and price is reasonable, unless you order something crazy off the menu. My favorites are bella cucina, dragon, and white horse. This time we also ordered the pancake which was thicker than last time, but still crispy.
(4)Robert B.
As an MBA graduate focused on marketing, this place hit all the touchpoints: 1. Product - I ordered the sushi/sashimi combo. The tuna was a fresh ruby red. Came with a standard salad and miso soup. 2. Place - Good decorations. Esp. loved the men's bathroom and the wall with the samurai warrior 3. Price - Decent 4. Promotion - I heard about this place via groupon. I'll bring my buddies for happy hour and more meals
(4)Dynise B.
Very beautifully presented, thoughtfully made sushi. Attentive service. Nice atmosphere indoor & out on terrace. Freshest edamame in town! Try the Veggie Tempura Rolls and Ocean Salad.
(4)Stephanie H.
Delicious sushi. The speciality rolls are fantastic. Seaweed salad was excellent. Definitely best sushi I've had in Center City. Atmosphere is a bit off. Sat in the front near the door. Reasonable price.
(4)Lin Z.
Went there couple of months ago. Not really impressed by their sushi and sashimi.
(3)Jessica S.
The food here is spectacular. Really, so so good. The service, on the other hand, is really awful. My server was nice enough, but she was hard to find and totally inattentive. The restaurant is beautiful, but I also felt a bit too close to the people dining on either side of me. If you don't mind having to search for your waitress in order to pay your bill, I'd recommend the spicy sashimi salad, the capital roll, and a cocktail called "whisper."
(3)Michelle C.
It would have been helpful to know that white tuna (aka, butterfish) is known for causing digestion issues... especially since I ordered the white tiger roll, loaded with white tuna, about an hour before I had to pedal my company's wares for three hours at an exhibit hall cocktail party nearby. That information would have been useful. Never again! Last week's dinner/gastrointestinal lesson was my second time trying Raw. My first visit was at least two years ago, during the dreaded Restaurant Week. On that occasion, my friend and I had to send cocktails back twice and put up with a know-it-all server who insisted that eel could not be removed from (the top of) a specialty roll because "it would compromise the flavors of the roll." Although we did enjoy most of the dishes we ended up ordering that night, the experience as a whole fell flat and I did not return... Until last week. I was in the area and had time to kill, so I pulled out my iPhone and utilized my yelp app to find a nearby sushi restaurant. Raw was very close, and since it had been so long since my last visit, I decided to give it another try. My server was great, and repeated the specials several times at my request because I couldn't decide. I usually stick with regular tuna or even yellowtail, but something on this evening told me to go balls to the wall and try something different. Enter the aforementioned white tiger roll. In fairness, I enjoyed the roll, although I still preferred the taste of regular tuna to the fattier consistency of white tuna. The roll, a bowl of miso soup and a cosmo ended up costing a quick forty bucks, including tip. I wish I could point my finger and blame it on the ambiance, or the location or something... but I can not. I'm just not all that impressed and I think there is better sushi to be had, in swankier digs, around the city at the same price.
(2)Trev S.
My buddy and I stopped here to get some food and were immediately seated. The waitresses were quite friendly and the seafood was fresh and delicious even though we went off peak hours. Prices are fine contrary to other reviews and I had more than enough food. Will go back again soon.
(4)Jerry C.
Watermelon sake..... I like -.- Walking around, this place popped up out of no where. I'm a sucker for sushi so i said why not. I'll make this one short and sweet. The food was good but over priced. Sushi was tender and fresh. The place was very trendy and chill. Not many points for originality on the whole though. Same old same old sushi dishes. They had a killer drink special called watermelon sake. Very decorative with pieces of watermelon in it. if a drink is the most memorable thing about your sushi dinner then it could be better. On the whole, below par however is did seem good compared to my other choices in the area.
(3)Christina Q.
Favorite Sushi in Philly Service was iffy when I was there a two years ago so this could have changed. The fish is always so fresh and sake is up to par.
(4)Jason L.
This place is great, it has amazing rolls and cool atmosphere! The only reason I gave it a 4 instead of a 5 is you almost always need a reservation which gets annoying! But very good service and food.
(4)Michael M.
Times change, and Raw has lost that fantastic glitz it had when it first opened. Yes, the samurai in the lavatory is still the coolest thing we've seen in a public bathroom, and the flat granite slab that serves as a co-ed sink is someday going to grace our home, but ambience isn't what we come for, we come for food. The hot kitchen has suffered recently and that's been reflected in a menu that has dropped to a quarter the size it once was. The short lived tempura menu is no longer offered, a shame as the tempura was some of the best we'd tasted. The Sake menu has also started to suffer due to supplier issues, with some of our favorite sake's no longer available. There are still some great offerings (try the black bottle) but it's always a disappointment when your old 'standards' go by the wayside. Luckily, there's Chef Sam. Chef Sam will be the only reason this place pulls through from the gutting of the hot menu. His skill with sushi is amazing and on this visit we tried his interpretation of Beef Negemaki, which was delicious. The bartender that evening, Chris (one of our favorites so tip him well) suggested it be served with a small portion of rice and I agree, it would be perfect with the delicious sauce. Sam's sushi is always delicious. Check with him to see what he's brought in fresh the day you go. White Tiger is delicious though a tad spicy for me, but Sam is always happy to cut back on the spice when requested to. If Sam's not there on the night you go, we suggest you come back another day. We'll be trying this place every so often to see what happens as Sam takes the reigns of the hot kitchen and the place gets it's feet back. The bell hasn't tolled for Raw yet, but the hunchback and his hammer have started climbing the steps.
(2)Rosemary B.
Cool interior, great sushi and inventive rolls. I'd recommend this place for sure.
(4)Andy Y.
First off, the service was terrific. Attentive and friendly servers. However, the food was just blah. I am a raw fish aficionado and the fish at Raw was barely acceptable. It tasted slightly..."fishy", and any sashimi lover knows that it's supposed to taste smooth and buttery. There are far better places in Philly to have fresher tasting fish. Next, the portion sizes were tiny, not small...TINY! I had to order about 50% more than I usually eat just to get full, so it ended up being an above average expensive meal for below average food. Uggh, what a disappointing meal.
(2)David A.
Killer sushi and a cool place to dine. I think it is better than morimoto at better prices. Nice selection of sakes as well. My favorite sushi in Philly.
(4)alex F.
Made a reservation for 8 pm for an out of town visitor. They made us wait 30 minutes with no explanation or any attempt to rectify the situation. Sushi was minced (tuna) and not fresh the appetizers may have been microwaved but the waiter was friendly. Not worth it.
(1)Tina C.
BEST sushi I have EVER had! Phenomenal, fresh, and delicious! Lots of options and very good. They also had Finding Nemo on which I thought was adorable! Atmosphere is awesome, tables are cozy, and drinks are good. LOVED this palce, so fresh, delicious, and amazing! Service was really good too. If i had a restaurant I would hire that server! Definitely try it out!
(5)C K.
Their sushi was just OK. The ambiance and drinks are good. The cooked food was just OK. Overpriced for what you get.
(2)Allyza L.
The concierge at my hotel recommended this restaurant to me. I walked in and was immediately greeted by a friendly host. The ambiance is really nice. I sat in what looks like an outdoor area surrounded by brick walls. The seating was very comfortable with individual couches as seats. The restaurant section was dimly lit which gave it a nice romantic vibe. I got two special rolls. The green river roll - with a hefty portion of shrimp tempura with spicy tuna - topped with plenty of avocado, tobiko and a spicy cream sauce. My only complaint would be that there was too much sauce, it took away from the spicy tuna. I also got the white tiger roll definitely a must try- white tuna topped with sashimi slices, yum! The rolls were very filling And it was nice that it was served with seaweed salad. Definitely worth the hefty price!
(4)Karen P.
My meal last night was so delicious, I'm still thinking about it. My oldest friend and I went out last night to celebrate my birthday. Let me start out by saying we both love food. And with over 30 years of friendship behind us, feel quite comfortable gluttonously stuffing our faces when we dine out together. Last night was no exception. We indulged in four amazing rolls: The Spider, The Wasabi Lobster, The Tuna Mite, and the White Tiger. We loved them all but the White Tiger takes the crown. The tender white tuna melted in your mouth and the combination of sweet soy sauce, cream sauce and red hot sauce blended perfectly together. Yes please, may I have some more...and that's not just the sake talking.
(5)Elizabeth M.
Love this place! They serve great sushi and the service is always great! The courtyard is awesome...a summertime must!
(5)M H.
This is a number 2 or 3 behind Morimoto. I like this place a lot and would definitely go here for sake over Morimoto or Zama. IMHO this place is the number 2 sushi bar in center city.
(4)Winnie F.
Came here for a friend's birthday party was given a room in the back of the restaurant at no extra charge. Nice space - interesting changing light screens of Japanese anime, fish, etc. Sushi was great across the board - no complaints from anyone in our party of 20! White Tiger was by far the best!
(4)Ji B.
Good service, I went for lunch, salmon teriyaki lunch box, it was pretty tasty, server name Michelle was very attentive, and awesome atmosphere. ...
(5)Peter P.
Had the tempura rock shrimp (6/10), beef negi(6/10), white tiger roll(8/10) and arina roll(7/10). service was great. good environment. but a bit overpriced in my opinion.
(3)Duy N.
I came here for Center City Sips. Drinks were ok, but the place was so packed, it took forever to get anything. I had the dumplings and a salmon roll. Nothing amazing especially for the price. Ambiance wise it was nice, they have a courtyard area. Like another reviewer said, too cool for school. Oh yeah, for the guys, the bathroom is a wall fountain. yeah, it's awesome. so awesome... you should go just for that... so awesome...
(3)Mari H.
Uuuugh there's nothing worse than mediocre, overpriced sushi. We walked in late on a Saturday night in our grubbiest apparel - shorts and flip flops, and got the lookup lookdown from the hostesses and waiters. Puhleeeease this ain't no Morimoto eyerolllllll. Everything about the meal was mediocre, service: average, including a wrong order. Sushi: blah. Our eel cucumber roll was 60% cucumber, and the cucumber was chunky, like a salad in my sushi, what iiis that. Waitress: curt, turn that frown upside down m'lady. But the crowd... I can't blame Raw for it but there is something so annoying about Asian guys wearing button up shirts with the first 3 buttons undone. Complete your outfit with a gold chain around your neck and a tacky earring, why don't you. And Asian girls, don't think that just because you're tiny I can't see your crotch in that too short dress. I don't want to see that kind of fish at a sushi bar. I don't hate my kind, I swear... I've only got pet peeves.
(2)Brad P.
I find Raw to be the ideal balance of cost and quality in a sushi bar. All of their basic rolls are above average(the yellowtail, salmon, and tuna rolls are happy standards that I can always use to supplement the more over-the-top rolls that I get). The Golden Tiger Roll is a veritable smorgasbord of various sushi flavors that will attack your taste buds(if you can fit a whole piece in your mouth). It is one of those specialty rolls that have like tunascallionspicysaucemasagoeelcucumberEVERYTHINGOÂHMYGOD that I like. I don't remember exactly what's in it but it is damn good.
(4)Hank C.
Not a bad location, the decoration was comfortable - tall cushioned lounge seating on one side, and wooden chairs on the other. Playing Nemo in the background, and an outdoor seating area. Tried a variety of food, noticeable issue was that the appetizers were small. Gyoza (4) were tasty, and the spicy sashimi salad with the red hot sauce was amazing. The oshinko appetizer for $5 was expensive for only a few pieces of cut up oshinko, though. Spider roll - not bad, although could be crispier (5 pieces). Wasabi Lobster roll was decent but tasted almost too much like mayo (5 pieces). The rainbow roll was standard (8 pieces). The special roll of the night - a White Tiger roll - spicy white tuna topped with black tobiko, more white tuna, and eel sauce, was very tasty, and massive. I'll see if I can upload the picture later. Overall, not bad, but expensive for the special sushi or appetizers - the regular rolls were great, though.
(3)Miguel R.
The sushi is great - I've enjoyed everything I've ever ordered here. Not much else to say really, the atmosphere is nice, but a little too trendy, and bordering on stuffy. The outdoor seating area is great during the warmer months, and prices are what you would expect from a slightly upper level sushi place. I'm not a huge sake fan, but they have a decent beer selection, and their seasonal specials generally fair well with their food. I generally stick to sushi here, and sometimes their soup bowls. I wasn't impressed with the way their entrees looked, but can't really comment on how they tasted.
(4)Alison S.
I had been to Raw about a year ago w/ my bf. We sat at the bar, ate a few rolls, and had some delicious tasting--but weak and pretty pricey--drinks. I went again like a week ago for dinner with a friend. I had a great night (and we did make a night of it there), but that didn't have much to do with Raw (Although! They did have a video screen up on the wall facing me that played a close up of a sea anemone waving around slowly all night--hypnotic and I felt strangely dirty watching it, which I appreciated. Little details! Anyway!) The food here seems to be reliably good and the drinks, again, were really delicious but to me, prohibitively spendy. South Philly prices have maybe spoiled me, though. My main issue this past visit was the service. There were loooong gaps between rounds of drinks and our waitress seemed to disappear for large portions of time. I always feel kind of embarrassed flagging servers down or ordering things really fast as they are trying to walk away and that felt kinda unavoidable here. I'm actually a little surprised by how low my rating ended up being for this place. The problem w/ Raw is that there are *so many* sushi places to visit in the city and it wouldn't be hard to find one with equally good if not tastier sushi, friendlier and more attentive staff, and better lighting/mirrors in the washroom (just sayin').
(2)Meghan C.
Went here for lunch yesterday...(or Tuesday?) At the behest of my boss. What is the deal with the service? Too cool for school.
(2)Susan L.
We went for Center City Sips (happy hour) and it was a joke. I ordered a glass of wine which came in a small plastic cup. Really? You don't even have wine glasses to spare? We were seated in their outdoor patio area which is nice but you could feel the humid weather and the thumping party music was extremely annoying. Oh but look! $3 sushi, so cheap right? WRONG. It was $3 for 4 pieces. Wait, does that mean half priced appetizers also mean half-sized portions? At Raw it is! The sushi was OK, nothing to rave about. They cleared our plates and glasses as SOON as we were finished them, pretty much to usher us out as quickly as possible. Afterwards, we went to Aki (a block away) to try it out and it was 5x better and we only paid a couple more dollars more. If only we would have known...
(2)Sharon P.
I seriously love this restaurant! I'm a big sushi person, and hate not-fresh sushi. But theirs is just fine and honestly, I only eat their special rolls LOL. Yes, the specials rolls are quite pricey. (Cheapest is like $17, then goes up past $20+). But even ordering their cheapest special roll ("Binny Roll") is freakin' good. It goes with seaweed salad which tastes good, but a bit sweeter than normal (probably because this restaurant is slightly Americanized), but STILL GOOD. And I always order a side of spicy mayo because... I MUST have it at any sushi restaurant, and their's is goodddd. Appetizers are great too. The Beef Negimaki, shumais and dumplings are great. Except they're tiny and don't give you a lot for the price. But this place is kinda fancy anyways. Oh! Their outdoor seating is really chill and lounge-y (when seated on the sofa-ish areas). Try it on a nice day at night. (Except your food MIGHT take longer... might..) They also have a variety of sakes. Not too much, but good enough if you're not a extra diesel sake drinker. Overall, Raw doesn't make me mind spending over $17 for 8 pieces of their special roll sushi. I still get full and satisfied, and happy (:
(5)Ann V.
Food was decent (i've had WAY better), but the service was what ruined it all. I dont know if they were just seriously understaffed or the staffing that they do have currently just sucks. Everything is a wait. We waited nearly 20 minutes before they even took our orders. And when they finally did take our orders it took forever to even get a plate of sushi! It's just sushi! It should not take that long. I would understand if the restaunt was packed, but that was not the case. I wouldnt recommend anyone going here unless they enjoy nice decor and that's it. That's all they really have to offer. Would i return again? Probably not.
(2)Jenn S.
Love the ambiance of this place! service was also excellent. I'd say the freshness of the fish themselves were mediocre, but they do a good job of making creative, tasty sushi. I also tried their beef appetizer (scallion wrapped in thin, grilled beef), which was excellent! very buttery and tasty. I'm taking away a star for the quality of fish. but otherwise, would recommend it for tastiness and the ambiance.
(4)Zachary S.
Raw is worth the wait, but be prepared to wait a long time. I came here for lunch with two friends expecting to be in and out in no longer than an hour. Upon arrival it took us ten minutes to be seated. Twenty-five minutes after being seated one of the members of our party had to go track down a waiter so we could get service. The food, once it finally came out, was absolutely amazing. Their seaweed salad is to die for. Everything else was very good except for the ohitashi, but that's probably just my particular taste. The carnivores in my party also had beautiful looking Unfortunately, the hour long lunch quickly approached the hour and a half mark and made me late to an important meeting, but I am certainly willing to try Raw out again, as long as I have plenty of time to spare!
(3)Karen F.
