Sakeya Japanese Restaurant

I've been to Kaizan about three times now, including once during the cherry blossom festival. Although the restaurant was packed during that one visit, service remained friendly and willing to accommodate to our needs. The sake and wine list is decent and the wait staff was terrific in guiding us towards a great selection. (Try the Kamotsuru!) If you're a fan of cocktails, their specialty cocktails, made with fresh ingredients, offer new and exciting tastes. My only complaint, is that the patio lights were a bit bright at night, but since when did lights ever affect food? On that note, the stuffed salmon was amazing! I strongly recommend it to anyone looking for a trendy sushi place. Pros: amazing food, and friendly staff Cons: bright lights on patio more

We have now been twice for dinner, the first time was the week that it opened and the second time was because we could not take the wait at Raw. The first time we went there was only one other table in the entire place that was eating and we received very slow service. We chalked that up to the fact that the restaurant had literally opened three or four days prior. We went again two weeks ago and we waited 20 minutes before I complained to the woman at the front door that no one had given us a menu or water. The manager came over apologized and game us free drinks for our trouble. I appreciated the gesture, but I don't go out to eat to get comp. drinks I want to go in have a nice meal with quality service. In addition the restaurant was less than 50% full that night as well. I will say on both occasions we have been to Kaizan we have enjoyed the food once we got past some of the worst service we have had in our years of dining in Philly. The three stars are on food and decor alone. Pros: Food, decor Cons: The service is some of the worst in the city more

Very good sushi but definitely on the pricey side. Do not go here if you are looking for an affordable meal. However, if you are looking for very good sushi and creative rolls, this is your place. Not as trendy or as great of a selection as raw, but the rolls they do offer are amazing. I had the dynamite roll which took 20 minutes to cook but it was totally worth the wait, so good. Although the specialty rolls are expensive, they are on the heavy side, don't need to order a lot. A nice alternative to raw, great atmosphere, good date place, nice selection of saki and beer. I would definitely go here again. more

I love sushi and Japanese food in general. There are many Japanese restaurants around the city I love to go to, and I tried this one out for the first time on Monday. The hostess was hands-down the nicest most friendly hostess I've ever met. The waitress we had was equally friendly and courteous. And the food was just phenomenal. I've never had food quite like it and I will definitely return! Also, the atmosphere is very calming and warm, and the music they play is very relaxing and nice. more

Ginger Salad ? Yum! Dumplings ? Yum! Sushi ? Yum! I have to say I had a great experience at Kaizan. The service was wonderful and the menu had a nice selection (both price and food options). We ran in for a quick bite before a show with no expectations and ended up very pleasantly surprised. I will definite go back! Definitely worth a try even if you want a quick bite. Next time I want to do their 5 or 7 course dinner! Pros: Great Selection more

I highly recommend going to Kaizan. It's a bit pricy for everyday dining but the food was delicious and on the cutting edge. I have lived in the city for more than 10 years and the experience in Kaizan was the most remarkable thing happened. The server we had was so friendly and helpful which made the dining experience even better. The atmosphere is just like any other expensive restaurant. more

Well intentioned place with good service and very good drinks. The sushi is okay and multiple grades of tuna (as per another reviewer) are pretty standard at any reputable sushi place. We were there on a week night and the place was empty, service attentive and sushi all drowning in various sauces that made it impossible to tell what the original fish was. I will go back and give it a 2nd try, but I was disappointed after reading that this was somehow the ""Blue Ribbon Sushi"" of Philadelphia. Having been to that establishment countless times, I can safely say this place is nothing like BRS in any way, shape, or form. I hope it matures into a better restaurant because Philly needs all the sushi places it can get. Pros: Excellent drinks, good service Cons: Drowning special maki more

I had the 7 course Kaiseki and the food experience was just amazing. In fact, everything about this place is amazing. The ambiance is soothing, very zen - the wall panels with the kimono motif - very nicely done. The lighting is also such that it is dark but you can still read the menu. Pros: Food, service, ambiance, easy to get to Cons: none really more

This was just an amazing food experience. It reminded me of the food at Megu in New York, and the ambiance was just seeeexy. Everything had so much flavor! Pros: amazing food, great wines more

The space that used to be Neil Stein's Mirabella and more recently The Smoked Joint is now Kaizan. It is located at Academy House accross the street from Aria condominium. I am a sushi fanatic. The fish is fresh and portions are generous. I love the extensive wine list. As you come in there is a climate controlled sake/wine room. The space is beautiful. They did a great renovation. I have lived in Philly since 2000 and have dined at all the japanese restaurants in my neighborhood and this is currently my favorite. Pros: freshness, generous portions, wine selection, ambience more

As a recent New Yorker, I can't say this is the Blue Ribbon of Philadelphia. The sushi and sashimi are ok but I expect more for the prices. The kaiseki was also nothing special. The decor was standard lounge and the service slow and confused. We were only the fourth table in the restaurant but weren't given menus until the bartender noticed us. Perhaps it was an off night. more

WOW! Finally Philly has great sushi! This former New Yorker has been complaining about the state of Philly's sushi offerings for years and now there is noting to complain about. Kaizan scores an A+ on many counts. Pros: Fresh, imaginative and absolutely delicious sushi and small plates more

Simply put: Kaizan is the Blue Ribbon of Philadelphia. Multiple grades of tuna??? Finally, the real deal has arrived in Philly! We tried it all, every plate was exceptional and inspirational. Pros: O-Toro; sultry atmosphere; sushi artistry; outdoor heated patio Cons: a cursed location more