While not as well known as Philadelphia sushi hot spot Morimoto, Shiroi Hana Restaurant serves Japanese cuisine that is comparable in quality but certainly not in price.
Set in the heart of Center City at 15th and Locust streets, the restaurant has recently undergone a remodeling that only increases its authentic atmosphere. Loyal followers have the option of sitting at the sushi bar or in row tables. One might not realize, unless he or she goes up a flight of stairs to the bathroom, that the upstairs has a full bar.
The quality of the experience hardly ends with the ambiance. Shiroi Hana proudly serves shochikubai brand sake as its house offering. It also boasts an impressive selection of Japanese beers, including Kirin, Sapporo and Asahi. Starting out with a large hot sake and then moving to one of the beers is a perfect way to enjoy the high-quality, melt-in-your-mouth sushi to follow.
To start out, veterans always sample one or two of Shiroi Hana's appetizer specials, which change infrequently. The scallop sashimi and, for those looking for something other than sushi, beef tataki, are particularly enjoyable.
On the list of regular appetizers are shrimp shumai ($4.50), pot stickers ($5) and chicken yakitori ($5.25).
Shiroi Hana features a wide range of cooked entree selections that come with miso soup and rice. Of particular note is the mixed tempura ($17), which comes with vegetables and delectable shrimp. Other favorites include beef sukiyaki ($17) and unaju ($18), which is broiled eel on a bed of rice with oshinko (pickled cabbage).
But who are we kidding? Shiroi Hana specializes in sushi, and to avoid this part of the menu would be a grievous error.
For the beginner, the six-piece California roll, either served inside out ($4) or with king crab ($6), is a good introduction.
For those more experienced, the tuna and eel (both $2.50 per piece) are consistent winners. The yellowtail ($2.75 per piece) is as good as any around. However, the restaurant seems to be serving less and less of the fish as time goes on. On the pricier side, the bluefin toro ($7 per piece) is a delicacy.
For the most adventurous, the sea urchin ($3.50 per piece) is a must-order.
The six-piece rolls and hand rolls offer an enticing alternative. The spicy tuna hand roll ($5.50) and the spider roll ($9.50), which features fried soft-shell crab, are consistent winners.
The desserts, while not measuring up to the rest of the menu, are worth trying. The banana tempura, fried banana with ice cream, is the pick of the litter.
Shiroi Hana's service can be a bit inconsistent, but at times can be exemplary. The staff is very attentive, but may get cranky if you're not out of there by 9:45 p.m. on weeknights.
From University City, the subway is the preferred method of transportation, as the restaurant sits only a couple of blocks away from the 15th and Market stop. Otherwise, you're likely to pay $12 to $16 in a Center City parking garage.
For those looking for sushi of the highest quality without the trendiness and prohibitively high cost of Stephen Starr, Shiroi Hana is a fine solution.