Raw - the sushi & sake lunge from 12 & Sansom - opened a 2nd branch inside Boyd's Department store on the mezzanine level. I just had lunch there today and for $13 it very well may be the only thing I can afford at Boyds! Less of the snotty attitude, too. Much quiter and more refined. I had a yellowtail bento box and the sushi and all of the elements (miso, salad, gyoza, and spicy tuna tartare) were all top-notch. I'll be back soon!
(4)Beth R.
I think the differentiators here are the stylish atmosphere, and the outdoor patio area. But overall, Raw is more expensive that I think it needs to be. The quality of the fish and presentation were good, but I've had the same quality elsewhere for less, which is why I dropped to 3 stars on this one. Simple rolls, like a plain tuna maki,come in at $6.50. The cocktail menu looked delicious but at $13 a drink, I'm a little hesitant to start ordering rounds. I had lunch here today, but can imagine the damage after a full dinner plus several rounds of drinks! Delicious sushi though.
(3)Lemuel R.
The sushi was really fresh and I love the special rolls, but MAN is it expensive! I had a Groupon which helped, but some of the special rolls are $20+!! The outdoor courtyard is awesome. We almost passed it up but it was really nice on a spring evening. They have fans and awnings to keep it nice and cool in the summer.
(4)Nick M.
Full disclosure, I am not a sushi buff and nor do I crave like some people out there, so perhaps this review won't be that helpful. I enjoyed the atmosphere and food quite a bit at RAW. I don't drink Sake so I don't have anything to say about that. The sushi was delicous. I got the capitol roll and the eel and avocado roll. The Eel and Avocado roll was perfect, the sauce was a little sweet and there was a nice crunch to roll. The capital roll left a little to be desired. It had a rather unsensational taste and the tecture was not quite what I expected. I enjoyed the atmosphere quite a bit. It wasn't your typical sushi place but at the same time it kind of was. One thing I would say to fix would be it looks closed when you walk by, me and my girlfriend literally almost just turned around because we thought it was closed. Not sure if this something worth remedying or perhaps just a problem with certain daylight, but just my thought. I don't know if I would go back right away but if I was in the area and in the mood I would have no problem stopping again.
(3)Ryan B.
Food was pretty good but service was absolutely terrible. I went with about 7 others for dinner and we never felt very welcome. Our waitress wouldn't check in for well over half an hour each time, and then when the check came she pressured us to pay and leave. On top of that I ordered a gin fizz from the bar and the waiter came back and asked me for the recipe because the bartender had never heard of it! I was embarrassed for them. Food is alright but expensive, ambiance is nice, but it is too gimicky. It's just another fine restaurant in Philly that has an unjustifiable price premium. Would neither return nor recommend it.
(2)Nadia S.
Ambiance - Beautiful. Restrooms - interesting. Sushi - OK. But considering the price (ex: Total tax+tip for 1 small piece of yellow tail = $7 - YIKES!) I am not a fan. But I have to admit, service was great! Laugh out loud great! Our waiter asked us if we cared for dessert and when we asked him what the options were, he rambled out the restaurants dessert options and went to say, "but if you want really good dessert there is this spot around the corner..." and gave us 4 great selections of spots in the area to try. For a moment I was in disbelief, and then the laughter hit us all - Priceless! Final thought, for the maki lovers (aka: rolls), I saw some amazing presentations and heard "oohs" & "aahs" around the table. So, maybe Raw might be worth it to you. Sushi lovers, try another spot.
(2)Julie Y.
this place has great sushi. it always tastes fresh and i've never felt sick after eating it. i love the SALMON VOLCANO ROLL and the SPICY SASHIMI SALAD. those are probably my favorite on the menu. it can be a bit pricey but definitely worth it!! service is really friendly too which is a plus.
(4)Karol S.
Great ambiance! except the 2-seaters are a bit close to one another, i am not a fan of tight dining with strangers. Excellent service! Recommend: ocean salad (seaweed salad with yummy dressing) beef negimaki selection of rolls---including eel & avocado, spider roll, etc--quite good!
(4)Kevin S.
The food at Raw is delicious. I'm no sushi aficionado, but I know a good spicy salmon roll when I taste one. It was fresh, the texture of the rice just right. The tempura was perfectly fried, and just the right crispy. What lacks at Raw is the service. One of our party members (one!) were late, and they wouldn't seat us. This is one of my pet peeves. The place was not so crowded that they didn't have any available space, and we had a reservation. Our waitress was generally slow, and not very friendly. The music and ambiance of this place are great. It was relaxing and didn't feel too pretentious. I loved that they projected old Japanese classic movies with sub-titles on the wall. I felt really mixed about Raw. The food was wonderful, but the service lacked the caliber that I would expect from a place with such a pricey menu.
(3)Jonny C.
Raw is a chic Sushi lounge on Sansome in the heart of the Financial, COnference district in downtown Philly. They have a cool patio, great lighting, really rad bathrooms downstairs, and a great sake list. Food was pricey, but not astronomical. Sushi was very strong for the East Coast. The seaweed salad was tasty buit very small. The raw platter I ordered was pretty standard mix of maki, nigiri and sashimis, all of which were good, none of which were great. The spider roll was unreasonably chunky and a bit hard to eat. Sushi was a tad warmer than I like, but was not gross warm. This would have been a three, but the service was killer. The barkeep/waiter Sean was really cool, good conversation and had lived like everywhere I have (SF, Boston, etc.) He made a great saki recommendation that paired very well with the meal. Great date place, good client dinner, just a solid overall environment that isnt as insane or "See and be seen" as Morimoto.
(4)Ben P.
Raw used to be one of my favorite places for sushi. Fun atmosphere, inventive menu, always great tasting and great looking special rolls. Obviously not just a place to go grab some sushi, but when you wanted a nice sushi night out, this was a great place to go. Last night was not that. The food was fine. The sushi was good. In fact, it was the usual above-average offerings, but the service was absolutely ATROCIOUS. From the minute we walked in to the minute we left we encountered nothing but un-smiling, un-friendly, un-welcoming staff. The girls working the front desk were bland, and frankly, acted like someone had just informed them that their dogs had died. We checked in for our reservation and then had to wait, standing there with our coats on, while she picked up the phone and took a call from someone looking for a reservation. Awkward. Rude. Put the call on hold! Then, when we went to be sat, I had to ask if we could hang up our coats. Awkward. Rude. We were sat at a table that was, for the most part, touching the two-top next to ours. What is this, The Melrose? The hostess made no effort to move the tables once we sat. We had to move it ourselves so that we weren't sitting WITH the couple next to us. Awkward. Rude. Our server was relatively inattentive. I asked to see a drink list after my first cocktail. She never brought it. She never offered dessert, always a classic sign (especially to two veterans of the industry) that this is a server looking to go home. Rude. Oh, and let's talk about the menu. A "specials" menu had only a couple of cocktails and a "seasonal" beer list included Miller Lite, Yards IPA, Yards Gen. Washington Tavern Porter and something like a Harpoon that wasn't seasonal at all. I ordered a cocktail called a Black Honda that was basically a cosmo. Seriously. It was pink with a lemon garnish. WTF. Admittedly, I have never had a cocktail here that was great. Stick to the sake. On the way out, we waited an interminable amount of time for the still un-smiling, un-friendly hostess to get our coats. All in all, the food was great. I might consider going back to sit at the sushi bar, but I will be hard pressed to sit down at one of their tables again. It's a shame, too. It used to be so good.
(3)Paul B.
Food was all pretty average here. The sushi rolls were fine, but nothing special. The rolls are just a little pricy for the quality of the taste. Good ambience in the lounge. The miso soup was good, but beef negimaki rolls were not. Dumplings were also only ok. I would recommend waiting to come here until center city sips rolls around again, and you can get some 1/2 price appetizers and drinks, and sit in their outside alleyway.
(3)igor p.
Sushi was very good, ambiance and mood of the place was very loungy and dark. Check out the sink in the basement.
(4)Soyoung K.
I'm glad I'm reviewing Raw now. Previously, having been there a couple years ago, I was quiet disappointed at their service, sushi and their drinks. My very last visit was a complete disaster from what I can remember and thank goodness(for the restaurant) I wasn't really into yelping then. Last night, I went to Raw with my co-worker since we were both desperately craving some sushi. What a great choice we've made! We sat at the bar - the bartender, Moriko, took a good care of us. My friends ordered their sparkling cosmo. Very refreshing and nice. I got my favorite Hangar One kaffir lime straight up. That alone deserves 2 stars - Raw has some great drinks to offer...I didn't get to try sake but wish I had. Then, we ordered spicy tuna roll, capital roll(crunchy with spicy mayo and kani), spider roll(tempura soft shell crab with masago and cucumbers, I think). All the rolls were very delicious. We loved every bite of it! We also got shrimp spring rolls as an appetizer which was above average. The sauce was delicious! Moriko hooked us up with beef negimaki(scallion wrapped in thinly sliced beef) and it was such a pleasant surprise. I am often disappointed with beef negimaki elsewhere because the beef gets really chewy after being overcooked and etc. However, Raw's beef negimaki was definitely one of the best I've ever had. My friend who has never had it absolutely loved it as well. Overall, I was very pleased with my dining experience at Raw. I'll definitely visit again very, very soon. PS. Raw connects to Sumo, the bar/lounge. Totally cool, I thought.
(4)Mike S.
Sushi, in raw or fancy form, can be good if prepared correctly. Raw does a good job of that. Wander in around 6:15 pm, and get a table inside. Too humid outside. Plus it seemed like everyone and their mother was going outside. Waitress got us water. That's it. Didn't ask in the same motion if we wanted anything else to drink. I asked if there were any specials. Nope, in a more terse way. I ordered 3 different rolls, plus three pieces of sushi. My wife got her old standby (because she is not a fan of sushi), teriaki chicken. Rolls were good. The sushi, except for the spanish mackerel, was delicious. Eating the mackerel was like chewing on shoe leather. Only that every time I chewed, the taste of mackerel intensified, even water, sake, and pickled ginger did not help. I am definitely NOT blaming the chefs on the fish piece, as I made the choice. The pricing is a bit high. But, considering the sushi always is good, I am not going to blame them.
(3)Kate K.
Got stuck going to this place but was pleasantly surprised. Had a fun time there with a group--it's more about the atmosphere than the food, but the food was totally fine. Also, we got good service and the servers were nice. It's a little expensive for what it is, but the atmosphere is chic.
(3)Rich L.
Amazing appetizers, really good sushi! The specialty rolls were a little too much...But maybe we just ordered the wrong ones. Atmosphere is really cool, and the outside area is really nice to hang out and have a drink!
(4)Joe Z.
I expected better. Based on other reviews I was willing to go with higher prices in exchange for some really good sushi, but honestly it was disappointing. The money part is not even really a factor in my review since I was there on business expenses. The interior of the restaurant is very nice and the menu seemed interesting. I had no problems with the service, as others have reported. Immediately as I was seated I was asked if I wanted a drink and it was brought over immediately. After ordering, my sushi came about as quick as I would have expected anywhere else. I ordered three rolls (I'm a big eater) - the rainbow roll, soft shell crab roll and "dark horse" roll, which was a eel based roll that was deep fried. Presentation on all the rolls was very nice. The dark horse roll was advertised as having a spicy sauce drizzled on it, but to be honest it was just flat and bland - not much flavor at all. In fact, none of the rolls had much flavor. Even the wasabi seemed bland - I dumped the entire dollop into the soy sauce. I started getting the feeling that maybe my taste buds died, but I verified that they were still in working order afterwards with some dessert elsewhere. I don't visit Philly that much, but I'm pretty sure if and when I do return I won't be in a big hurry to come back to this place.
(2)Chris T.
Raw is consistently good and creative sushi. The food is fresh and the cuts are generous and prime. The service is always friendly and helpful, though upon walking in one might feel a bit intimidated by the atmosphere and clientele (i.e. trendy shiny people). The servers do set one at ease, however. Sitting outside in the courtyard is an especially nice treat.
(4)Ryan A.
Food: The food here is good. I was impressed with the freshness of their sushi. They have the best dressing that accompanies their garden salad. They have all of the common rolls that most sushi places have. One of my favorites is the Kampyo roll, which is a vegetarian roll but you would never know it because the pickled gourd tastes just like meat. Service: Attentive, nice and prompt. Ambience: The interior design of the place is spot on. Hardwood floors, really nice lighting and outside seating.
(4)Stephany B.
Acceptable sushi, some of the better sushi in Philadelphia. For the price I recommend Morimoto's instead. For similar sushi, Fat Salmon has less variety but just as fresh, sometimes fresher sashimi and nigiri. The white tiger roll here is very good and is a nice compliment if you want something other than just nigiri. I had a couple bad experiences here which involved a piece of toro that could not be chewed. (I never send food back, but I had to send this back) and a rat on the patio which I suppose is expected in Philly, but still ruined the dining experience. The nigiri is priced per each piece so can add up very very quickly.
(3)Don R.
If I ate sushi, I think this would be the place for me. Yet since my appetite for the imported Fed Ex fortunes has not yet won me over, I was extremely impressed and satisfied with their civilian menu. The beef "medigaki" was superb which featured seared steak slices wrapped around asparagus. The only downside is that it took me about 10 minutes of it resting on the table before my girlfriend informed me that I was the one who actually had ordered it. I guess I was expecting something else and thought it was her's. oops For my main course the Udon spicy noodles were equally as impressive. Go if you love sushi. And relax if you're just feeling steak and chicken...
(4)Philly P.
Raw's sushi is ALOT of rice and a LITTLE fish. The rice they use for the sushi has good flavor and they also use good sauces. Fish quality is mediocre. I think that the higher price reflects the atmosphere (which is a good summer/ outdoor spot in their courtyard) not the food. I would come back here only to possibly go to Sumo Lounge which is located in the back.
(3)Melissa K.
I've only been to Raw three or four times, but I really do think it's among the best sushi places in the city. Some positives: 1. good food (including really yummy seaweed salad) 2. a variety of choices for vegetarians and non-sushi eaters 3. pretty setting, nice for a date or for happy hour with friends/coworkers 4. really cool outdoor lounge One thing you should know: the place gets really crowded at dinner time. I recently had a lunch date here with my husband and there was almost no crowd. The lunch specials were huge, delicious, and well-priced, and the service was great. If you're into sushi and want to beat the crowd, I definitely recommend trying it at lunch time.
(5)Parisa S.
I want to love this place. Mostly because my fabulous boyfriend brought me here on our second date a long, long, long time ago. Back then, I had a fabulous time. Not just because of the 5 glasses of wine I had. It was the company more than the alcohol, I swear. I mention all the wine only to suggest that my first time here, I was apparently on a liquid diet. Last night, I returned. This time, I was craving sushi and ready to overdose on it. I'd been going to Zama recently, so I knew Raw was going to have to compare in order to leave me satisfied. In fact, the only reason boyfriend and I decided to go back to Raw was because we wanted outdoor seating, and Zama doesn't have their license yet. Yes, Raw has a great outdoor patio. But that's about the only thing that's great. My pinot grigio was just meh, edamame needed to be steamed a few minutes longer, and I've had better seaweed salad from Whole Foods. Now for the fish - a solid 2 stars, nothing more. We ordered the following rolls: spicy tuna, eel avocado, rainbow, capital, and salmon avocado. None impressed. Lovers of Raw may point to the crazy fancy rolls this place offers. As a sushi purist, though, I firmly believe that 8 sauces on a roll shouldn't be a savior for less-than-fresh fish. I'm also morally opposed to paying $20 for one roll, I don't care how crazy it is. I'm sad to say I'll never be back here, mostly because of my fabulous second date almost 2 years ago. But I'd rather hold on to a great memory than force myself to eat bad sushi.
(2)Kathryn M.
One of the better sushi spots in the city but with a price tag to match - although not outside of reason. Overall I felt the food was better than average and the ambience was pretty cool. The highlight across the table was a crunchy tuna roll (with spicy tuna substituted in). As for the rest: Sashimi (Hamachi and Suzuki): Good but not great. The tuna was not the freshest and the person eating it said it tasted like it had not been defrosted in the best manner but this is from someone working in the fish industry. Sushi: Great: Crunchy Tuna roll made with Spicy Tuna Good: Rainbow Roll and Spider Roll Disappointing: Capital Roll and Oshinko Roll (OR - not surprising) The waitstaff was phenomenal. We didn't have a reservation but got seated in about 40 minutes. We wanted Saki bombs (that kind of a night) and although they didn't really have it (their glasses are too "fragile") they were creative in coming up with an alternate way to have our Saki bombs without causing destruction. I will definitely be back - but only if looking for a special place for sushi and not ordering takeout (a rare occurrence at times).
(4)Drew P.
