Vic Sushi Bar Reviews

This intimate (read: small) sushi bar is a great place to stop if you're looking for very fresh sushi with amazing flavor. Our group ordered several nigiri sushi options as well as a few rolls - all were superb and served collectively on a large dish. Appetizers (crab salad and shumai) were also delicious. This place could work on its service a bit, though. We weren't particlarly welcomed into the sushi bar, simply gestured at to sit at the only table in the restaurant. The sushi chef tossed us a paper menu to go through and make our selections, and when we asked for drinks the chef once again pointed to the strategically placed refrigerator across the aisle from us. One of our party got up to look at the photos on the wall and one of the employees shouted out "Excuse me! Miss!" I guess the employee thought she would walk into the area marked "Employees Only". In short, great sushi, not so great service- unfortunately!

On our way, while trying to keep my wine chilled for this BYO, we met friends that still have not found Vic's. He is very particular about his sushi and has not wanted to change old habits. Now seriously, if you have found the crowd inhibiting at the door of this one table, 10 stool sushi bar, then quickly get over it. We come because the food is spectacular, and because the wait is rather short. Most of that crowd are there for take out. We come, take the salad from the fridge and nibble as we wait. The specialty rolls are my favorite but my better half must start with the tuna dumplings - don't ask, just order. Most people seem to order the very inexpensive 3 roll combo, and all I see are smiles. Truly, the best there is, period!

I had them deliver to my hotel. Service was very prompt. I am a sushi snob and this was some of the best sushi I have ever had. I had the Holiday Roll (without mango), the Birthday roll and the Tiger roll. Also had the Tuna Dumplings which were out of this world.

Visited Vic's today for quick dinner. There's a good choice on the menu and the food is excellent. The place was full (it's only tiny - probably seats 12 or so) If you want fine dining then forget Vics, but if you want great sushi at very reasonable prices then get in line because this place is a gem.

Find a piece of Tokio downtown Philadelphia by this excellent sushi bar - small area for seating (only 10 people) but you have the real sushi feeling here like you were in Japan. Excellent and fresh !

We ordered by phone and the delivery charge was on the high side, so we took a 20 minute hike in nice weather. The specialty rolls 13.95 were very good, as was the 3 roll special (white tuna, yellow tail scallion, Alaska roll) for only 12.75 quite the bargain.

My wife and I decided to try this sushi bar based on online reviews. It is a small bar, with around 10 chairs. We tried sushi sampler and several kinds of rolls. Kani salad was good! But a must try is their Vic Sushi roll, shrimp tempura roll topped with lobster salad! Yummy! We'll definitely go back.

Recently stopped in for dinner during a visit to Philadelphia. Good thing we arrived early because there was only 11 seats in the WHOLE restaurant! We were able to grab seats at the counter and our sushi came out very quickly and you could tell the food was fresh. The menu was smaller than I am use to in NY but I would definitely recommend this place for sushi if you are in the area.

This place is a very tiny restaurant with amazing sushi. I was forewarned from reviews on Yelp about the size and that it would be best for carry-out. My husband and I decided to visit on one Friday evening around 7:30pm in September. Every seat (10 -15) was taken and people were standing around for take-out. After trying not to reach over a patron’s head to retrieve a menu my husband and I set eyes on many creative rolls and inexpensive prices. We ordered- Miso Soup $2, Seaweed Salad $3 and Tuna Dumplings (2-piece) $10. We ordered several rolls. The 3 roll special which was $10.95 allowed you to pick any three regular rolls. We purchased- Spicy Tuna, Alaska and Philadelphia rolls. We also ordered specialty rolls: a Tiger Roll-$13.95 (tuna, salmon, yellowtail, avocado and masago wrapped in white seaweed), Rainbow Roll- $10.95, and a Lucky Roll- $10.95 (shrimp tempura, avocado, and cucumber roll, topped with salmon, avocado, eel sauce and sriracha). The wait was long, about 30 minutes with people who came after us getting their orders before us. I do not know if this was due to their orders being smaller or because we modified our order to include the Philadelphia roll. Although the wait was long and we had to walk back to our hotel to partake in our feast, it was well worth it. The miso soup was well made with small dices of tofu, a few pieces of seaweed, and scallions. The tuna dumplings were made from a flat piece of tuna surrounding a light green (mashed avocado?) mayo based salad that may have contained julienned surimi. Whatever it was surrounding was good. It was also topped with roe. The seaweed salad was an ample portion that was very flavorful. It was made correctly with a slightly spicy kick due to a small amount of red pepper flakes. The fish was very fresh. Only a small amount of sticky rice was used to make the rolls with the fish being the star. If you are in need of sushi and are in the neighborhood (although I will come from Jersey to get sushi here) I would recommend stopping by for take-out. The website is http://www.vic-sushi.com/

My 10 yr old daughter should be writing this. I’ve never seen her eat sushi that fast before. She loved it. We got a California roll, a Boston roll and a spicy tuna roll. So nothing very fishy and kid friendly. I thought it was very fresh and good. She thought it was excellent. Tiny place with a little counter for eating in. Prob seats 7 ppl. The chefs make it right there as u order.

