Shinju: Best Sushi in Philadelphia

With Philadelphia's gentrification process still kicking, and more and more elaborate and expensive developments doting the city skyline, affordable and tasty dining options are in danger of becoming a scarcity. Rents increase, property taxes increase, and soon the cute BYOB you used to go to as a first date spot has shuttered it's doors.

If you have a fav spot, a place that is always your meal back-up plan...Then share it with your friends and frequent the joint. Make sure they don't go the way of the do-do...To that end, I'd like to show you Shinju

Translating as "pearl" and/or "breast bondage" in Japanese, Shinju, for those who have yet to experience the wonder that is Shinju, needs not be mistaken for a jewelry dealer or BDSM shop. Rather, it is a delightful sushi spot only a couple of blocks from the Gayborhood and a restaurant we frequent at least once a week. yes, yes...we know sushi is raw fish.

We too were once like you, and a little timid of things not cooked, nuked, or roasted over and open fire. Let's thank patient friends for breaking our suburban Pennsylvania tradition, and opening our eyes (and mouths) to the delicacies of western fish. I still eat my beef a bit well-done, but I can now at least appreciate sushi. (Baby steps, baby steps....)

Incredulously cute and cozy, Shinju's decor includes a wooden-hut sushi bar and drawings of dancing sushi men on the wall. If you filter out the big city noise in the background, you might actually be able to convince yourself your someplace near Tyoko. Add the sweetest waitresses this side of Broad, and the atmosphere proves to be as much to blame for our Shinju-addiction as the food itself is.

Good food served in a warm surrounding always tastes twice as wonderful. The followers of Shinju are an excellent assortment of neighborhood adults, students, and passers-by. Shinju's reputation is strong enough in the city that peeps will even travel for their food.

Appetizing Shinju specials we recommend you try include the Salmon Yak and the Duo, broiled unagi and yellowtail atop an asparagus and avocado roll. For fans of spicier selections, the Sleeping Volcano, is a must, though the Dragonfly and Lava are equally delectable.

Finally, for those who opt for something sweet in the mix, we recommend the Rock & Roll, a tuna, salmon and cucumber roll topped with unagi sauce and also the Locust roll. Mix and split with a friend or significant other, and the meal provides an endless series of tastes and sensations which will leave the palate pleasantly surprised.

For admirers of sushi sans roll, there is an extensive list of piece-by-piece selections as well as a list of combination dinners. For those of you avoiding munching on living things, vegetarians will find a special menu for their tastes as well.

For a quiet meal that will leave you light but feeling full, we can recommend nothing better than Shinju. They promise total satisfaction and will gladly serve your taste buds' wildest sushi dreams until, as their motto goes, "the fat salmon sings..."

Shinju, 930 Locust Street, 215-351-6265, Mon-Thurs, 11:30am-2:00pm and 5:00pm-10:00pm, Fri, 11:30am-2:00pm and 5:00pm-11:00pm, Sat, 5:00pm-11:00pm