Dinner at Raw on Saturday night was an effortless affair, despite the fact it was St. Patrick's Day and Center City was crawling with....revelers. They were nice enough to change our reservation for us when we needed additional time to get through the city traffic. We were seated rather early (6:30) and we were given a nice table near the back of the front room. The entire place looks huge, with what I assume is a private party room in the back. The edamame was a welcome starter and then we went with several rolls and hand rolls. The Spicy Salmon was a cut above ordinary. 'The Avocado salad served with a bland Russian dressing was unremarkable, but not offensive. We had a pork dish that was entirely forgettable, deep-fried in bland panko bread crumbs. But our table liked the eel rolls and the tuna rolls as well. The bathrooms are in the basement and that's a bit of a schlep with some intoxicants weaving on the stairs, but that was no fault of the establishment. The ladies liked the Cosmos and we left with a rather reasonable bill for a party of four adults.
(3)Stefanie A.
Torn between 3 and 4 stars here, so I'll go with 4 because it was better than A-OK. Why torn? I hate the crowd here. Not the restaurant's fault, per se, but it's hard to be around so much douchiness and truly enjoy yourself (I'm talking to you, guy talking on the phone at the table for 15 minutes super loudly in a foreign language. And you, non-working suburban 20somethings listening to our conversation, and making snide remarks... though if you had anything interesting to say perhaps you'd be talking to each other rather than snickering needlessly at us?) Phew. OK. That's almost all the bad. The only other thing is it's expensive for what it is. Now the good: The garden is a slice of heaven with ample seating, a great bar, and sunlight at the right time of day. The lunch specials are cheap and huge. A bento box with soup + salad + negimaki rolls + tempura + tuna tartare + tuna rolls + tuna sushi for $14? That's a resounding yes. And the quality is very good. It gets crowded, so make a reservation or come during the week if you can. And bring your gold card if you're getting drinks, as well.
(4)Caroline V.
I've been here twice, 2 things that stand out -- delicious STRONG fruit sakes (with chunks of fruit in it! yum) and great rolls. Seating is comfortable and it's a nice modern place. I haven't tried the outdoor courtyard yet in summer but I've been wanting to. This coming summer hopefully. Staff is helpful and we've had good experiences. Just one glitch the last time in waiting a while for the check but otherwise we'll be back! Oh yes, another fave was the fall midtown festival, raw had a tent set up and they had the fruit sakes for sale - $5 for a nice big cup. DELICIOUS!! And the servers are friendly and hilarious. Can't wait til fall for more of that!
(4)Dylan S.
Certainly above average for c.c sushi. Far better than its neighboring wash west competitors. While the price can quickly escalate, I recommend the sea salad, calamari, dark horse roll and tiger roll. Awesome combination for 3 people.
(3)Thi N.
Great food, nice indoor and outdoor patio space. Too bad the entrance is next to a dumpster - very unfortunate. But the inside is very nice and the service very good. The fish seemed extremely fresh. Will definitely return.
(4)Michael B.
This restaurant is in a great location, is quite trendy, and a great place to go on a date. The drink selection is great, and the sushi is good. The quality of the sushi is excellent, but the size of the rolls for the price is a bit off. I do understand this is a sushi restaurant in a trendy area of the city, but I would prefer my less trendy sushi place near me where I can get a normal amount of fish in my sushi rolls, especially when paying hefty prices for sushi. Overall, this is a fun, trendy, cool place to go on a date or with a group of friends.
(3)Daniel H.
Have been here twice now. Solid service, solid food, and cool vibe. Rolls start at around 6 or 7 bucks, but they're nice and big. Good beer selection. I have nothing bad to say about Raw. Was able to get a table for 2 at 8pm on a Saturday. Can be casual. Recommended starters: edamame, beef negimaki, and steamed gyoza. All good (gyoza being my least favorite). Recommended rolls: lobster wasabi roll, capital roll.
(4)Bob S.
OK. Here is the deal. The first time i went here and I had a bad experience with the staff. The second time I went here - surprise! A bad experience with the staff. However.... The third time I came here I had a good experience. A few items... 1. The sushi is good! And the way they make their rolls is interesting and flavorful. 2. The atmosphere is nice and relaxing. After a crazy day of running around it was nice to relax with friends. 3. The staff was excellent and welcoming. 4. Try the salmon and tuna sushi - it melted in my mouth. 5. Also try the special rolls - pricey but worth it. Also the bathrooms were nice and clean. I am glad I gave them a third chance. :)
(4)Dennis N.
My friend and I wanted to go here since it just opened and we love trying new restaurants. The place is very nicely decorated and the atmosphere is pretty nice. One thing I didn't like, however, was that the tables in the back (where we were seated) were very close to each other. I was practically in their conversation and eating off their plates. Although this was kind of uncomfortable we did chitchat with our neighbors so I guess its not all bad. But not a very good idea for a first date (like the couple on our other side). And I thought the lights were a bit too dim. The sushi was alright but not for the price they were charging. My friend's yellowtail roll was too chewy and tough. The drinks took too long to order and oddly, our appetizer arrived after our sushi. Perhaps it was the high volume on that Friday night but I assume if they can charge that much for mediocre sushi, they could hire a few more hands to help out. Unfortunately, I will not be coming back here.
(2)Flavio S.
The place has a great atmosphere and ambiance. It's a modern looking contemporary style restaurant.Perfect for dates. The food was very good. I had a green tea, which tasted very good! To eat we got some Makis. A Black Horse and a Salmon one. The black horse is pretty big and is made with eel! I loved the taste! The price was fair for a japanese restaurant trendy like this. If you stay with the Makis you won't spend as much as some of the reviews say. Overall, the experience we had was very pleasant. The only side note is that the tables might be too close to each other and can break the privacy a bit.
(4)Sean H.
It's a Japanese place...no real surprises in store, to be honest. The sushi was good. I actually forgot to order mine with soybean paper instead of seaweed and didn't notice until I was halfway in. And I always hated seaweed! So I have Raw to thank for getting me over that one. The edamame was good, too. If you're into sushi, they have a lot, and it's not like something they do on the side as is the case at so many other restaurants.
(4)Minh C.
Simply some of the best sushi I have ever had! Let me break it down. The hostess and my waitress was so nice and friendly! The edamame was actually warm, most restaurants irritate me when it sits around before serving it and it gets cold. The miso soup was fantastic, but let's get to the important stuff, the sushi. I had ordered the rainbow roll (maki) and the spicy scallop roll (maki). The fish tasted so fresh and the color of the fish was so solid and vibrant on the rainbow roll. The presentation was pretty standard. Now the spicy scallop roll is what had really impressed me. They actually give you large single chunks of fresh scallops not mashed or chopped or minced, genuine whole pieces. In addition it had a nice kick to it. Wasn't too spicy to overpower the taste of the scallops, yet it wasn't too subtle. I will definitely go back again soon!
(5)Joseph H.
If i could write a review of just the quality of the sushi I would give it 5 stars no question. The presentation was top notch. Same thing goes for the quality and freshness of ingredients.We had a few special rolls all were excellent. I found the service to helpful and attentive. That being said. . . . We had a 7:30 reservation. We walk in 7:25 and are told they are running "a little behind". I ask how long they say about 15 minutes. We make our way to the bar and have a few cocktails. Half hour later I ask "about how long?" She tells me "Umm about 15 minutes" You can see where my frustration is coming from. We dont get seated till 8:45. We would have left if i wasn't so hungry. Glad we stayed because the food was amazing. Oh and there is like a mini-club in the back. From what I understand it gets crowded but by the time we lift at 10:30 or so it was still empty.
(3)Holly H.
This review is just for Center City Sips, and just for the tasty bits they include on their menu. The drinks are the deal of the century. $2 bottles, $3 wine, $4 cocktails are some of my favorite in the Center City Sips - "Sake Tango" and "Pink Bubbly" (resembling a cosmo/champagne mash-up with frozen fruit. YUM.) Their $3 apts are ok for the price, but haven't exactly lulled me into staying for dinner. We've gotten everything on their list for apts except the California rolls, and I'd say the Spicy tuna rolls and the chicken bites were the weak points, tasting a little pre-made, and lacking in any real interest or intrigue. The Shrimp shumai and Pork dumplings, on the other hand, rocked my world. I know what people mean when they're talking about the attitude. This place is too cool for school, but the ambiance is great, and if you're there before 6, you're probably getting good real estate near the bar or in the court yard. PLUS, they have a court yard.
(3)Faye S.
We came here for my first time at Sips, but decided to return after tasting the yummy spicy tuna roll and other Sips goodies. I've bad experiences with swanky sushi places-- they're usually not as good as the decor they have. I had my reservations, but I was pleasantly surprised when the food came out. The o-toro was SOOOO good. Most places I've been to haven't had the best, where it's too fatty. This, however, was the perfect balance of tuna meat and fat. Mmm!
(4)Glenn J.
In my opinion this is one of the top sushi spots in Philadelphia with exquisite fair minus the extraordinary Morimoto prices. I must say at the Center City location there is outside sitting that is a must, minus the hard plastic chairs that are or should be reserved for a yard party I was expecting a bit More comfort coming from a place as refined as this. The happy hour during nice days also draws a lot of attention and rightfully so. The first item I tried was one of the appetizers: Beef Negimaki- cooked and seasoned perfectly I can't say it has always been consistent though. 4/5 Spicy Tuna Tar tare- 5/5 Spicy Tuna- Some of the best in the city 5/5 White Tiger- I was not a fan of the seared Mutsu 3/5 Arina Roll- 5/5 Totally addicted to this roll. Best I have ever had and I wish I could rate it higher. The price point can be a bit steep, but they can get what with it because where else are u gonna get this refinement without paying with a Kidney like over at Morimoto??
(4)pracheta t.
i really miss this place since I've moved from Philly! It's modern and trendy inside, the service is on point and the food/drinks are great. I've celebrated two birthdays here and gone to countless Center City Sips with friends. the outdoor area allows you to feel like you're not even in Philly. I've been here on dates, with girlfriends and with large groups of people - awesome every time.
(5)Guy E.
Very mediocre and expensive for what they offer.
(2)Kent S.
I thought the atmosphere at Raw was great and our waitress was really nice too and helpful with a few recommendations. I do have to say though, I thought that some of the rolls were overly filled with rice and lacking on actual fish. I should have stuck to sashimi and/or the tartar dishes.
(3)Daniel T.
A friend and I went for the Rue LaLa special. I had missed a call from the restaurant earlier in the day to see if that's why we were there so when we arrived, they didn't have the ingredients prepped. The service and response was amazing. They staff were extremely attentive. They comped us a few starters as an apology, even though it was more my fault than theirs for not getting the call. The sashimi salad was really good. The rolls are as good as you can expect in Philly (yes, the bar is quite low). The ambience and service were really top notch.
(5)Lindsay T.
Food was okay, service was HORRIBLE. Overpriced sushi, go to your local joint.
(1)Kumar S.
It's a nice place, a bit over priced for the quality of the food but great atmosphere. Try the Kizakura Sake, its delicious. Only costs $4-5 if you get it at a liquor store and $18 here, but it's the cheapest there!
(4)Xtine H.
This place caught our eyes while on the way to a different restaurant. Am so glad I went back to try it! Very cool space, it got filled up pretty fast and they ran out of seating at the tables, but the menu is fantastic as are the drinks. I love a good spicy tuna roll, and they did not disappoint.
(4)Caren C.
White Tiger and Green River. While I may be a boring sushi connoisseur, since I stick mostly to Tuna, the two special rolls, which are usually always offered are phenomenal. When Raw first opened, I went on a weekly basis. These two rolls might just change your life! Raw is a great date place. They have one of the most wide array of Sakes I've seen in Philly and they don't play that little joke on Americans by serving it warn, especially in the Summer. Your waiter can always reccomend something if you feel a little overwhelmed or the Sake tasting is a good start to picking something. They also offer a variety of fun cocktails. Raw is one of the Best Places for Summer Sips on Wednesdays in the Summer and the new outdoor space is really amazing with vibrant red pillows and is one of the few places tucked away from the street in the city.
(5)Melissa R.
I have tried to find a better sushi place in the city than Raw, really I have, but I have had no such luck. The atmosphere is sophisticated and I love dining al fresco in the courtyard. And the Sumo lounge in the back is pretty cool too. Since my boyfriend is a Master Sushi Orderer, I never look at the menu here, so I can't tell you exactly what to get. All of it is good.
(4)Lily N.
Came here with a couple of my college friends on a weeknight. Seemed small from the outside, but decently spaced. But we were sitting near the kitchen so people were always walking by us. Sushi was yummy, and the drinks were good. Trendy and wallpaper was kind of cool. Mochi ice cream = delicious. For bigger groups, I would recommend Haru instead.
(4)Luigi C.
I have been at Raw's twice, in 2010 and three months ago (in 2013). I felt my first experience was a million times better than the second. I'm sure what went wrong. The sushi rice was too thin and light. The fish didn't appear to be too fresh. Too bad because the place is really nice inside. And it's right in the center-city. I'll have to try it again.
(2)Clarissa D.
Friday and Saturday are amazing here - red, black, poshy ambience tempered with the friendly, casual wait staff is super fun. The sushi s fresh, lots of sauces, and consistently good. They opened up their courtyard so now you can eat outside on a nice night. They have amazing fruit-drenched house sake and a very nice sake and other cocktail menu. Their special rolls including the WHITE TIGER roll is seriously peerless ambrosia. I would suggest this place for either a first date or something where you are trying to impress OR night with friends who like sushi. Its not good for kids or families unless you all like sushi and like to be loud like me and my fam. However, I once ordered the spicy scallop roll and was expecting scallops with spicy sauce (similar to a spicy tuna roll), but I got a scallop roll sprinkled with red apparently spicy flakes. However, they did bring me a side of spicy sauce when I asked. I also will say it is pricey, but worth it on a Friday or Saturday out with friends. And although this is one of my favorite restaurants that I am constantly recommending, I must admit that Mon thru Thursdays are a little...not fun. Less people and less of a crowd somehow detracts. Also, Capogiro is right around the corner...
(5)Nina S.
Great sushi, good service but still not a fabulous sushi spot. I think that the set up is a bit odd, tables so close together and if you are at the bar you will get bumped into because it's a very narrow walk way. They have restaurant week specials so give it a try to see for yourself.
(3)Heesun K.
Fell in love with this place! We sat outside in the courtyard and the atmosphere was great - felt kinda empty at first but thought it was nice to chill and enjoy the summer night in Philly. Gotta give two thumbs up to the DJ - he played a good mix of new hits and old schools and i felt like he was one of the best DJs I've listened to. I ordered Pink Bubbly and Sake Fuscia (i think that was the name) and my friend ordered Fruit Sake and Ginger Blossom. The drinks can be pretty $pricey$ since it adds up quickly. I ordered Sushi appetizer, Edamame, and Eel&Cucumber. Fresh and tasty- I would definitely go back. =)
(5)mike b.
Alright, so I vote for a half star button. What's with the only whole star business? I think its just another case of the man trying to keep us down. Well not me. Three and a half stars baby, thats my review and I'm sticking to it. Take that Yelp/the man. So this place is kinda cool. The building is laid out like a shotgun apartment. Its narrow and sleek, stretching back from the foyer like an exaggerated hallway. The sushi bar invites diners to check out the fish as they pass on to either the remainder of the dining room or the outside saki bar. I like it. I have to say, its stylish, yet not over-blown and while the decor represents the price tag, neither elicits an audible guffaw from would be diners. Sushi is a wonderful delight of tasty splendor, no denying it. But, in my experience, there are the places that make a killer, well constructed roll and then those that take the rice-fish combo outside of the box by creating a symphony of gastronomic ingenuity (go to Sushi Zen NYC, you'll see what I mean). Raw lands squarely in the former category and thats not a bad thing per se. As such, the key is all in the ingredients. The fish has got to be primo or its just going to let you down and Raw doesn't disappoint. While the dining is sold, this joint's highlight is the outdoor saki lounge. Have a drink there during sips. Then have another. When you are well lubricated order some sushi and hang out for another round. Just ignore the D.J. spinning the latest blogosphere house-bangers at 300 decibels. I like house, but think of something better for a dinner/happy hour lounge - just a thought. ps - If you have a sec check out the men's room. It wont disappoint.
(3)Joann Z.
My standby sushi restaurant, particularly recommended for when out-of-towners come to visit. No other sushi I've tried can come close to the capital roll - a basic mix of shrimp, crab meat, tempura, masago and cream sauce, and the presentation of their specialty rolls is divine. Their wine menu is extensive and cocktails unique.. highly recommend the Lady Dragon.
(4)Rob S.
Four of us went and spent about $50 a person for a good amount of sushi and about 2 drinks each. I'm not well versed in sushi but I enjoyed the food and atmosphere. Extensive menu and drink list. Got to try Asahi Dark which I had never seen before. Not too bad. Most of the service including the hostess were very friendly. Our server was pretty attentive but we got a bit of a rushed vibe from her at times.
(4)Trang N.
