Jan 15, 2025

Hokka Hokka Philadelphia

Too pretty to eat

""Hokka Hokka" in Philadelphia is the sushi bar/restaurant my husband and I start so many of our dates. This balance of tasty and beauty is something else."

On a recent visit to Hokka Hokka, my husband and I tucked into the back end of a very busy sushi bar, watching the delicate ballet of kitchen staff and sushi masters churning out dishes for a crowded dining room.

A dish emerged from the kitchen, was finished with raw fish and floral garnish from the bar, and rested on a counter to be carried to table. We stared at this masterpiece, simultaneously delicious and too delicately beautiful to eat. The server snapped a photo of it with his own phone before carrying it to a lucky diner.

This balance of taste and beauty is why we start so many dates here, even if only for a drink and sushi roll appetizer, before heading elsewhere for dinner. I love Japanese food, and this is one of the best places to eat it in Philadelphia.

There are no bad choices on this menu, but I especially love the tempura and the seafood appetizers. The latter are among the prettier of the menu’s offerings. And both pair well with the main draw, the sushi. Eat what you like; it is all good. I go for eel and yellow tail.

After dinner, stroll Germantown Avenue. This restaurant is at the foot of the lovely, historic Chestnut Hill neighborhood, with its gorgeous little shops and boutiques. Take some time to walk off your beautiful dinner and take in the setting.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

About this spot

7830 Germantown Ave,

Sushi rolls:

USD

7

+1

2152424489

Explore Philadelphia like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Philadelphia guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Philadelphia

Abstract Mural Callowhill

Artist Tim McFarlane

Philadelphia’s Mural Arts has helped create literally thousands of gorgeous murals all over. I'm in love with the new abstract mural by Tim McFarlane...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Bronwyn

Lepore

Feb 16, 2025

Long in the Tooth Record Store

High fidelity

"Long in the Tooth Record Store" in Philadelphia is a family-owned business that reminds me of one of my favorite films, High Fidelity...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Bronwyn

Lepore

Feb 16, 2025

Bio Pond U. Penn

Urban oasis in West Philly

The James G. Kaskey Memorial Park in Philly (known by locals as the Bio Pond) was University of Penn’s first botanic garden. Makes for a romantic date...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Bronwyn

Lepore

Feb 15, 2025

Stina Pizzeria

Delightful Mediterranean fare

"Stina Pizzeria" in Philadelphia offers an enticing blend of pizza but also the best spanakopita I've ever tasted and other Mediterranean-inspired dishes...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Bronwyn

Lepore

Feb 14, 2025

The Modern Republic

Midcentury home decor

"The Modern Republic" in Philadelphia is a midcentury modern home decor shop that is colorful, ebullient, high-ceilinged, and tastefully curated!

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Bronwyn

Lepore

Feb 14, 2025

Lil Nas X Mural Gayborhood

LGBTQ icon

"Lil Nas X Mural Gayborhood" in Philadelphia is 36-feet-large and portrays the early 21st-century LGBTQ+ icon that's conquered the world...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Bronwyn

Lepore

Feb 14, 2025

Dream Garden

Beautiful free art

When you see it for the first time you are struck by its size.

002-building
Art & culture

By

Jeff

Landis

Feb 9, 2025

Contrafuerte

Outdoor sculpture

"Contrafuerte" in Philadelphia is Miguel Antonio Horn's latest sculpture which comprises of eight entangled nude bodies holding a small concrete bridge...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Bronwyn

Lepore

Feb 7, 2025

ARS Brewery

Beer paradise

Beer lovers have lots to celebrate in Philadelphia! Enter "ARS Brewery", a South Philly Garage Brewery (complete in an old garage and visible distillery).

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Bronwyn

Lepore

Feb 5, 2025

Poquessing Creek Trail Ruins

Prison farm ruins

These old farm ruins outside Northern Philadelphia are covered in graffiti and belong to a now-abandoned prison...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Holly

Miller

Feb 5, 2025

Two Persons Coffee

Excellent coffee zen space

"Two Persons Coffee" in Philadelphia is in a building that used to be a public vocational school, and its furniture was salvaged to complement the cafe...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Bronwyn

Lepore

Feb 4, 2025

Merchant Exchange

Greek Revival architecture

My favorite building in Philadelphia is the Merchant Exchange, conveniently located across the street from my favorite movie theater...

002-building
Art & culture

By

Bronwyn

Lepore

Feb 4, 2025

Heading to Philadelphia?

156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Philadelphia?

156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

Our team loves Philadelphia

Get to know our other Spotters from Philadelphia