Kansai Review

Kansai is a local sushi restaurant that is literally half a block from our apartment. So it's pretty sad that it's taken so long to check it out. Either way, it's good to know if I want some decent nigiri or rolls, they're just a few steps away.

First thing's first - Kansai is a Philly-friendly BYO! So the GF and I brought over a Junmai Nigori sake to start off our night right before seeing Aziz Ansari at Wells Fargo. This was a lusciously floral libation - easy drinking to be sure. So be warned, you'll find yourself knocking them back and stumble out the door. 

 
Salad
Ginger dressing
  

This came as part of the sushi regular appetizer and offered a fresh and crisp mix of lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber with that ubiquitous, yet addictive ginger dressing.

Spicy Tuna Tartare [$7.95]
 

I appreciated that the tartare wasn't obliterated beyond belief and that there were distinct pieces of tuna interspersed throughout this chili and ponzu-spiced melange. Accents of tobiko were a nice textural pop to each bite. Pretty standard, but well executed. 

Vegetable Tempura [$7.50]
 

The tempura were expertly fried - eggplant, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and squash were offered - each with a crisp, crunchy exterior that lent itself to tenderness within. 

Sushi Regular [$17.25]
 

The regular sushi appetizer brought forth a classic quartet of nigiri including salmon, tuna, yellowtail, and striped bass. Decent - the sushi was fresh and the quality was on par with a non-omakase sushi experience. A California roll was included as well.

Sweet Potato Roll [$3.95]
Spicy Salmon Roll [$5.25]
Yellowtail Scallion Roll [$4.95]
 

The yellowtail scallion wasn't exactly revelatory, but I appreciated that the spicy salmon roll offered substantial pieces of salmon, instead of a pureed blend of spice and salmon leftovers. The sweet potato roll was also one of the better iterations I've had - huge chunks housed in a crisp shell.

So if you're in the Fairmount area, you've certainly got a few options including the venerated Umai Umai and Doma Sushi. But if you're looking for a relaxed BYO environment with fresh, decent quality sushi, Kansai has got you covered. Better yet - while they take credit cards, cash is king and they offer discounts for those who bite.

www.kansaiphilly.com