I haven't been to Raw in a really long while, however I can say, from the several times that I have been there, it has been great! The decor is Asian Contemporary (is that a style? I guess it is now!) - they have a great outdoor courtyard adorn with big comfy chairs, dark wood accents, all that is missing is an olympic size pool! Tt was a great transformation and use of space, from the cold hard concrete box it use to be. I always order a piping hot bowl of the Miso, edamame, Avocado salad and Arina Roll (spicy tuna, avocado some spicy sauce) when I stop in, I had to request it as sometimes it does not appear on the menu, I actually recommended that it be a regular menu item. I don't know if that request made the cut. The specialty rolls, although pricey are really large! Spicy tuna tartare is always fresh with large chunks of tuna! The rainbow roll is another crowd pleaser, again, HUGE! Lobster Wasabi roll- is delish, your tummy will thank you. Spider Roll- great presentation- can't recall flavor The first time I came here and made the mistake of ordering too much! They have a great selection of sake, I highly recommend the milky sake (obviously not the official name, but they will know what you are talking about) I have heard that the kitchen is hit or miss with the traditional dishes on the menu, I can't speak to whether the chef's have honed in on their culinary technique yet, but I would stick to the sushi. I met the owner, Tony on my first visit and he always goes out of his way to say hi to me if I ever see him, even at Target of all places! The rest of the staff is a bit hit or miss, the guys seem friendler than the ladies, but I suppose if I were a guy writing this review- I would be singing a different tune. Definitely stop in there for happies! They usually have a great mixed cocktail and an assortment of rolls, shumai and dumplings for a fraction of the regular menu price! Try to score a table away from the bar, or you might end up eating with someone's rump in your face, it's some tight quarters when the house gets packed! Thumbs up!!
(4)Meredith B.
Raw is great. I love the atmosphere and their specialty rolls are where its at. I will say I do not believe their restaurant week deal is worth it. We were there on (on and not for) restaurant week. For the price tag - you're better off getting what you want and ordering off there RW deal menu. Reservations are not necessary but I'd go ahead and make them if I were you.... better to be safe, right?
(4)Christina G.
I don't understand what all the hype is about this place. It is set up like a byob but it is not. Set up is terrible. The two seat tables are so close together. I could hear everything that the two tables next to us were saying and it made it difficult to converse with my date. The music was also loud. Specialty rolls are over priced. You can get just as tasty special rolls in the city for $7-$9 less. Everything else falls in line. Service was decent and fish was all fresh. I suggest going to Umai in Fairmount for a better overall experience.
(3)Wade G.
They have really good quality sushi here! I love the lunch bento box specials, althought they upped the price on them a little over the last couple of years :(
(4)Lisa K.
After hearing about Raw's very hyped up specialty rolls for quite some time, my dining companion and I decided it was best to focus on what the restaurant did best. The rolls are pricey (about 20$ for 8 pieces) but they are also very extravagent. To be honest, they weren't as grandiose or as big as I imagined them to be, but they were still delicious and VERY filling. Here's what we ordered: TORIMY ROLL(spicy tuna and eel roll topped with torched squid. garnished with eel and spicy sauce) The torched squid was not too chewy and really complimented the roll by giving it a subtle smoky flavor TRIFENA ROLL (shrimp tempura roll topped with eel, avocado, and spicy tuna. garnished with eel sauce and spicy dressing ). I loveee shrimp tempura. who doesnt?! WHITE TIGER (white tuna and masago roll, topped with white tuna sashimi and spicy white tuna. seared for texture and garnished with scallions, red tobiko, eel sauce and cream sauce). Definitely the winner of the night. We ordered this after we were already stuffed and quickly devoured half of it before I realized I needed to take a picture. Personally, I find white tuna much more appetizing than regular tuna. It has a much less fishy after taste and the texture is also a lot smoother. Was food really worth that much? Probably not. The decor, ambiance and service also all try to be more than it actually is. And for a Friday night, the restaurant was nowhere near as packed as Starr's El Vez across the street. However, for someone looking for some delicious and high-end sushi in a nice atmosphere, you might as well check out this place one time or another.
(4)Kaz H.
I went here with my friend for her birthday. Kick ass place. We had the boat of sushi. It was delicious. The overall atmosphere was really cool...
(4)Tara W.
I ate here for dinner as a solo diner while in Philly on business. I ate at the bar and the two bar tenders were attentive and made sure I had a full water glass, etc. I enjoyed my sushi but I would not say that it was spectaular. I ordered the green river roll with "shrimp tempura and spicy tuna roll covered in green tea tempura flakes. topped with avocado, spicy lobster, green tea sauce and spicy sauce" and while it was good, it had too much going on. The lobster and the tuna were lost in all the sauces, toppings, and generous dose of rice.However, Raw Sushi is all about the specialty rolls pile high with accoutrements, so if that's you thing you will love the sushi here.
(3)Chris Y.
After a few hours of drinking at Yakitori Boy, my group decided it wasn't quite finished and teleported over to Raw for some sake. I don't remember seeing, tasting, or reading about the food, but here's a brief slideshow of what I do recall from my one-time impression: 1) groovy atmosphere; 2) nice selection of sake (I haven't seen better in Philly...); and 3) expensive (but I didn't care). If I hadn't gone inebriated, I may have left the place a bit ticked. Unfortunately, at the time I was rather eager to spend any amount of money for some good sake. I guess I wouldn't consider going back unless I was really, really in the mood again...
(3)J M.
I came here for my birthday and.. the crowd.. Ugh.. I don't want to start pouring out the Hater-ade so early in my reviews.. but let's just say I can't stand a New Jersey accent-- it just makes me cringe. So, unfortunately I have to subtract 1 star for the hostess seating us right next to an obnoxious middle-aged women squawking over her new Blackberry while I attempt to have a nice conversation with my boyfriend. As for the food, let's just say that it's forgettable. I remember more vividly the over processed hair of that middle-aged woman than I do the food I had that night. So I'm going to have to subtract an additional star for that fact. But.. from what I DO remember, it was OK. Just OK. I've had better, but you definitely get what you're paying for. I strongly suggest you head over to Morimoto or even better, hop in your car and head to New York. =D
(3)Molly O.
Food...pretty pretty pretty good. Service? Piss Poor. Horrid Host who tried to make us share a table with two other people we didn't even know. When all parties refused, he huffed off. We were about to leave, then the manager got us a table. We should have just left. The waiter was decent but like the "Magic Man" (now you see him, now you don't) but this place is just trying too damn hard. Not everyone wants a NYC-Wannabe lounge to eat sushi in. Too bad, cause the food is fab. Unfortunately, the rudness of the people working there was so off-putting, I doubt I will ever go back. Too bad for me I guess.
(2)Barney B.
So here we are - review #200 - and I am faced with the conundrum of dedicating it to an awesome dinner experience I had in Center City or a pathethic one. 100 people were asked "which would Barney choose?" "Pathetic!" "Survey says.....99" I can't tell you how legit sushi is here in the states compared to its origin - but I know that when I first got into sushi, maki rolls were simple light and fresh - and if I was lucky, had a nice little kick. but it seems like we have begun americanizing maki, because this is the second place in a row where they add so much shit to a roll that things just get busy. in this case, the rolls were topped with so much crap that if you were lucky enough to pick it up without it falling apart, there was no way it was all fitting in even my big fat Irish mouth. and have you ever tried to eat a piece of maki in two bites - it doesn't work in general, and it's a downright disaster if it's a maki roll that somewhat resembles Tammy Faye Bakker. and if you are going to make me work so hard, make it worth my while - but somehow this place managed to mix up so many textures and flavors and still elicit a 'Meh' after each bite. But the good news is - the sushi doesn't make you gain weight.... because my two mediocre rolls cost me $38, and I threw up when I got that bill. That's what happens when you trust the 'specials' menu. It was special, alright. I came here despite the less-than-stellar reviews from my fellow yelpers, but they all seemed to start with "we came here after drinking a lot of booze somewhere else..." that might explain why they rated it higher than I would - lucky bastards.
(1)Anisha H.
I am totally surprized people do not like the sushi here!! Being a obsessive fan of sushi.....I can basically live on sushi...ok ok back to the restaurant :) This place was by far the best sushi place in the country!! the sushi is out of this world.... I have been there twice, once with a bunch of friends...and then once with my bestfriend....okk soo lets talk about the place...going with a big group is good, cause you get a boot and thats great!! going with just one other person...make sure you are on a date..the second time I went with my friend..we were stuck in the middle of a bunch of two seater tables...and on either side of us were people on dates...I dont know what the others though....but while all the girls were trying to look cute and eat really danti..me and my friend were chowing down the sushi..it was that good!!! I definately recommend it...its the best sushi place you can find in Philly! :)
(5)Vivian H.
I came here with high expectations, since my boyfriend said "everyone" he knew thought it was the best sushi in town (even though I told him yelp only gave it 3.5 stars). In the future, I think I'll go with yelp reviews instead. The atmosphere in Raw is very chic and trendy, with ambient lighting and music which complement the place. They have an outdoor patio which is very nice in the summertime. Indoors was also ok, even though our table was so close to the ones next to us, we could hear their entire conversations. If you want a booth, I suggest you ask for it when making reservations. The appetizers and sushi were pretty good and tasted fresh. We had the spicy tuna tartare, which was yummy. We also ordered 3 rolls of sushi, including the special, the Drunken Tiger roll, which was really good. They also have an extensive, but pricey, sake list. -1 because they are a bit overpriced, and because we had to wait soooo loooong for our food to come out.
(4)Ryan B.
Probably the best sushi lunch deal in the city. 14 bucks for a spicy tuna roll a cali roll, mini tuna tar tar, 2 goyza dumplings, miso soup, side of rice and a ginger salad. Not too shaby actually not shaby at all.
(4)Kim G.
Don't ask me why I went to Philly to have raw food. Or why I went with a pregnant woman who couldn't eat any, but sat there with her california roll attempting to live vicariously through me and my $10 Oh-Toro, which was small and nowhere near giving me the Oh-face. It's trendy, it's got the red lantern theme and suede booths. Not really my style though. Someone told me I ordered wrong, that I should go with the platters or combos, but out of our 6 orders, shouldn't something stand out?
(3)Meg C.
I went here for my birthday not too long ago. It was a superb meal, the best sushi I've had in Philly. I started with miso soup, nice and light. Then edamame and gyoza, both delicious. Then I had the sushi raw deluxe platter, which is about 15 pieces of assorted sushi. All of it was very fresh and beautifully crafted. It was the first time I had eel and I loved it. The waiter brought me some green tea ice cream and fried bananas for dessert. I had a massive quantity of food, all of it impressive. Nice interior as well.
(4)Joseph K.
I wasn't going to visit Raw because of the mixed reviews on here, but my good friend has been really wanting to go. Then I attended a party where Raw was serving sushi--it was delicious so I consented to a visit. The atmosphere was pleasant, but we ate inside on one of the nicest nights of the year. The courtyard is a beautiful space, I hope I can eat there before the season ends. There was a DJ spinning some delightful music. The lighting and the interior was thoughtfully designed. It seems that people had have issues with the service. I found the staff to be attentive but not overpowering. Everything was delivered to our table within a reasonable amount of time. Our server was friendly and well-informed. The food was very good. The White Tiger special was sublime. The seaweed salad was impeccably prepared but served as a minuscule portion. My good friend loved his avocado salad. We will be back.
(4)Cindy C.
I was immediately impressed by the restaurant's fancy ambiance and professional staff. However the sushi was mediocre for the price.
(2)Matthew S.
We went for a birthday dinner with friends, and had a good time. The bar had some very tasty concoctions while we waited for a table. We ended up sitting by the outdoor bar at a table with low couches. Very fun. It was a bit chilly, but the heat lamps were going so we were all comfortable. Something went screwy with our order, and we ended up waiting a long time for our food; but the management was very helpful, and brought several rounds of sake & some appetizers for us gratis while we waited, which I thought was very well-done. The crowd for dinner was very yuppyish (go figure), and I was annoyed by other guests being snotty to the wait staff. They were *very* busy when we were there. The food was well above average, though I've had better for less $$$. I had the "red & white sashimi" platter. The yellowtail sashimi was especially good. They had lots of good menu choices. And their specials looked very yummy. All-in-all, it was a good experience. Though if I go back, I think it will be for lunch, not dinner.
(3)Georgie S.
I've eaten at Raw a few times, mostly for lack of better options. Their apps are pretty decent, I really like the beef negimaki...but then again everything tastes better when it's swimming in butter! As far as the sushi goes, their rolls are way over the top. NOT in a good way! They have too much rice and they have like 20 different things in each roll. I don't know if it is to mask the fact that the fish may not be so fresh or what, but you can't taste the fish at all, just lots of sauce. My server suggested that I try the White Tiger roll which is three different preparations of white tuna. I feel like if a sushi place serves you a roll with three different preparations of a fish that is banned in Japan because it makes you sick, maybe this joint doesn't know their fish. Over all the service was good, a little pushy at the end of the meal because it was getting busy and they clearly needed the table. I don't think I'll be going back anytime soon.
(2)RB B.
We popped in on a whim on a Monday night. Our experience was wonderful. Sushi was delicious, as fresh as can be. Nice selection of the usual and some other creative offerings. Service was attentive. The atmosphere is comfortable. I am looking forward to going back.
(5)Antoine K.
I can't give yall all of my spots, but I will share a few. Some of the best SUSHI I have ever had, The house seafood fried rice is banging and so is the miso soup. Drinks are very fancy and the price is not that bad!
(4)Anna Marie C.
so apparently back in the day the special rolls were about $10 instead of the $17-20 they now are. if i had lived in philly and known about this place then, perhaps my review would be more stellar. but yes, the sushi is really good. the fish is fresh (at least, when i went). i went late one night when the place was emptying out, so it was fairly quiet and nice. the booth can be comfortable, and the sake is quite tasty (but why is it that i get uber-drunk off of sake and then sober up waaay too quickly?) but...i'm just imagining my giant plate making its edge over onto the next table over--it's just that cramped. seriously? maybe i'll try it for takeout.
(3)Carrie E.
If I were Carrie Bradshaw circa 2001 I would go nuts over this place. Alas, I am Carrie E. and this is Philly 2008, not NYC, so I'm a little more subdued. Great sushi, albeit a bit pricey, and an exceptional sake menu that just might be one of the best in the city. I echo the previous concerns about the plating; the dishes were just a bit too big for the tables and the whole sushi mojo was thrown off just a bit. And I wish they'd do away with the television in the dining room; it was majorly distracting. I was trying to concentrate on my husband but kept being lured away by George Clooney and Brad Pitt in "Oceans 11." Not cool. Love the bathroom sinks, though. I'm sure there's a lot of shenanigans to be had in the bathrooms. Too bad this distracts from the quality of food being served to the beautiful people upstairs...
(3)Michael E.
It is not my new favorite sushi place. I was excited to try it because I had heard so many good things, but it felt too sceney and a little contrived. The bartender was very attentive to the group of single women next to us; not so attentive to my wife and I. The tables are jammed pretty close together so it felt more like a country buffet than an intimate dining experience...which brings me to something that really bothered me. The plating of the food was well done, but the size of the plates were out of proportion to the tables. Our neighbor's plates were almost on our table. I know that this criticism is pretty nitpicky, but the presentation of sushi and the detail of the food are just as important as the taste of the meal. The food was good and the combo rolls presented interesting tastes. I must add that their urinals are not for the pee-shy. I had the feeling that a sake-soaked salary man was going to step up next to me and sing some karaoke.
(3)Alex C.
Very cool sushi/saki bar in downtown Philly. The sushi was very fresh and not outrageously priced. We went here on a Friday night and the hardest part was getting into the city from the 'burbs! The atmosphere was definitely very cool and trendy; a more legit version of a trendy sushi place than we can find in the suburbs (not mentioning any names Kooma). We were there in the February but in the summer they apparently have a courtyard that you must sit in. The food was great. The sushi tasted very fresh and it was very affordable for what I was expecting from the looks. Sapporo usually washes things down well also. I did not get a chance to try any of the Saki but the list looked very extensive so if you're a Saki-aficionado definitely try this place. The other cool thing is the bathroom, it's sorta unisex. The sinks are unisex but the actual toilets are separate so it makes for some funny looks when you are washing your hands and a girl walks down thinking she is in the wrong place.
(4)Megan K.
Their specialty rolls are out of this world! i have to say, at this point my fav sushi spot. but that is always subject to change. the outside seating is just adorable. it almost feels like youre not in philly. i love the bar. we went with 9 of us. we tried many different dishes/rolls. everything was great. the only problem was the service was slow for getiing our cocktails. i hate to admit it, but we like to drink. and when all of us are together, the drinks go down pretty fast. it just seemed like everytime we put in a drink order, it was at least 10-15 minutes before the drinks got to the table. and when we wanted the check, the waiter disappeared for what seemed like forever. but shit happens. the presentation of the food was flawless, and the environment was perfect. sushi is outstanding. and, i never thought about it before, but what a cool place to go for cocktails outside. that i will investigate!
(4)Karen F.
Raw was a lovely place to spend my "23rd" birthday. In fact, I may have to fly back to Philly *just* for the sushi here. It was melt-in-your-mouth yummy! I casually mentioned that it was my birthday (and coincidentally, it was the chef's birthday too), and they gave me banana and ice cream for dessert...on the house. Yay! Note: I *am* awesome, so I can't guarantee that they'll be hookin' everyone up with birf-day treats. Also, their bathroom is beautifully designed and hella clean. Schweet :D
(5)Lindsay R.
