Blue fluorescent lights, murals on the walls, and an eclectic 2010s pop playlist bumping through the speakers. Am I describing a South Street nightclub? Not quite. It’s Fat Salmon, a tucked-away, hidden gem sushi restaurant in the heart of Washington Square.
Though overshadowed by some more popular, trendy Center City sushi restaurants such as Raw and Royal Izakaya, Fat Salmon is a solid choice for both sushi newbies and fanatics alike. Its wide array of options is accommodating for vegans and vegetarians as well as fans of more traditional sushi, and its convenient location in charming Washington Square makes it a great option for those visiting Philadelphia’s historic neighborhood or theater district, just steps away from Independence Hall and a few blocks from Walnut Street Theatre and the Kimmel Center.
All of these things considered, Fat Salmon is my family’s go-to sushi place and a regular in our restaurant rotation. I started out with my usual appetizer: an order of miso soup, which I firmly believe to be Philadelphia’s best. The miso broth was flavorful and rich, complementing the soft tofu, salty seaweed, and fresh scallions. My mother, sister, and I shared an order of crispy rice nuggets, which were delightfully crunchy with a satisfying balance of sweet and savory.
We then moved on to selecting a reasonable five rolls from the extensive menu. As a fish-disliking pescatarian dining with a moderately picky 13-year-old, this is where the experience would ordinarily become frustrating. Not at Fat Salmon, however, where the selection of vegetarian-friendly and fish-free options stand out among the traditional rolls, and even my routine-loving family is consistently motivated to try something new. The ever-growing yet reliable menu contains a variety of unique specialty rolls featuring unconventional ingredients that sometimes raise an eyebrow but never disappoint. We unanimously settled on a Veggie Tempura roll and a White Forest roll, our must-haves. My sister sacrificed her usual order of Shrimp Tempura for a Blossom roll. My mom and I were intrigued by a roll called “Beets Me”. And, at the suggestion of our server, we also ordered the signature Fat Salmon roll.
The one negative of Fat Salmon is the consistent understaffing. The servers are always knowledgeable and willing to spend plenty of time with each table; however, they are few in number, which leads to longer wait times. This has never discouraged me or my family from going to this restaurant, but it’s something to be aware of if you have time-sensitive plans directly afterward.
The sushi, however, was well worth the wait. My Veggie Tempura roll, basic as it is, is my all-time favorite for a reason. The asparagus, yam, and peppers inside the roll were satisfyingly crispy, savory, and salty as always, and the spicy mayo complements the flavors perfectly without dominating. Pico de Gallo, avocado, shrimp, and sour cream may all sound like they belong together in a taco, but Fat Salmon’s White Forest roll proves that they all have an unexpectedly delicious place in a sushi roll as well. The “Beets Me” roll was sweet and spicy with beets, yams, and a jalapeño slice on top, but compared to the other fabulously unique rolls offered at Fat Salmon, I would probably try something else next time.
Overall, the offerings at Fat Salmon are unique and delicious, and the ambiance and location are one-of-a-kind. With comparable pricing to other sushi restaurants in the Center City area but a wider array of options ranging from innovative to traditional, Fat Salmon is a top choice in my list of fantastic Philly-area restaurants.
