Message from Haru Philadelphia

Modern Japanese Cuisine
  • Fine Sake
  • Japanese Fusion Cuisine
  • Stylish design and décor

According to loyal Philadelphia patrons, this is one of the most impressive spaces in the Old City. The cuisine is spectacular from the dining room level or the Sake Lounge located just up the glass staircase. Boasting one of the more extensive sake selections in Philadelphia, Haru will open your senses to the new progression in Japanese Fusion cuisine.

MarkerHaru Philadelphia

(215) 861-8990

241-243 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Editorial Description by Citysearch
Both traditional favorites and creative newcomers grace the menu at this swank sushi spot.
Rated 8.6 out of 10 by Citysearch.
5 Reviews by Citysearch: (read all 8 reviews on Citysearch)

Excellent sushi, sophisticated atmosphere 4 Star Rating - Very good

My first time at Haru was with a big group and my boyfriend and I have gone many times since by ourselves. I LOVE their sushi. They have fabulous veggie-sushi options for vegetarians and their other sushi is just amazing. I've had one really bad experience in terms of the service; i was served the wrong meal and then it took 45 mins to get me my correct entree... Beyond that one time, I've had pretty good service. That one time won't stop me from returning.
The atmosphere is good for a date or for a group and I can't rave enough about the food.
My personal favorites there are the veggie tempura rolls and the agedashi tofu appetizer.

Posted 03/06/08 at 7:55pm

For the food, forget it. 2 Star Rating - Wouldn't recommend

The decor is top notch. That's the only good thing about this place. The $10 drinks were overprice and not very good. The food is Ok at best. The sushi were not very good at all. The tempera was OK. But the style was more Chinese than Japanese. The grilled salmon was good though. The server Gina wasn't pay any attention to us. I had to shouted and waved hard to get her to bring us some soy sauce. She was either talking to her coworkers or other customers at the bar.

Pros: Location, ambience
Cons: food, price, servie
Posted 03/03/08 at 8:51am

Great Decor, Good New-Age Japanese Food 4 Star Rating - Very good

Came in without a reservation and seated promptly. Waiter was attentive and friendly. Food was moderately expensive, but not jaw-dropping. My date ordered a sushi combo and once I saw it on the menu, I immediately called for the Chilean sea bass. I was not disappointed with my dish, as my date picked at the other half! Their drinks, though overpriced I think, were still delicious and carefully made. My date ordered "The Derby" cocktail, their most manly drink (with scotch) among a list of fruit-filled tinis, and weeks later was still raving about how good it was. Overall, a classy, trendy experience!

Pros: decor, presentation, food quality
Cons: hard to find parking, relatively expensive
Posted 01/22/08 at 5:19pm

Someone has to help pay Haru's astronomical Old City rents... 3 Star Rating - Satisfactory

...why not you? The interior and plating are top-notch. The service was definitely very attentive.
The food itself was OK, but I've definitely had better--at a better price, too. The crab dumplings were filled mostly with surimi; the lobster meat in the ceviche was overpowered by its citrus vinaigrette. The double dragon roll was underwhelming, and it seems like they tried to compensate by adding extra sauce. However, all is NOT lost. The oysters (3 for $12) definitely salvaged the night, and the uni (sea urchin), though pricey at $5.75 per piece, was right on. The uni had the markings of quality product -- it had a creamy texture and was slightly sweet. This place definitely has potential--it just needs to focus more on the food.

Pros: Ambiance, service
Cons: parking, sushi needs work
Posted 06/02/07 at 10:32am

You can do better... 2 Star Rating - Wouldn't recommend

I've been here twice, and am not blown away by any means. This place has the ambiance down- especially upstairs, but it is not the place to go if you're looking for value. They have interesting, though very overpriced drinks, and the sushi is ok, though also very overpriced. If you want a trendy place in a convenient area and have money to burn, go here. But, if you're looking for good sushi at a cute place for a great value try somewhere else (I'd recommend Moshi Moshi off Rittenhouse).

Pros: Atmosphere
Cons: Value
Posted 02/05/07 at 3:57pm