I was immediately impressed by Raw's ambiance and beautifully decorated interior. The service was incredibly fast! The rolls I tried were good, but not amazing. The Binny Roll was the best of the variety and the cuts seemed very fresh. The Capital Roll and the Yellow tail were also good but not incredible. I would go back for a happy hour or to sit at the sushi bar, but am anxious to try some other Japanese restaurants in Center City.
(3)Annabelle S.
I went to Raw when I was on a vacation last year. One thing I could not forget from this place was thier Miso soup. It was the best miso soup I have ever had. The food was okay. I don't know about you but to me it was too dark inside and the way to the restroom is kinda creepy. The restroom is very trendy and new. I love thier sink. If i go back to Philly, I definately go back to Raw again for thier miso soup.
(4)Sook K.
Went here for my bday dinner. The ambiance was great and the sushi was good but like many other reviewers said...way too small. After the 5 of us left the 4 of my friends immediately went and got a slice from Lorenzo's. After paying a lot of money for dinner, this is totally unacceptable, even if the sushi was good. I will not go back here again.
(2)Barbara P.
I was at Raw for the first time on New Years. While I can't comment on the food, I can say the decor was fabulous. As a bar goes, it's very trendy with sweet loungey couches and a hip design. As a restaurant, I don't know... I could see how it would feel more clubby than like a restaurant. I had free open bar (with my ticket) until midnight. After midnight, I was ordering drinks for my friends, and my Sapphire and tonic was $10, while a Goose and tonic was $15 -- in my opinion, a littttle up there. There must be outdoor seating during nice weather, because there was an outdoor area with a few tables. Curtains hang all around, so you feel as though you're inside even though you're outside -- a nice little getaway for the smokers of your group. Last but not least, I want to go back just for the bathroom. It's like a beautiful temple for meditation.. but you're uhh.. doing your business in there!! The toilets themselves weren't too clean, but I'm sure that had to do with the New Years debauchery.
(4)Lori H.
A friend took us here while we were visiting Philly and OMG, best sushi I have ever had. Which was shocking to me, as I was not expecting that while in Philly! Anyway, short wait for a table, but perfect service and amazing sushi rolls. Highly recommend.
(5)Kap N.
not only is the sushi almost as fresh as my favorite sushi place in the world [yoshi's grand cayman], but the sake and japanese beer selection is totally on point. definitely recommend this place for a nice date or quality time with friends.
(5)Wei T.
I've only been here for a few drinks but I liked the place - very nice atmosphere and the outside bar is perfect for the summer. Looking forward to trying the food.
(3)Gina R.
I just tried this sushi restaurant, and it was very good. The rolls and the sushi platter were very yummy. The Sweet Potato Tempura Roll was really really good. The selections on the menu were varied. The price was moderate, but for a good dinner and night out; it wasn't too bad. They had a good selection of beer and sake. The decor was really cool, and it was pretty cozy for a Monday night. I can imagine a good crowd being there on the weekends. Go here for a good Sushi dinner!!!
(4)David Z.
I've been here at least 20 times over the past few years and have always been happy but tonight was a major disappointment. They used old shrimp temporary for my roll and the spicy tuna handroll was the ground up tuna. I always found the spicy tuna handrolls with whole pieces of tuna much better. Might have to find a new regular sushi place.
(3)Yasmin E.
Gave it a 4/5 cause the food was 'just ok' (variety was good, although the portions were smaller here than at other sushi places in the city) but the ambiance was CUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUTE! this is definitely a dress up your jeans/wear a really cute dress kinda place. great for dates, ok for a group of friends. im always boring and get the same rolls, so i have no food recommendations for you. what i do know is that the seaweed salad my friend ordered was out of this world, so if you're bold, give it a shot :) It gets buuuusy on Fri night/wkends, so caveat to those of you who are particular about waiters being at your table every 5 minutes.....it won't happen on these nights cause of how crowded it gets.
(4)Jacquelin K.
I balked at heading to Raw for the first time because I'd heard they're overpriced. But my friend and I had a very satisfying meal for under $50. If you have the money to spare, Do come here. Regularly. I get yellowtail and scallions at every sushi place I visit -- here you get 8 pieces for $8 and they are positively stuffed with the most nuanced yellowtail I've tasted to date. No silly sauce between you and this heavenly fish. THIS is where it's at, and so Raw gets my heart on principle. Despite lackluster service. I do like the modern decor in here, and the food, but sometimes folks get a little too excited to be here. I don't know what it is, but it can get crazy loud on the weekends. I also made the fatal error of coming here for City Sips at one point. Never do that. Ever. People were packing in like Godzilla was outside. Oh and visit the bathroom regardless of whether you have to go. Design at its best.
(3)Karl M.
I love this place! Every roll I have gotten here has been fantastic. Their specials are fun and innovative and they have some classic rolls. The Spider Roll is to-die-for with soft shell crab tempura integrated into a regular avocado roll. Just enough crunch to make it perfect! I also enjoy the spicy tuna roll, and I get it at every sushi place I go to - they make it perfect here! The decor is cool, and the staff is extremely friendly and attentive. While the space suffers from a lack of width (some spaces are really hard to squeeze through), the staff is patient and people seem to manage - it is always packed! One issue - the DJ on the weekends plays a little too loudly - but I guess that is what you get when you have dinner at midnight! Lastly, the bathrooms are very cool, yet a little strange. The "urinal" is a big wall with water running down it. I couldn't tell if it was just a water fountain or not, but then I walked in and someone was peeing in it! I'm still not sure if it was a mistake! Check out Raw for delicious, bulky sushi and a fun crowd!
(4)David H.
This is my first time visiting Philadelphia, and I thought I would go out for some sushi with co-workers. I spoke with the concierge at the Marriott and Raw was highly recommended, big mistake. The food was good, but the portions of sashimi were small, an even bigger issue to us was the horrendous service. We ate at the bar, the bartender seemed to be going out of her way to be rude, and the sashimi that we ordered took 30 minutes to get. This is unfortunate as the location and atmosphere are great. The bottom line is that if I was to go out for sushi in Philadelphia again, I would definitely find somewhere else to go.
(1)Jeff H.
I've been to Raw for both lunch and dinner. Two very different experiences and atmospheres. Both were fantastic meals. My wife and I went there for a last minute dinner on a late Spring Saturday night and sat at the bar (there is a bar and a sushi bar that are connected - if you sit at the bar, sit at the non-sushi part of the bar with more room and easier drink access). We ordered some fantastic and creative sushi rolls, sensational sashimi, soup, sushi, a bunch of beers, and more fun rolls. We love it all. The lighting was perfectly dim, the music was very cool and loud enough to be "lounge-like" but not too loud to talk. The bar tender gave us great advice for my beers and the rolls. We had a fantastic dinner, we were not rushed, and we felt like we did very well for approximately $120. We would go back there in a minute over Morimoto. When I went there for lunch with a colleague of mine, we ordered a bunch of the things each of us liked best - whether it be sushi, sashimi, rolls, soup, salad, whatever. All was very good and fresh. For lunch, the service was fast, and the server was very helpful. The mood of the place is not at all like dinner. It is a great place to go for a business lunch as it is a bit expensive for just a lunch.
(5)Kelly W.
For sushi in Philly, this is a reliable place for well-presented and interesting rolls. Their specials are hearty and filling. Dark Horse roll is a must! If the spicy rolls/tartare weren't so redundantly heavy with what tastes like Sriracha sauce, I'd be ecstatic about this place. The lounge feel is nice, music is a little above conversation level for my taste, but it's got a nice groove. I like the clean, asian-contemporary decor. If you want to learn more about sake, sit at the bar: I recommend trying the flight of sake, which the bartenders can tell you about. One last thing: If you go in the winter and don't have a reservation, don't check your coat immediately: it gets absolutely freezing in the entrance way from the door draft, despite the curtainly efforts. Great location, as you can stop into Capogiro for dessert!
(4)Sandy R.
17 pc sashimi in the chirashi for $29. hell yeah. i love the fact that we were seated about 5 minutes after we got there...on a FRIDAY night. the squid was fantastic. the staff here are very friendly. i also love the outdoor seating (who cares if my friends were cold? haha). i was really excited that they had brooklyn pumpkin ale on tap, and the black honda was good too, it tasted like an alcoholic tropical skittle. the drinks did take a little while to get to our table, but the bar was pretty packed already when we got there. its pretty reasonable for the amount of sushi and the quality that you are getting, and honestly...if you don't have the money for it, then don't go out for sushi! don't go to a sushi place and order a california roll, its embarrassing.
(4)Morgan R.
This restaurant was super-yummy! All of the vegetarian rolls were delicious and beautifully presented, but somewhat difficult to eat due to the presentation. The rolls are huge, you definitely get enough food for the money. I would certainly return here if I were back in the city.
(4)Kelly S.
I went here recently for the City Sips happy hour deal (for those not in the know, every summer, about 30-40 bars in the city all have the same happy hour special on Wed. nights - $4 mixed drinks, $3 wine, $2 beer, and $1 appetizers, with some free parking meters and $1 garages in certain areas). I thought Raw was really cool inside - very dark (extremely low lighting), granite bar top, kind of a modern decor - not a kitschy sushi joint at all. It was also so wonderful to step inside this cool, air conditioned, dark place from the sunny, muggy, and disgustingly hot outdoors. It's like a cool, inviting cave. I was a little disappointed, though, that the hostess wouldn't seat my party at a table b/c we were there for the happy hour, especially since there wasn't much room at the bar. I had planned on getting dinner, too, but I didn't order any out of spite once we couldn't get a table. The bar has no stools, so I wasn't about to eat standing up while trying not to spill anything because of the crush of people trying to get to the bar. I was especially annoyed when I got into the bar/dining area and noticed that all of the other tables of people were only having happy hour drinks and not dinner, and there were several empty tables in the back. That aside, though, I had a nice time. The place became very crowded as the happy hour wore on. It wasn't part of City Sips last year, but I think it's probably one of the most popular places in that program this summer. The drinks were very good. They had fruit-infused sake and a sparkling cosmopolitan as the drink specials. I had both. I've had way better fruit-infused sake in my lifetime. It tasted too much like honeydew, but some of my friends liked it. The sparkling cosmo, however, was great (cosmo + champagne for $4 = drunk in 2 hours or less). The $1 appetizers were also very good, but TINY (last year, the City Sips program offered free appetizers, so it sucks that they changed that part, but for $1, you can still get some cool gourmet food). They had beef negimaki (2 tiny pieces), gyoza (2 tiny pieces), and california rolls (4 tiny pieces). I had the gyoza and california roll, and I liked both, but I had a very difficult time getting chopsticks from the ditzy bartender, who could not seem to get our orders straight until we told him what we wanted 4 times. I eventually wound up eating my appetizers with my fingers. Basically, the place was a zoo. We finally left when bus boys started pushing by us with stacks of chairs and basically giving us dirty looks that said, "Leave, you're in our way." I left there starving, since 2 $1 appetizers do not a dinner make, but I think that I would give the place another go for dinner. My friends and I were at the end of the bar near the sushi counter, and we watched amazing looking maki rolls pass by us for two hours, so it got me interested in trying their sushi. I would hope, however, that the service is better for dinner, so I'm reserving my judgment on this one. I'll probably update this review once I go there for an actual meal. I would recommend it for happy hour, though - just get there early so you can get a spot at the bar!
(3)T.J. W.
Really terrific sushi. Served fresh and with great presentation, Raw has a pretty decent sized menu, and the chefs are always accommodating when it comes to tweaking rolls. It is a bit on the expensive side, but that is expected of a trendy Center-City restaurant. My only real gripe is that the service can be lacking at times, usually during the weekends when the place is packed. But even that is easily forgiveable, given the top of the line eats.
(4)Jenn H. H.
Omigosh, why did I never eat here before? Probably because it looks a bit snooty from the outside, and I'm not one for snoot. Well jimminy christmas trees, the food here is good. Like seriously good. And the fish was mad fresh, like melt in your mouth fresh, just how raw sushi should be. We had some of the special rolls and they were little mouthfuls of heaven. And the drinks are strong and good too. And yes, it is a nicer place, but not really snooty. They have an outdoor patio area, which I had no idea existed! The service was just fine too. All in all, an amazing meal. Only 4 stars cuz well, it is a bit pricey for this frugal frannie. But other than that, no complaints!
(4)Kate T.
This is a nice place to go to if you just want to hang out while enjoying good food. The decor is nice and the food is good. They opened up their terrace for outside seating during the summer months. I like their tempura rock shrimp, but mostly ordered the sushi and rolls. So far, I haven't had any bad food there yet. Just keep in mind that It might not be a good place to take someone for a first date though, since the tables are so close together and there's barely any privacy between you and other diners.
(4)P L.
This is my first Philadelphia review since moving here a couple of months ago! I dined at Raw on New Years Eve. My bf picked the place because we've walked by it a couple of times and were always enticed with the look of the place. So, we thought why not. I read the yelp reviews a couple of hours before and was not very impressed but we decided to go ahead with it. We made reservations and were seated immediately. It's not a big place and seating was a little tight, but the coziness seemed to fit the mood of the night. We had the calamari salad, a sashimi place, and 2 rolls. I thought the food was pretty good. It wasn't the most amazing sushi I've had and just slightly better than the $2.50 a plate sushi place I ate when living in LA, but the ambiance gave it a deserving 3 star. The server we had was very good. She didn't come off as being very pleasant at first, but she ended up being great. She was very good at giving honest recommendations. We overheard her poo-poo a dish (sorry I can't remember what it was!) to the table next to us and gave them an alternate. She also put in a customized order for another table but rang it up as a generic roll so that it was cheaper for them. If you're looking for amazing sushi, this might not be your best pick, but if you're looking for a nice date place for good sushi then I would recommend this place.
(3)Jeremy B.
There was nothing wrong with my experience, just not great? The restaurant itself is very cool, caught myself staring a bit and I was with a very beautful woman so it must be ...I digress. Dinner was good, we got a bunch of rolls and sashimi, awesome mochi. Would I go back, yeah. Is it choice #1, no way.
(3)Carla K.
Raw is usually an overall great experience. I recommend the Crispy Calamari Salad! Everything has a nice fresh taste which is the most important factor when getting sushi. A little expensive but it seems worth it just because of the great atmosphere.
(4)nicole h.
You absolutely must sit in their outside patio. The atmosphere is great. The sushi is beautifully presented and delish. The wasabi is grated fresh. The prices are middle of the line. The bathrooms are crazy weird! I go almost every time I'm in Philly.
(4)Lauren H.
Came here with a friend on a whim for a quick drink while we waited for our table to be ready across the street at Lolita. I highly recommend the Marguerita Fall, made of tequila, sake, cointreau, and lime juice. The place has a nice, slick but welcoming ambiance - soft lighting and suede booths. Although we only stayed for a drink, we were pleasantly surprised at how friendly and accomodating both the hostess and the bartender were. Next time, I'll stay for an entire meal.
(4)Jillian E.
I've always wanted to eat here but I always opt for the places I know has great sushi. Last night my date took me here which is definitely a nice place for a date. The decor was pretty and the set up for the narrow space of the restaurant was done well. There is a long bar that hugs the right wall when you walk in and there is a raised seating area towards the back that has a long and may I add, very comfortable, couch along the wall. The mirrors had to be one of my favorite touches. They put together hundreds of, I want to say, 3x3 inch mirrors into one large mirror along the back wall. They also have it downstairs in the restroom which I must say is pretty dope as well. The sink area is shared in the "lobby" area of the restrooms and the sinks are level, perhaps marble or granite slabs that have a slight incline that allows the water to go towards the back of the sink. One woman came out of the bathroom and let out a "what the hell" trying to figure it out, quite funny! There is also a spiral staircase that I did not find out where it lead to but it gave the restaurant a nice touch. Now for the food! I am a HUGE Sashimi fan and am VERY picky and I must say their fish was very fresh and definitely satisfied my cravings. Although the place is a bit pricey, but what Japanese restaurant isn't?, the food was good. My date ordered the special Valentine Roll and it was HUGE and packed with so much it was a bit overwhelming to look at! He enjoyed it and I had a few and I liked it as well. I only gave it 3 stars because 1 their Mochi Ice Cream was not defrosted enough and the dough was rough going down. And 2 it was my first visit. This is me being way to critical but hey that's what Yelp is all about, no? Our waitress was great, very nice and attentive and their host was adorable wearing a red bow tie and made sure I didn't forget my coat. All in all a satisfying dinner at Raw, the date went well which also made it an even better evening! I'll go back when I want to feel baller and spend that much money and also for the lounge it looks like a nice place to have a few drinks! OH YES! I forgot, one thing I found interesting? Perhaps that might be the only word for it, but Finding Nemo was playing on the flat panel TV by the spiral staircase...not sure what that was about...
(3)Gary S.
