Hiroki Review

My husband, friends and I recently dined at Hiroki in Philadelphia. The popular restaurant is an immersive Japanese dining concept, focusing on tradition and technique. Hiroki’s only dining option is a fixed, seasonal omakase menu.

© Katie Skrzek

We made reservations weeks in advance for a Friday night seating. We arrived shortly ahead of our reservation and checked in. All diners for a particular seating are brought into the restaurant all at once. Diners feel transported upon entering the intimate restaurant. There are several tables and a sushi counter. During our visit, we sat at a table for four.

Besides the wine, spirits and beer list, Hiroki offers a sake pairing, which three of the four of us decided to try — myself included. As all diners are served the same menu, we merely followed along as our waiter brought out each course and described the offerings.

Up first was the zensai course, a Japanese appetizer plate. That evening’s selection included snapper sashimi, cured jellyfish, roasted duck breast, squid, poached egg in soy and whitefish with tofu. Collectively, everyone’s least favorite was the jellyfish, as the texture offers an odd crunch. Of the six items, I enjoyed the egg and whitefish with tofu dishes most, as they each offered unique flavor combinations. The next two courses were served hot: grilled Spanish mackerel and wagyu tenderloin. The mackerel was simply prepared, with miso, mirin and a pepper. The wagyu was more indulgent, with onion garlic butter and truffle. For those partaking in the sake pairings, we received pours for each of these courses. While I cannot say I know much about sake, I did feel as though the selections matched the dishes.

© Katie Skrzek

There was a brief pause before the next portion of the meal. Our waiter brought us each a small dish with a damp cloth to clean our fingers, as the sushi course was meant to be consumed with our hands. There were 10 courses of sushi, with one piece per person served on a dish, one at a time. The simple preparation truly highlighted the delicate fish. Of the 10 pieces, I most enjoyed the swordfish, sea bass and fatty tuna. The final sushi plates consisted of a fatty tuna hand roll and tamago, a Japanese omelet. Our meal ended with a light, green tea pudding for dessert.

Service from start to finish was impeccable, with the attentive wait staff seamlessly delivering and removing plates, refilling waters and offering drink recommendations. The ambiance and elegant dishes completed the experience. Hiroki is a perfect spot for diners interested in experiencing a true omakase meal.

Hiroki

Corner of Lee & Master Streets

Philadelphia, PA 19125

tel 215 422 3222