This restaurant had good Sushi, but absolutely nothing else. Unless you are going there with others, I do not recommend. The Yelp review was not really accurate.

Great sushi in a cozy environment. It can be a little crowded at times though (hole in the wall)

great deal for always fresh sushi! most people take out, because there isn't much seating at the bar, but i've always had a seat every time i went. vic and his staff are really friendly. i love the regular rolls - my favorites include spicy tuna and spicy salmon. the special rolls are really good, too - i especially like the tiger roll. i think the i roll was pretty good, too. the tuna dumpling is really cute.

This place it the epitome of a hidden gem. It’s located right off Rittenhouse Square, but it appears as a place most people walk by. But I am so glad I didn’t walk by. It’s small, but the sushi is amazing. I get sushi on a regular basis, and Vic by far surpasses everywhere I’ve been to. They don’t accept reservations, but don’t expect to need a lot of time there. Ordering, waiting, eating, paying took a total of about 45minutes. On a side note: the tuna dumplings are simply spectacular. Must try!

Their prices are unbeatable, and their spicy salmon roll is yummy. The crab roll I ordered was OK but I won't order it again. and edamame for 2$ ! That's a steal. The A/C wasn't working when I dined there, so I don't know if it was just that time or it usually is off with the door open, because with the smell of fish you do need some air circulation and that place is tight. You get to be seated on the bar. I enjoyed my experience overall

Last month, dear wife and I finished up a date at "The Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania" and headed into the city on our never-ending quest to find the best sushi in every major city. Today's quest, Philadelphia. Today's stop, the recommended "Vic's Sushi Bar." A small sushi bar, set on Sansom Street, the reviews were quite favorable on many differnet internet sites so we decided to give it a try. We waited five minutes to be seated for dinner and were promptly asked what we would like. We put in our order and the sushi chefs quickly got to work on it. A few minutes later, we had our selection in front of us. Three roles (6 -8 pc) for $10.95, which is a great deal, a volcano roll, and a red dragon roll. The fish was very fresh and the sushi was nicely prepared. Tastes and flavor were on point. The price was very good for each of the rolls. Very few places put the amount of fish that I perfer in a roll, but I completely understand for cost reasons that they cannot. You get what you pay for and this place has quality rolls for the money. Other guests were enjoying the amount of sushi presented and the flavors in each of their rolls. Consistency is key here and it seemed that the chefs prepared everyone's rolls, even the large amount of take out, the same. Best I have ever had? No. Will return if in the city? Probably. First, though, there are a number of other places that we must venture to in quest of the best sushi in the city. Once found, we will not depart from going there everytime. Who knows? It could be Vic's Sushi Bar, and we didn't even know it.

This place has about 12 seats. You have to try "best friend rolls" with salmon, they are delicious! Average prices

You are here for the sushi, and not the "experience," "atmosphere," "decor," "presentation," or any other pricey distractions, right? And you don't mind a tight squeeze? If you answered "yes," to both, then Vic Sushi is ideal. Fresh and reasonbly priced, the salmon is a deep dark orange, the tuna is a deep red/purple, fresh and generously cut sashimi pieces, the special rolls are unique and gorgeous. maybe not the place for an anniversary dinner, but definitely a date night spot for foodies and sushi lovers, without breaking the bank.

Very affordable. Standard sushi. Fast customer service. They have a 3 rolls for $11 deal that is great for a Philadelphia lunch. Seats only at a small bar and they make your food in front of you. Not much ambiance or space, but I guess that's why the menu is so affordable. I'd rather spend my lunch money on food, not decor! I will definitely go here in the future.

The three roll special ($10.25) is so awesome. The sushi is pretty fresh. BYOB. The place is SUPER small. Sits barely 10-15 people in total. I would not go in a group bigger than 4.