For me Raw definitely is a half star candidate, but I would vote for 2 1/2 not 3 1/2. It is definitely a scene during cocktail time - crowded and very noisy. Lots of people into being "seen" and in turn checking out others. The outdoor lounge area is definitely very cool and the defining feature, weather permitting. Place seemed to overloaded with young 20-something women in skimpy little dresses (Young single guys - might want to check it out!). The food: just OK. Sushi was certainly good, but there are many better places for sushi. I would rank Haru better on food, while also having a hipsterish nightlife vibe. But if you are looking for a sleek Center City nightlife scene to go with your Sushi you could do a lot worse than Raw.
(3)Ben H.
Perfect example of a restaurant failing miserably at trying to be overly trendy. We sat and ate in what looked like an alley in between two buildings. While the deep fried sushi roll was cool, it didn't taste all that great. Come to think of it, nothing tasted all that great. You wouldn't have known that by the bill though. That said, you definitely don't get what you pay for. New trend needed - food that tastes good. Fire the hippie minimalist decorator and hire a chef.
(2)Patty T.
So I went here for NYE and LOVED it.. I wanted a fun place to relax and dance with a few good friends. This was perfect! I got a VIP table which was great because we sat up a little higher than the bar area and had a mini stage. The sushi was awesome and the waitress was AMAZING... so attentive. I had told her I was allergic to crustaceans and she was super accommodating about it (I have had problems with places mixing in the passed). LOVE IT.. the outside bar area was awesome too.. it is like a mini oasis.
(5)Rupal P.
I LOVE LOVE this place! I'm usually not a big fan of Japanese food, but after eating at Raw, I've become a fan. My most fav. is their lunch specials such as the veggie binto box and the veggie tempora and rolls!
(5)Anna M.
Sushi is okay, but nothing special. way overpriced for the quality.
(2)Timothy O.
Mediocre, at best. California roll was ok, spicy tuna roll was mushy and neither fresh nor flavorful, beer was lukewarm. Service didn't really save the experience. Methinks there must be better in this city, will keep looking...
(2)John N.
I've been to Raw a couple times, and each visit has been pretty consistent. The service is ok, and the selection isn't the best. Their sushi isn't bad or anything...ok maybe I've been spoiled by Morimoto, but it just wasn't as fresh as the others. Sushi is apparently a very delicate art, so I am sure subtle differences make certain sushi restaurants more palatable than others. I never protest when my friends want to go to Raw, but if I had to choose, it wouldn't be in my top picks.
(3)Mangala M.
This place serves outstanding sushi. My only complaint is some of their sushi specials are HUGE (size of the sushi, not the serving)! Everything is priced moderately well. The drinks were OK, not really too strong. Overall it was a great restaurant and we really enjoyed ourselves!
(4)Pong C.
The best part of my experience was using the bathroom and peeing on a waterfall wall... so with that in mind .... Went with a group of 6 for restaurant week (nice place to take a group as there's plenty of group seating in the restaurant). Had the salmon & cream cheese springroll to start. Nice portion (2 rolls). It was appetizing, but nothing special. Follow that with the dejavu roll (asparagus tempura + salmon + yellowtail with wasabi crunchy stuff) which I think was probably good at the time, but not so memorable since I don't really remember it much. Lastly, for dessert, which was pretty much an afterthought for the kitchen (since the other choice was fruit cocktail), I had some ice cream thing... it was pretty boring. Service was good. Food was just fine. For a restaurant week outing, it really lacked value and thus I left pretty kinda disappointed.
(3)anthony r.
Good sushi all around. The space is pretty cool. The outdoor seating is actual outdoor seating! Some places put 1 crumby table in an alley and call it a patio but Raw's outdoor space is big yet chill (perhaps cuz we went at an off peak time). They serve hitachino beer which is a plus. Girls loved their bubbly cocktail. I'd go back.
(4)Celisa C.
i like the ambiance and the decor. the sashami was on point but it's expensive for no reason i guess. tryna make themselves 'high-class' but it's just not worth the price.
(3)johnny b.
Favorite sushi spot in philadelphia. Tough to compete with new york or LA but better than anywhere I've been in chicago so far
(4)Rebecca S.
i love food. i love sushi even more! i don't think i could date anyone who didn't eat sushi! i had the lady dragon drink and the green river roll and it was alllll that i wanted. my favorite sushi has to have crunch and spice and this specialty roll did just that for me! the only negative (and the reason for four stars instead of five) is the price. $21.00 for a roll?? com'on people! lunch for two was $87.00. but i enjoyed every bit of it. the place is uber clean and my waiter was pretty sexy! they close at 2:15 after the lunch rush...not sure when they open up again.
(4)Mihir P.
I was disappointed with the food but very impressed with the service. The beef negamaki was pretty standard as was the soft shell crab tempura. How ever the spicy crunchy tuna rolls were just sad. Not spicy or crunchy. Tuna was a tad dry and flavorless and the sushi rice was undercooked and seemed to be missing the rice vinegar. I ordered a margarita which was just OK. I was very impressed that our waiter noticed I was not drinking it and asked me if there was a problem with it. He got me a new drink which wasn't much better but I was too impressed with the waiter's powers of observation to care.
(2)Joseph L.
Where oh where to begin.. This is probably one of the more recent reviews of Raw Lounge. I have been here twice and neither time left a wonderful rosy impression upon me. Food: I do have to admit that this is pretty decent sushi. The first time I went, my fiancee and I agreed that this was probably in our top 5 as far as quality. Osaka in Chestnut hill is better in our opinion. Raw's food isnt bad at all, but it wont be a transcendental experience by any means. Service: Downright horrible. This place is trying so hard to be trendy that they have ignored fundamental people and service skills. The first time we went, we were at least seated promptly, however the waitstaff was incredibly slow and essentially nonexistent. I was halfway considering canceling my order, paying for our drinks and leaving. But after our food arrived all was good until we attempted to get validation for parking in the lot next door. The hostess gave us a 20 minute run around back and forth between the parking lot and the restaurant before finally admitting that they were out of vouchers. Why didn't they tell us upfront? Is it necessary to deceive your customers that way? The second time we went, we didn't even eat. We were so angry that we left. We were a little late arriving for our reserved table so they gave it away. No big deal, I can understand that. We were told to wait at the bar for a table that would open up within the next 5 minutes. Quite some time went by and when I asked the hostess what the situation was with tables, I get a blank look, a mumbled answer and she walks away. At the bar, the bartender is very snotty with us even though we ordered drinks directly from him and tipped him. No fancy drinks that require extra prep, just beers. As we are being led to our table, he makes a very condescending remark to my fiancee. We bring this to the attention of the owner who says he will speak to the bartender, but the damage was already done. My fiancee was angry and hurt and we left. To be fair, the owner attempted to comp us for our beers however we had already paid. We had three people in our group. I was prepared to drop at least $150+ for dinner, but I didnt think the food would have mitigated the rudeness of the staff. I dont think I will be back anytime soon, nor will any of my friends and coworkers (Isn't it nice how quickly word gets around?) The decor is nice, the food is good, but the way the staff treats customers is simply horrible. Why would anyone put up with such egregious treatment from these people?
(2)lena n.
3 words = expensive ass sushi. if you can afford it, then go ahead. the wait? oh god, forever!!! would i recommend it? hell no! yakitori is 5 mins away. parking? hard as hell too. quality? eh, yakitoris better. lol and its small as hell so thats why the wait is forever.
(3)Asia T.
I've been here three or four times. The service is pretty good but my last time there the sushi left a lot to be desired. Their tempora was horrible and the yellow tail fatty. I don't think I'll return again. It was great when it first opened, but it's gone downhill since.
(3)Diana S.
Food is good but they have the dumbest hostess. They have no idea how to do their job and serious attitude problems. Stay away!
(1)Erin P.
a group of 7 friends and i had a reservation for dinner in their courtyard. (fantastic dining area - i couldn't imagine sitting in the cramped indoor dining room) the experience was awesome! our server, chris, was helpful and attentive. the food was great - the sushi, special rolls, and beef teriyaki that we shared were flavorful, fresh, and really tasty. it is a bit on the pricey side, but it's worth it. i'll definitely be going back.
(4)Kat J.
Perhaps I need to give it another go but I was really not impressed. They are extremely over priced too... Just went there with my coworkers for dinner. We are here for a trade show and wanted to get some food near the Marriott downtown. We stumbled upon this place while walking around. The decor was decent and the staff was nice, but the fish was very expensive and I usually eat my sushi in San Francisco. Your order sushi by the piece...yes, one piece...I know Morimoto does that and I've been to a couple other overpriced sushi restaurants that also do that. However, the sushi we got wasn't outstanding or anything. I tried a piece of the Spicy Scallop but the spices were overpowering and I am not even able to comment on the scallop taste itself. Perhaps I just got a bad bite... I ordered the garden salad which came with about 20 leaves of mixed greens, two tiny cherry tomatoes sliced in half and three slices of cucumber with some dressing on top. It was served on a big flat plate and I could see the plate through the salad - it looked pathetic. It would have looked much more substantial served in a smaller bowl. I also had one of their special mixed drinks - sake and mango puree served on the rocks. It was ok. So I can't say I hated it but it wasn't anything to write home about. And since it was so darn expensive, I'm not tempted to go back again. If I do, I'll be sure to post an update.
(3)Andrew M.
Gourmet weirdo rolls are not my favorite kind of sushi, but they are really well done in a great atmosphere at Raw. For some reason, as in all gourmet weirdo rolls, the pieces are the size of your face. Can you fit your face inside your mouth? That would be challenging, given that your mouth is contained within your face.
(5)J P.
Came here with some outta town friends. Got seated right away. Got fed right away. They messed up an order and gave me shit about it. I didn't care that much though, as the sushi was pretty tops. I really couldn't complain. I would say, this place is kitchy. And a little bit over rated. But still good. Bring some extra $$ if you want to drink. Expensive.
(3)Toni V.
So the one time I ever went to this place was when I was a little tipsy and a friend and I just wanted to do some sake tasting... overpriced. I love sake. My friend works in a sake bar in nyc - authentic, underground joint in the east village (check out Decibel in nyc when you get a chance) but yes, Raw's selection of sake is definitely priced more than it should and the selection is pretty sparse. It was empty when we went on a Friday night. Maybe everyone went to Yakitori boy instead.
(2)pearl l.
i have been wanting to try raw for awhile and finally got treated to a splendid lunch here. this place is tucked away and offers a serene calming environment. the decor is quite nice and there are big roomy booths for people to sit, chat and relax. the staff was helpful and friendly. i was here for my bday lunch and it was a weekday and was not crowded with the usual center city crowd. i particularly enjoyed sipping my miso soup while listening to old skool rap and krunkin. no lie. i kid you not! it wasn't blaring, but needless to say it was kind of amusing to be eating the delicate pieces of sushi while DMX is rapping. "X gonna give it to 'ya" "can you pass the wasabi?" not a good mashup... the lunch box specials have a lot of food and come with soup and/or salad. this place is pricier than shiroi hana (which is total yums), but totally less crowded and has that LA hip lounge feel. i got the tuna combo platter. the fish was fresh and everything was presented well. the waitress was told it was my bday and they brought out fried bananas for us all topped with honey and green tea ice cream on the house! i felt that was quite a nice gesture and i am one girl who never says no to dessert! the lunch combos and lunch boxes are the better deal since they give you a great deal of food, especially with the soup and salad. i wish you can pick and choose your choice of sushi, but they have quite a variety of lunchbox/combos. oh, the dessert they gave me thumbs up and i am not just saying that since it was on the haus! :)
(5)Ben K.
Raw is really a great time. Cool loungey feel, and great food. The crispy spring rolls are always delicious as is the spicy crunchy tuna and my favorite, Spider Roll (soft shell crab tempura). The fish is always very fresh, the chefs are fast and the staff is very helpful. It's slightly less expensive than Haru so I'll typically go here to curb a sushi craving when my wallet is feeling light.
(4)Stephanie H.
So no one told me that sushi can actually melt in your mouth but that's exactly what happened when I went to Raw this past Saturday. Amidst the craziness of Arts Fest, Raw was a cool (figuratively and literally) haven from the crowds and delivered a delicious meal and tasty wine. Our meals were nothing over the top as we just wanted a snack but I got a California Roll and the boyfriend got an Eel roll. Both of us agreed that the ingredients were so fresh and delicious it may have been the best sushi we've had. The ambiance is very sultry and plush. My aching body enjoyed the padded velvety bar stools that Raw offered after running around Arts Fest and a Phillies game. The bartenders were very nice and accommodating making sure we had water refills and bountiful amounts of ginger with our sushi (I can't get enough ginger). I am looking forward to returning again to sit outside in the outdoor area. I didn't realize there was an outdoor area until I had already been seated at the bar and served my wine but that is a definite for next time! This wasn't the cheapest place I've gotten sushi, but well worth the money for the taste and ambiance.
(4)Sunaena C.
I've been here about 4 or 5 times in 2006-2007 and I had a blast each time. Their food and service was always exceptional.
(4)Lauren H.
My boyfriend and I went here for our anniversary, and honestly, we would have had a better experience if we had gone to my favorite restaurant, Toyko 1613 (1613 Walnut St.). The decor at Raw is very nice, but the hood ends there. Except for their miso soup which was absolutely delicious, dark, and savory. The sushi was not good. On par with mall sushi. Seriously. The space is cramped, and we were sitting elbow to elbow with other patrons... Hardly the romantic, intimate atmosphere we were hoping to share on our special night. The green salad's dressing is completely inferior to toyko's. I ordered the shrimp tempura roll, and it was so bland. The presentation was non-existent. The rolls were just stacked on a plain white plate, with wasabi and ginger in sad little balls on the edge. The tempura was not crispy, or hot, which screams pre-made to me. My boyfriend's sweet potato tempura was DISGUSTING... it was cold, and again, not crispy or hot. My boyfriend expressed his dislike to the waitress, and was just told "Oh, I'm sorry". No attempts to remedy the situation were made, and she avoided us for the rest of our dinner, instead sending another waitress to clear empty plates, refill our water, etc. We decided to skip the main entree altogether and left. Very disappointing. I will not return. If you want fresh, beautifully presented food, and want some ELBOW room... go to Tokyo on 16th and Walnut. It won't break the bank, and the sushi is the best I've ever had .
(2)Amanda M.
I loved the food that i ate here, i also liked the atmosphere,it was very hip and modern.. the only thing is if you are looking to be on a one on one romantic date this is not the place for you because you are crammed into your seating next to random people that you don't know,and it can be a little tight.Otherwise, it was fantastic.
(4)Ngan H.
This place really has good food. The staff also works really hard in order to make the customer's experience well worth their time. I should know. I worked there for a brief amount of time. If you're going to try anything in the restaurant you have to go for the sushi specials. They are a little price-y but definitely worth the money. My favorite was the bellacucino roll or the wasabi lobster roll. They make some really good sushi there and the specialty rolls are definitely the way to go.
(4)Miriam H.
If you want a trendy place with good drinks and a good vibe, this is definitely the place to go. Although the sushi was fresh, it is way overpriced and definitely NOT the best sushi in Philadelphia.
(3)Sally f.
wow. fab service. fab food. just amazing. i had to close my eyes when eating the sushi so i could focus on just the taste! i want to go back in the summer so i can eat outside on the beautiful patio!!!
(5)Leen L.
My boyfriend and I were celebrating our anniversary and decided to go to RAW since we both love sushi. Boy does this place NOT live up to the hype. After walking into the door we were informed that it would be 45 min until a table was ready. Ok we were fine that so we waited by the bar with some drinks. Since we were starving we decided to order the tuna tartar which was mediocre at best and looked like cat food. (Lowe's was MUCH better considering it was 1/4th the price at happy hour) The bartender was great though and made sure we had our drinks and our waters filled. We were finally seated at a table and could not even read the menu because the lighting was so dim. I had to hold the menu literally in front of my face. Finally we ordered, hoping the the meal would be better but it was only lackluster at best. Service was godawful that night. I almost fell asleep in my food with how much time we had to wait for the waitress to come and pack my food (got to the point in which I am not even hungry anymore) . Tired of waiting and nearly 2 an a half hours into the dinner, I flagged down the hostess instead to pack my food. The layout of the place was weird with the bar too wide and not enough walking area. The seating arrangement of the tables meant that you can hear everything that your neighbors were discussing. Talk about NOT romantic. We left a tip only because we felt bad for the waitress who looked young and probably had to pay for college. All in all disappointing first experience and if you want to stuff your face full of FRESH sushi I recommend Makiman who has plenty of afforable groupons WITH speedy service. Or if it is a fancy occasion and you want mouthwatering, Fat Salmon never disappoints. I will never visit RAW again. Next time I want to spend THAT much money on sushi I would probably visit Morimoto or Fat Salmon.
(1)Bernard L.
dined with a group of nine out in the terrace. the ambiance was fantastic, and the heated lamps provided warmth on a chilly fall night. but the sushi was ok. enjoyed the darkhorse roll with eel that was lightly fried tempura style along with two piece of toro.
(3)Dave W.
