Literally translated as "white flower," Shiroi Hana offers straight-from-the ocean freshness and a tranquil ambience that will make you forget that you're sitting in the heart of Philadelphia's busiest district.
Located amid major Stephen Starr sushi havens on 15th and Locust streets, Shiroi Hana does not veer from the quality - or prices - of its trendier competitors.
The other diners might make you a bit skeptical - my guest and I were the only patrons who looked under 60 - but the consequently more relaxed environment is a breath of fresh air from the area's high-strung top-tier restaurants.
And while you might be surprised when you don't receive a hot towel, it's almost relieving not to feel pressured to wipe yourself clean in a public area. Then again, the trek outdoors, where a separate door reveals a staircase to a full bar, expanded seating area and restrooms, will draw enough attention from everyone else.
The list of appetizers runs the gamut from the standard yakitori ($5.25) and vegetable tempura ($7.50) to the more exotic takosu ($5.50).
Shiroi Hana presumes that the reason you're there is for the sushi, and they seem to go a long way to make sure you get a bang for your buck. The sushi a la carte is standard, ranging from tuna ($2.50) and salmon ($2.25) to sea urchin ($3.50) and giant clam ($3.50). But those prices are per piece, and if you actually want to be full, you better loosen those purse strings.
Adding unconventional mixes to their menu, Shiroi Hana spices things up with their special rolls, where they jack up the taste and cost. The Rock 'n' Roll ($8.00) and the X-mas Roll ($9.50) will lure you in on name alone, and the Crazy Roll ($13.00) will appeal to those looking to live on the edge.
But don't worry if you, gasp, don't like sushi. Shiroi Hana has you covered with 21 alternatives.
Cooked entrees come with soup - miso or clear - or a house salad and rice. Favorites include Japanese steak ($19.00), seafood yosenabe ($18.00), nebeyaki udon ($13.00) and pork-katsu-don ($11.00).
Shiroi Hana lacks a diverse desert menu, which sticks to Japanese basics, like fried banana and green tea ice cream. It's hard to be completely satisfied if there's not an ounce of chocolate in sight.
Shiroi Hana's staff is friendly and attentive, and it's always nice to eat at a sushi restaurant where the waiters don't make you feel like they're having a contest to see which party can finish their meal and leave quickest.
Overall, the laid-back Shiroi Hana is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the closer Pod, and there's definitely no one there who will be monitoring how stylish your outfit is. But if you're not careful, you'll end up leaving - and this estimate is per couple - with a $120 bill, unable to figure out why.