Had a great time here due to the company and due to copious amounts of sake and beer and due to good not great food..its not particularly noteworthy in any way, aside from having a large sake selection for a philly spot. The sushi is good. Nothing extraordinary. They had no toro during my visit. I had a few pieces of a la carte sushi which were fresh and good, some shumai, and a few rolls. Good stuff, nice atmosphere inside. I hear the outdoor space is nice, but I cant speak to that as we ate inside. Service was good too. If someone asked me if I wanted to go to haru or raw, I would choose raw.
(4)Jaime V.
This place has great decor and really good food including sake, however the service is really bad. They arent very attentive and the hostess was rude.
(4)Lindsey R.
Raw is usually an overall great experience. I recommend the Crispy Calamari Salad! Perfect Sweetness and Spicey to Leave you wanting more. Everything has a nice fresh taste which is the most important factor when getting sushi. It tends to be a little pricey which prevents me from giving that 5th star. But Raw is a must try for sushi.
(4)Melissa G.
I went here last weekend for my birthday and it was fantastic! We had reservations for twelve but they were more than accommodating when we added two more people to our party. We started out with edamame, shrimp dumplings and wasabi dumplings which were all very tasty. I split the raw sushi and sushimi platter with several people. We all agreed it was very fresh and delicious! Two of my friends do not like sushi and they ordered terriyaki chicken which they enjoyed. I also was impressed how the owner came over several times to make sure we were all satisfied. He took several drink orders, provided my friend with silverware and even got us chairs for our two extra guests. The decor of the restaurant is very swanky but fun. Oh and I almost forgot the drinks! They have a very extensive Saki bar which several of my friends enjoyed. I ordered a pink bubbly which was delicious and not to sweet. They also offer a handful of Japanese beers to my boyfriends delight. I do recommend making reservations on weekends as they were packed!! I personally cant wait to return!
(4)Michael G.
My fav sushi place in Philly area... Check out the mens room.. Crazy..
(5)J B.
I went to this place last night. I loved the vegetarian sushi I got [the vegetable roll and the sweet potato tempura roll] and was pleased that they had a good selection of vegetarian sushi options. I felt comfortable there and liked the decor. I hope to get back there soon or order out.
(4)Dan M.
Went here tonight for valentines day. To be fair we did not have reservations but that should not excuse service - and we were there by 6:15. My wife and and I eat Sushi every weekend and frequently come into the city to try different restaurants. Where do I begin with our horrible experience here. The hostess rudely pointed out we did not have reservations and we would need to eat at the bar (no big deal for sure...) - but there were 3 open tables right beside us. 1 of the tables did not fill until we were 3/4 through our meal and another was open the entire time!!! I even asked twice if we could move to a table and was told by two separate people - very rudely - the tables are all reserved. The staff was extremely rude and seemed to cop an attitude with everyone they came in contact with. The sushi was good but certainly nothing extraordinary. ...and it was on the expensive side. It took us nearly 40 minutes to get our sushi. We were actually set to order more and another drink but when I asked the waitress how long it would be to order some more sushi - her reply was "I have no idea". Nothing like 'I'm sorry, or let me check - but with a total huff and attitude - she basically told us to buzz off". I'm fine with a place that is hot and busy but when a place cops an attitude and is rude - its no excuse. After 25 yrs of being married, I have never left dinner without leaving a tip - tonight was my first. I am a generous tipper - even if I have bad service if its from the staff being overwhelmed by a busy night. This place was not overwhelmed. This place is so far from being one of Philly's hot restaurants - it in NO WAY deserves to cop an attitude - which by the way - I have NEVER received such an attitude at any of Philly's restaurants - hot or not. I will never go back!
(1)Joey M.
Raw sushi came highly recommended by a friend and so I felt obligated to try it! When you enter, you walk into a sort of antechamber that is separated from the rest of the restaurant by a curtain. It is set up sort of railroad style with the sushi bar immediately to the right upon walking through the curtain and tables to the left. This opens up as you head further into the restaurant. The bathrooms are located downstairs. I started with green tea which was perfect given the chilly weather outside. It was just the right strength (right in the middle). I requested sweet n lo to be served with the tea but that didn't come as the tea was served but several minutes after and the tea had gotten less warm. Thankfully the green tea was bottomless so that I was able to refresh it while I had my sweet fix. The menu was very typical of a typical sushi restaurant. I did not notice anything overly creative that caught my attention. I ordered the miso soup (which apparently I've taken a liking to in recent months), a tuna avocado roll and a sweet potato roll. The soup was very good and standard fare. The tuna roll was super fresh with large pieces of tuna inside. As for the sweet potato roll...Typically this comes tempura style but I requested it to come only steamed/boiled. Generally this roll acts as a kind of dessert for me. I was unfortunately disappointed. The sweet potato lacked any sweetness and was a bit too firm. I have ordered this (without tempura) at other venues and did not have this problem so I don't hesitate to state my disappointment. While I enjoy the ambiance of the restaurant I am not sure that I would be willing to spend the money here again. I would likely try another venue. FYI: If you're interested in checking this place out they will be part of restaurant week at the end of January 2015
(4)Alisa A.
Great sushi and their outdoor area is really great for happy hours. When SIPS is happening it gets really packed but it's really worth it. It's also good for groups or date night.
(4)Lori H.
I don't know why Raw's aggregate is so low. I've always enjoyed dining here. Service, ambiance and food have been great every time. Nice sake selection. Helpful staff.
(5)Kelsey W.
I was in Philly for a fun night out with friends and we came here first for dinner. There were 7 of us and since it was pretty busy, we opted to sit in the outdoor lounge area. It had ample room and comfy couch-like seating, however the table was as low as the couches therefore making it a little difficult to eat when the food arrived. I tried one of their specials, kampachi, as well as a yellowtail roll and rainbow roll. The fish was fresh and delicious, the presentation was great and the service was friendly and prompt! The ambience of the outdoor lounge was also really relaxing and chic. I just wish the seating was more comfortable without me having to worry about spilling soy sauce on my white pants! When I'm back in central Philly I will make sure to return!
(4)Kelly C.
great spot for lunch! we come here occasionally when we're in the sushi mood. restaurant week menu didn't appeal to us so we stuck to the regular lunch menu~ IMO, the finest deals are the lunch boxes (bento)! it serves a great variety (and not to mentioned a well balanced meal lol) like veggie tempura, tuna tartare, salad AND it comes with a sushi roll! the portions are pretty big-- i always have left overs to take back with me. my favorite part is the mini tuna tartare! it's well seasoned minced fish packed in this little patty form served with some spicy mayo on top~ it looks delicious and it IS delicious lol we like to order the rock shrimp to start~ it's served with 3 dipping sauces: wasabi mayo, sweet chili and their bbq sauce. the tempura shrimps are like popcorn sized, nom-able in one bite! it's perfectly fried~ super crispy on the outside and piping hot and not overcooked on the inside, which can be a major challenge for some joints. the portion is great for sharing with a table of 4. sooo many shrimps in one order! this place is slightly pricier for your everyday lunch~ but def a go-to when we're looking to get a hearty meal!
(4)Sarah A.
Very nice lunch specials at RAW: spicy rolls featured one salmon and one spicy tuna roll along with miso soup and a salad. The space is very pretty: tucked away in a mostly unsightly strip of Sansom Street. Next time I'll have to sit outdoors.
(4)Lina S.
The sushi here is fan-friggin-tastic. It is consistently fresh and expertly cut. I've been coming here regularly for years and it just does not disappoint. I've heard so-so reviews from acquaintances that went during restaurant week, but anyone who eats out often enough knows that you can't judge by that week. The lunch special is an incredible deal. The ladies behind the bars are sweethearts. And not in that obnoxious over-friendly Applebee's type way, but that chill friendly way. And the head sushi chef.... Uhm Sushi genius. He churns out specials that rival a certain five star joint in the city. If I ever leave the city, I would absolutely make the drive in just to go.
(5)Peter G.
Bad service, bland food. Made us wait over an hour to sit us down. Brought wrong dishes to table.
(1)Eunni C.
I thought sashimi was ok but I did enjoy their spicy sashimi salad. Owner must be Korean or at least has staff who is Korean. They make kick ass spicy go-chu-jang sauce for sashimi salad. And I tried to copy it at home for other dish I cooked and I was terribly failed. I thought just mix sugar and sesame oil with go-chi-Jang but it wasn't same. I must go back there to find out.
(4)Sara D.
Great sushi place! My boyfriend and I went for Valentine's day and had an excellent dinner. We're used to ordering several rolls, and we did not anticipate how large the rolls would be (they're pretty large). Everything was delicious. Neither of us tried sake before, and the waiter was very helpful with suggestions. I decided I am not a sake fan, but I was happy to give it a try. Beyond the food, the restaurant has a fun atmosphere! I highly recommend this restaurant.
(4)Max H.
I went to Raw with a friend some recent Friday night. The atmosphere is very intentionally contemporary. We had a reservation for 7:30 but ended up waiting some time after that before we were seated. The waiting vestibule is mucho swanky. My friend ordered the sushi regular platter. It was a beautiful plate of mixed sushi and one California roll. Delicious. I ordered the white tiger roll. The fish was awesome quality and tasted very fresh. However, the sizing of my roll was all out of wack. I have never had sushi cut into such large pieces before. If you have a smaller mouth like me, be wary of these special rolls as you may find yourself with a real mouthful *hah* Good wine selection, fair prices for center city. I would go again, but not without exploring some other sushi options first.
(3)John T.
Went there with a party of four with no reservation around 6pm on Friday. Got the table right away. The atmosphere is chill. The service was great! Looks very modern. The food was great as well. Would recommend it and come back again. The lighting was too dim for my preferences. Otherwise, great place to dine and hang out.
(4)Alex V.
Teriyaki shrimp was my choice for dinner. The flavors were great. Good menu choice and service too! I would go back there!
(4)Anna B.
I came here for my brothers birthday, and I have to say some of the stuff are hits or misses. We ordered the seaweed salad, the udon noodle soup, the raw sushi & sashimi deluxe, the spicy tuna with eel roll, and the torimy roll. The seaweed salad was good but a little too slimy for me. The udon noodle soup was average, nothing special. The sushi sashimi deluxe was something i was VERY disappointed with. The deluxe came out on a small platter, barely big enough for 4 ppl. And it was VERY over priced for the portion of the meal. We had to order more because it just wasnt enough. The sashimi was also just average. Wasnt super fresh/ melt in your mouth status. The sushi rolls on the otherhand are the reason why I give this place 4 stars. If you like torched squid, I would HIGHLY recommend the torimy roll. I could not get enough of the texture, taste, everything!! I would go again but ONLY for the sushi rolls, wouldt recommend coming here for sashimi.
(4)Graham M.
Probably my favorite sushi spot in Center City. The set up is great. The food is amazing. I try and make it here once a month if I'm in the Center City area
(5)Michael F.
Looking for a nice meal a bit later in the evening, JJ and I found our way to Raw. We'd heard good things, but didn't come in with huge expectations as we were both hungry. Honestly, the tone of our experience was set once seated. We were greeted and given menus, then had to wait at least 10 minutes before we saw the waiter again. That might have been acceptable in a crowded restaurant, but not in one with nearly every other table empty and most people finishing their meals. Once we ordered, the poor service continued without attempts to make us feel even somewhat welcomed. I'm sure the evening (and Raw) could have been saved had the food just blown us away. Instead four nasty gyozas, a few average rolls, and some bad soba did nothing but add to the regret that we chose this place. Since we don't like wasting food, we took leftovers to go. However, the server just threw them in a bag, so of course the soba leaked all over the bag, causing our poor experience to extend beyond the restaurant!
(2)Jessie H.
We came here around 9 on a sat, didn't make reservations but we got seated pretty quickly. I got the spicy sashimi salad and salmon avocado roll. The wait was a little long for the food to come out. The spicy sashimi salad was pretty good, decent amount of sashimi and it comes with the korean hot sauce as the dressing. The salmon avocado roll was pretty good, 7 pieces with decent sized salmon. Total was like 20 bucks, so kind of pricey. The sushi was really fresh though so I'd come back.
(4)Laura H.
I adore this place - even though it goes against my usual BYO sushi policy. a) the service is ah-mazing! My BF and I had Lumineers tickets at Tower Theater and, of course, were running late. We had about 45 minutes to eat, which we told the server when we were seated. Somehow our food came out in less than 10 minutes on a busy Saturday night. We ate, and even had time to order seconds (because the food was so good)! Which brings me to point... b) the food is outstanding! It's a bit pricey, but totally worth it. We have never been disappointed and have tried to get something new every time we come, which isn't hard due to their extensive menu. c) The place's décor is all neutral tones, and even though you're in a popular area of the city, the tables aren't on top of eachother. Trust me, you'll need the extra space after stuffing yourself with this delicious meal.
(5)charles g.
We had a great dinner -- at Charlie Was A Sinner, a vegan place about a block away -- after having spent some 20 minutes without ever having a waiter to bother to speak with us and watching other tables, seated after us, not only giving orders but receiving drinks. Perhaps we're not the kind of trendy folks they prefer to serve, or something. Whatever. And we had reservations.
(1)Steph R.
Just ate there for me and my boyfriends 3 yr anniversary. Awesome outside seating area, food and service. If you're struggling to find a place to eat, choose here!
(5)Justine J.
Do not recommend. Two stars overall. (I factored in ambience) Probably one star for Japanese cuisine. It's a nice place. It's misleading though. The prices all seem reasonable, but the portions and taste is quite a disappointment. The gyozas are the top two worst gyozas I have ever had. It's grease filled for being pan fried and four dinky pieces for $7 bucks - NOT worth a single cent. The spider roll was pretty bad too. It was just rice and lettuce and avocado - 5 pieces of that for $10. First spider roll I have had that no eel sauce or any house made condiments for that matter. My plain soba was pretty bad too. Buckwheat soba noodles with watered down soba sauce you can find at pretty much Asian grocery store. If you want soba, go to Chinatown and get a huge pack of soba (imported from Japan) and soba sauce for less than $10 and make it in your own. It'll taste much better. I understand labor factors into costs, but no one should have to pay for crappy labor. The service was so bad. He doesn't refill water. He asks MF when he was walking back to our table from the bathroom if he wanted to pay the bill. I heard from afar. 1. What if I wanted something else? 2. What if I was paying becausr it was his birthday? I have never had a server that didn't ask the table, "would you like anything else?" Or anything of that nature until this person. He did it to the sane thing to the table next to us too. Doggie bag: please bring my soup shit back right side up. The oaf brought it back with the bowl flipped over and broth started leaking out. Downstairs women's bathroom? Gross. Crumbles tolilet papers in the stalls, people not flushing, and not to mention, it smells like stale urine. I've been to night clubs and rest stop restrooms cleaner than this place. They for sure aren't as fancy, but they don't smell putrid and the stalls aren't riddled with tissues crusted of human excrement. I don't really regret giving this place a try, but I know I probably will regret going back. It's one if those things where it's okay to make mistakes, it's when you don't learn from them is when you're a fool.
(2)David P.
Went to a party in their hidden outdoor space. Hard to find outdoor spaces in Philly. You walk through a doorway between buildings, and the space opens up in the middle of the block. Great vibe. The sushi was pretty good, with interesting drink specials.
(4)Jess D.
Raw has an awesome patio that I like to frequent in the summer months. I like to describe the atmopshere as "very NYC". It's swanky but not trying too hard. In the winter months, the places has a very different vibe. It's dark and very VERY cramped. We sat less than a foot from two other couples making it very difficult to have a nice conversation during our dinner. The Lobster & Shrimp roll appetizer we ordered was good but literally it was only 4 bites total so they should have been priced at $5, not $10. The rainbow roll was decent and much more substantial than the other two house sushi rolls we ordered (which were very, very small). Overall the sushi was average and the prices were high. The service was also average making the dinner a bit forgettable (although now it's documented here on yelp!). Great place to go for drinks (especially SIPS) but other than that, I'll pass.
(3)Jennifer R.
Excellent food. Excellent service. Love the outdoor area! Can't wait to go back again!
(5)Matt D.
Modern minimalism at its best within an sleek environment, compliments the fantastic, fresh sushi, and superior service available with both inside and outside dinning. Presentable and appealing entrees whisked out of the open air kitchen, freshly prepared, graciously introduced by our food runner, noting each delicacy on the plate to not confuse what we were eating. The atmosphere was dim, yet seductive in soft, warm red and black tones, with a barely recognizable hard overtone brick walls with steel when seated. There is an outside lounge with very comfy outdoor seating and a back area bar where weekend deejays spin a soft yet house-tribal groove to keep your toes tapping and the libations flowing. Although a bit pricey, if something peaks your interest with a sushi or sashimi special, definitely order it. You will not be disappointed. If you are looking for a great place for an anniversary dinner, first date with an intimate atmosphere, or just for a fun, casual dinner with friends that will not break your bank account, check this place out.
(4)Mike L.
It's not bad sushi. It really isn't! It get's all the basics down right and the servings are respectable. Honest to goodness, I can't really call Raw out on anything bad (aside from the fire alarm going off mid lunch for 10 minutes). But it seems like what they have going on, everyone else does a bit better for equal or better price. On the other hand, the decor is actually pretty darn cool. And the bathroom is really nice surprisingly!
(3)Louis D.
we sat on the side that was outside . Amazing! after dinner drink and a few special rolls for desert. I would go back again for sushi any time.. cozy.
(5)Juli K.
Let me start by saying this was my first true sushi experience, my first, this is a raw fish going into my mouth-hole and into my belly place. I got the sushi lunch platter, and it opened my taste buds to a whole new world. I'm a much more seasoned sushi eater at this point, but this stuff is D-lish-iss. I've gone back many times and tried a ton of different dishes, and they're all great. The interior is beautifully decorated in a chic, modern fashion, and the outdoor eating area is awesome. Try it out for sure.
(4)Barbara D.
Great little spot for a business lunch. Took one of my clients here for a holiday bite. So great!!! We ordered a ton of different things on the menu... edamame, stir-fried noodles, tuna roll, shrimp sushi, miso soup, and salad. Things were great. They forgot my salad, but I ordered that at the end... so I'm not upset. Definitely a good spot to grab a quick bite or a leisurely lunch. We were there for about an hour and a half and they didn't rush or hurry us whatsoever, but they were quick with payment when we were ready. Noodles were amazing. Good portion and delish! Will certainly return!
(3)Ester C.
It was my first time dining here. My friend has made a reservation for 8 people for 8pm and when we got there we were waiting to be seated because there weren't enough menus. We were basically just floating around the restaurant because there wasn't a distinct waiting area and the hostess never told us where to go, we were all confused as to what was going on. We were then seated all the way in the back of the restaurant which was great because there weren't as many people in the back then the front and also not as loud. We all ordered different things so I can't really make a statement on the food bit I think everyone enjoyed what they ordered overall. I enjoyed what I ordered which was the beef negimaki and the spicy tuna tartare. The plating I would say was a bit interesting because there was spinach and arugula mix on the side and no it wasn't a mini salad. The decoration inside the restaurant was nice. And the bathroom was quite different from any other ordinary bathroom. I really liked the sinks :D Our waitress was very attentive and helpful while we were there! It was definitely a pleasant experience. I would return to try the sushi next time and maybe I'll find the food to be something different from the ordinary.
(3)Abby B.
Go here for happy hour because they have some pretty tasty $3 bar snacks. Pork dumplings, california rolls and a juuuuust right with the spiciness spicy tuna roll - these apps will cure your case of the munchies once you start downing their $5 happy hour wines or delicious champagne cocktail for $6. My husband splurged with the tuna tartar and said it was delish. The decor is chill, but the time to go is when they have the back patio open on nicer evenings. Not sure if I'd dine here regularly, but I'd go for happy hour again if in the area.
(4)Jo L.
Just came here today so use my Groupon. It was in an alley looking street that I would have not found if I did not look it up. The inside is very nicely decorated. The steps down to the bathroom was creepy but the middle and sink was really cool! Not because it is outside and used for boys and girls but just the way the sink works. The boyfriend and I had the: Salmon lunch box $14 Rainbow Platter $18 Green River Roll $21 The box did not come with rice like all the other bento boxes elsewhere but it was pretty good. It did come with Spicy Tuna Tartare. The boyfriend ended up ordering a bowl of brown rice $4 still. The Rainbow Platter was okay.. The fish looked and tasted a little ... oily(?) I don't think oily is the right word but I am not sure what the word to describe it is. I was a little disappointed in the Green River Roll but I think that's just personal preference. We also asked for some Spicy Mayo and Ell Sauce which costed $1 each whereas most places don't charge for that. The sushi rolls are much better than most places but it is mostly a HUGE rim of rice. I think I would prefer it smaller. Overall, the experience was pretty good but I think I liked the decor more than the food.
(3)Phil D.
Sushi was good, a little fishy. Donburi was amazing. Highly recommend. Back room had great atmosphere, nice place for a date night. Proportion in the Uni bowl was nice. Also made a mean dirty martini
(4)Maddie V.
I have to admit, I was surprised at how cheap this place was. And I mean that in the most flattering sense possible. I went to Raw for a dinner with a large group (11 people). The only hiccup occurred in the beginning of our experience when we arrived at the restaurant. Reservations had been made in advance, and hostess attempted to seat us at a large table in a back, more private room. This sounds ideal, except for the large (and NOISY) party that was happening back there... we asked to be re-seated since it would have been super awkward to yell at one another across the table... all the while in the middle of some other company's private party. Once seated, I saw they had a great menu with a lot of choices. While I'm not the adventurous type when it comes to sushi (sorry, take this review for face value) I did really enjoy the rolls I did order, as well as the edamame app. You also get a lot of sushi for a great price! Who doesn't love that?! Definitely check this place out.
(4)Clare D.
The smell of raw fish may be overpowering to some, but, to me, it's a sign of a sushi restaurant with a larger than average selection of fish. For six years, RAW has been both delighting and frustrating diners in the Midtown Village area with its creative sushi in a posh lounge atmosphere. Perhaps its biggest complaints center around the Morimoto-like pricing for non-celebrity chef-endorsed sushi. It is a pricey venue, but is the meal worth it? I think it is. The rock shrimp tempura is nicely crisped on the outside and very tender on the inside. Three dipping sauces provide plenty of variety and the portion of rock shrimp is pretty sizable. The sashimi appetizer was a selection of basically what every other sushi restaurant serves, so there's nothing special there. The Torimy Roll (spicy tuna and eel maki topped with torched squid, sweet soy sauce, creamy sauce, tobiko, and scallions) and my sushi selections of yellowtail, sea scallop, king crab, surf clam, and jumbo sweet shrimp were all expertly handcrafted. The sushi was in between the smaller sushi you get from Morimoto and other authentic Japanese sushi restaurants and the big, jumbo fuckers you get from stupid Americanized sushi places. The phrase "bigger is better" doesn't apply to sushi. So is RAW on par with Morimoto? No, but it has a different atmosphere. Morimoto appeals to the see-and-be-seen crowd. In other words, guys who thought I was the most beautiful woman in the world have taken me to Morimoto and we'd do the omakase together. You will likely end your night at Morimoto because the omakase takes about three hours to complete. RAW appeals to clubgoers who are about to go out and party at a nightclub later in the night. The place is dark and it's difficult to see who your neighbor is in the next booth. There are some really nice cocktail and sake selections. Nigori sake is one of my favorites. Comparing RAW to Morimoto is unfair because Morimoto tries to be super authentic by making simple Edo-style sushi and basic rolls. RAW tries to be the elite of the creative maki restaurants that are all basically the same place but with different names. What RAW does well is understand restraint. Unlike the cheapie places like Jay's Favorite Sushi, they don't kill a dish with excess ingredients. I think of Jay's as the kind of place a five year old could work where he or she just throws huge amounts of whatever on a plate and call it sushi. RAW gives you just enough of each ingredient so you get a taste and even an accent on something else. The wasabi actually tasted real, not like the creamy or powder-based stuff in other sushi places. That's a special touch I truly appreciate.
(4)Brittany A.
5 stars for ambiance honestly, this place is gorgeous. I've eaten both inside and outside. It's dimly lit, and the staff is very helpful and very tidy. The quality of food and selection of rolls was quite pleasing. The outside patio is very welcoming, and if you happen to sit there on a chilly day they're are warming lamps. You get what you pay for in the food. My mother did complain her drink wasn't very strong, especially for the price. But perhaps it was the drink she had chosen. I'm a huge fan of this place and it's one of the best in Philadelphia. I highly recommend. You will not be disappointed. A great place for a date or hangout with friends.
(4)Amanda G.
I went to Raw for lunch on a break from jury duty. They had plenty of good lunch specials, so I opted for the spicy maki combo. You get a green salad, miso soup, spicy salmon, and spicy tuna for $13.00. The salad was good, but skimped on the dressing. The soup was decent, but basically just broth. The maki was also good, except for the fact that some of the rice seemed a little too hard, almost like it had been sitting out for a little while. The bathrooms here are weird. There's a common sink area and then the women's rooms are off to the left and the men's are off to the right. The doors to the stalls are basically foggy glass, so you can totally see when someone is sitting or standing in a stall. It's pretty weird. The sink was also odd. It was basically a flat piece of stone that was slightly pitched so that the water ran to the wall area and down a little slit between the stone and the wall. The whole setup there didn't seem very practical, but it was different at least. Overall the food was solid, and I was in and out in just about 30 minutes. Not a terrible lunch choice if you're in the area. I don't know if I could rationalize spending full-cost during dinnertime, though.
(3)Adam W.
This is my favorite sushi place in Philadelphia. I love both traditional sushi and creative rolls (no california, please), and these two things are usually mutually exclusive. However, Raw does them both extremely well.
(5)Jim L.
2nd time ordering. only had the sushi. very solid sushi place. apparently they have a delightful courtyard in the back that they open up when the weather is nice. will definitely be a consistent customer and will recommend to others.
(4)Susanna P.
I went for restaurant week and the spicy tuna tartare was good and the soup, but the sashimi and special rolls were absolutely terrible. I will not be back.
(1)Grace C.
Eh. Just eh. That's all I have to say for this place. It's got a trendy atmosphere, sure, but that's all Raw has going for it. It's ridiculously overpriced for the food - I've had much better sushi elsewhere. I went for a birthday gathering, and all of us were not too thrilled about the food. My friend opted for the rock shrimp, which were too much tempura, not enough shrimp. I had udon noodles, which were decent but a tad salty. Definitely not worth the money. (On a side note, though, they do have cool bathrooms. The sinks are granite and nicely designed.)
(2)Dimitrios J. A.
My wife and close friends celebrated my last birthday @ Raw and dined in the outdoor area. The food was very good and enjoyable, but there were two things that made the experience unpleasant. The outdoor space was nice but the lighting was awful, we could barely see our table. The waiter bright over extra candles, but still this was disappointing given the cost of the food. The second issue was the terrible service, and I dont want to paint a broad stroke of the restaurants' service, but our waiter dampened the experience with poor service. He was just plain bad and inexperienced. Unfortunately these two issues are the reason for the poor rating.
(2)Jennifer T.
Environment is nice. Sit outside if you can. Sushi is passable but not the best. A gem at lunch because no one is there. We had the patio to ourselves.
(3)Sara E.
3.5 stars. I sat at the bar and waited a rather long time for the bartender to offer me a menu or ask what I'd like to drink. After than, the service improved (until I waited about 10 minutes for the check). Moody, dark ambience. The ocean salad was lovely and the suzuki carpaccio was very well prepared and flavorful. The torimy roll was very tasty but not as amazing as I'd hoped.
(3)Lauren P.
Highly disappointing. A party of 5 of us sat down at 6:30 p.m. for dinner. At 7 p.m. we got our two salad appetizers. We then waited until 7:45 p.m. to get our meals - all sushi. We then asked when we were going to get our meals, "it's next to come out," the waitress said. 15 minutes later we FINALLY got our meals. We ordered a side of spicy mayo and a side of eel sauce and got charged to us- unbeknownst to us. Awful service will NEVER be back! It was a 2 hour meal for a fast food quality sushi. AWFUL!
(2)Kevin R.
Nice ambiance and a great location. I had a great time at Raw....not because of the food...but because of my friends. Matt our terrific waiter took care of our party of eight very well. We started off with regular and spicy edamame accompanied by hot sake, sake flights, and beer. The sushi was good but cold...cold like it was pre-made. My Unagi was ice cold...like it was cooked earlier and placed in a refrigerator and my roll was the same. The rest of our party commented that the rice should be at least room temperature but was not. Raw is not inexpensive...in fact it's possibly the most expensive sushi in Philly. One would think that with the exorbitantly high prices the sushi would be made to order. Shame on you Raw!
(2)Mike W.
Food was ok, but nothing spectacular especially for the price that they charged. For three sushi rolls, an appetizer and two beers for two people it cost over 100 dollars with tip. That's a little absurd. Quality is definitely not quite on par with the price point. Definitely better sushi options in the city.
(2)Monica L.
PROS: Ambiance CONS: Crappy service, pricy Well... as my second time here, I left feeling much less impressed than the first time. First of all, the wait staff sucks. The service was incredibly slow, our glasses of water were almost never refilled, and we were ignored for a good 30 minutes. The food was okay. For the sushi portions and quality, I'm much better off visiting another sushi joint. I doubt I'll return again.
(2)Ron H.
A top contender in Philly, it's a solid choice for when you're in the neighborhood. Service is consistent and friendly, and they score extra points for the decor. In the summer, their patio space outside is the only outside sushi option worth considering. This place makes a great date location. The Chicken teriyaki is huge and nice alternative to the fish on the menu if you have any picky eaters in your group. You really can find something for just about everyone's palette here. The hot appetizers are all recommended, although let's face it, you're here for the sushi and why waste your time on other things. Experiment, as the waitress for recommendations and try some of the signature drinks.
(4)Melissa P.
I really like this place but it's a bit pricier than my usual sushi spots (Makiman or Vic's) so I usually only come when I have a groupon/livingsocial voucher(which I have a few times, so watch out for those), or when it's happy hour. HAPPY HOUR: This place is great for happy hour in the summer because of the awesome outdoor area and delicious cocktails (although last time I was there I saw a mouse, but hey what can you do, we live in a city). DEAL ALERT: One thing that annoyed me was they won't let you use opentable points and a groupon/voucher, so you have to pick one, not a huge deal but a minor annoyance. But on the other hand, the fact that they take your groupon/voucher number when you arrive is kind of nice because you don't awkwardly have to send your waiter back with your phone, have them writing down the number, or track them down to fix the bill if they charge you before applying the deal. VIBE:This place has a nice atmosphere, it's definitely no hole in the wall sushi place, but you also won't feel uncomfortable if you're not dressed up, which is nice. FOOD: The vegetable tempura appetizer is pretty big and awesome. Lots of veggies and tempura'd noodles which is kinda cool and crunchy and delicious. I've tried the sushi set which is a good deal, and they have really good special rolls too. VERDICT:Good service, good food, good atmosphere. Will be back!
(4)a n.
This place is OK. The sushi is mostly decent, but not stellar. I spent a ton ordering lots of stuff as a mother's day treat so I tried a lot and overall I think "3" is a pretty fair ranking. It's kind of expensive for mediocre, but the ambiance is pretty cool, and it's in "the zone". I you're looking for a special place, Morimoto has the best sushi in Phila and actually the cooked food there is good as well for those non-raw folks. Reservations would be needed.
(3)Gia M.
I visited Raw for Restaurant Week. I was really impressed with their Restaurant Week menu because there were many choices for each course, especially for the first two courses. The sake list seemed completely exhaustive (though I am admittedly not a sake expert by any stretch of the imagination). I ended up the gzoya soup, which was fish broth and pork dumplings. I was very hungry and ate it very quickly, but I have decided that I don't like fish broth-- it seems heavier than regular beef or chicken stock. I also ordered the avocado salad, which was a solid choice, though the dressing was slightly bland. Probably half of an avocado was sliced into it, which made me happy. My boyfriend ended up with the calamari salad, which was really good and came with a lot of calamari for a starter. We ended up trading, though, because he really liked my salad. For the third course, I got the salmon volcano roll, which was really really good and surprised me that it was put on a Restaurant Week menu. Red caviar of course topped it, which is my favorite part about sushi rolls. The rolls were expertly prepared. I got mango ice cream for dessert, which was also tasty, but nothing special. The service was good-- my water glass was being filled constantly, and we had a group of about twelve with us. Only one person's dessert order was "wrong," but I'm pretty sure he didn't know what he was ordering when he got it. The thing that most impressed me about the restaurant was the space. It was dimly lit, but it perfectly fit that atmosphere, which was pretty modern. You walk through huge velour curtains to get to the bar and seating area and the bathrooms are in the basement, with very private stalls and an infinity sink (definitely check out the sink!!).
(3)Chris H.
Had dinner here on Valentine's Day and had a great experience! We had an 8PM reservation and were seated shortly after. The overall ambiance of Raw was great and we had great service. We ordered the wasabi pork shumai which had quite a kick, but were excellent. We tried the White Tiger roll and the spider roll. The White Tiger was excellent and the spider roll was decent. We also tried a sake sampler which included four different types of sake. Their cocktails were also good.
(4)Liza A.
Raw is one of my favorite restaurants. I have been there a handful of times and the sushi is incredible, the service is great and the atmosphere is intimate. The wait is long on weekends so if you want to go there I suggest making an early reservation and making a reservation in general.
(5)Di P.
Ambiance: 5 stars Everything else: 2 stars. So come here for like center city sips or happy hour or because you're renting the room for your birthday and you've got money to drain. Here's my main BEEF with the sushi place. We asked what that happy hour specials were. The waitress told us that the happy hour specials were only for people sitting at the bar. I almost got up to walk the one foot over to the bar. Isn't that freakin' ridiculous?! HAPPY HOUR SHOULD BE FOR THE WHOLE RESTAURANT. Duh. Five stars for being class-A d-bags. Is that too harsh? Yeah. You won't find this eloquent review in the city paper. But at least I'm being real, people.
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