I have ordered takeout from Vic many times and know how amazing it is, so when my friends wanted a BYOB Sushi place in center city, I thought of Vic's. I had never been inside, so had no idea that there were only about 8 seats, and they didn't even have ice, so we were served lukewarm water in styrofoam cups. So not the greatest dining experience, but the sushi was amazing as always!!

Went to the place and surprisingly we have fpund a very tasty and fresh sushi. The place is small and cozy, the price are modetately high, the food is extremely fresh. Once in a while is worth the price.

If you are looking for a cheap option to eat sushi in Philly Vic is your place. Quality is ok there although service is not a strength.

Weekly special! - a lot of sushi roll for very little price. Attentive service and cozy setting. Not much to dislike.

My husband and I were heading to a comedy show at Helium (right next door) and were running short on time to get something to eat before the show. We have passed Vic's numerous times and there is always a crowd outside waiting for take out. This time there was no crowd and seats available inside, so we took a chance and grabbed a seat inside the tiny, hole-in-the-wall space - it's BYOB, by the way. The three sushi chefs were amazingly fast and great fun to watch. The menu is quite extensive with the super 3-roll deal for $10.95. They also had a lot of specialty rolls and daily specials on a board. We shared the seafood sunomono, a happy roll, and 2 A-rolls (daily specials) and they were all fresh and delicious. I would definitely recommend Vic's, although seating will be hit and miss, but will we check next time we are going to Helium and grab a couple of seats if they are available. Helium should work with them and add a sushi option to their menu! That would be the best of both worlds.

Yes Vic's is tiny, 10 at most, and yes there isn't a washroom or ice. Yes the take out crowd can be large. But it is all about the fish, the cut, the attention to detail and the sauce. We live close, bring our own sake and know that even with 2 of 3 couples ahead of us the wait will not be long and will be worth it. The price is small, the sushi is devine. I am pretty certain that on any one night in Philly Vic will serve the best sushi for the best price. In fact, from Paris to San Fransisco we have tried 100s of sushi bars and we still love Vic's and are glad we can walk in any time (except Sunday, they are closed).

Little hole in the wall place with 12 seats but large menu & really good sushi, really fast prep too! We were in & out in 45 minutes & they were packed when we walked in. Would definitely go back the next time I am in Philly.

Ok, first the sushi. Not bad but not great. The rice was barely warm but tasty. The fish was of good quality but not great. Now the service - horrid. The place is tiny and probably better for take-out (see photo). I asked only for water to drink and was pointed towards a cooler to get my own water. You have to "know" how to order and that is to signal the girl behind the register and shout your order to her. Food came out quickly but then you get to ask for napkins, chopsticks and a bowl for the soy sauce. I will not return. Others to try.

Great sushi! Great prices! although I've never actually been to the place, it is my understanding that it is extremely small. This is a great sushi take out. I'm always afraid to get sushi to go. You get great sushi from this place. very original menu with really good special rolls. If you're looking for a sushi take-out this is your place!

Vic's is the only place in town for sushi. We have tried them all over the last 10 years, and this is now home. We rarely take out, but if the wait is more than usual we'll sit in the window bench and have a salad or dumplings. Today was special. A wonderful day to walk the streets and we were out of work early enough that Vic's was empty. Great time to see the family photos and get caught up on the local gossip. But today we had flying fish for the first time, fresh from Japan, filleted on demand and stunningly presented. So fresh, so delicate, no wasabi on this fish please. Check out the pics.

I always do the three roll special for $10. In my opinion, their rolls are smaller than other places and three roles here is equivalent to 2 rolls at other places. Still, not a bad price. If you eat in, there are like 8 or 10 seats in the place but the sushi is literally made in front of you and given to you within 30 seconds of being made. I love it here and it's my go to place for sushi in philly.

I love the sushi here. It is a very small restaurant with about 10 seating max. The seafood was very fresh. There was an excellent selection in the menu. I would definitely come back when I visit Philadelphia.

This place has been around for maybe 25 plus years. A locals only place thAt is tiny and has about 6 tables. I don’t think they accept reservations but they accept credit cards. This place gets very crowded at night and on the weekends. The best time to go is during the day. They have amazing sushi, interesting specialty roll combinations, and very very very tasty seafood. You can tell it’s popular as they have photos of their customers hung on the wall. It’s an awesome date place as well and you’ll see many college and graduate students eating here. If you come to Philadelphia, make sure you come by here at least once. I ordered the Crazy roll (spicy tuna & avocado roll, topped with spicy lump crab meat & wasabi mayo) Yummmmmmy 😀😃🎍

Normally, sushi for me is just a vehicle for wasabi. Not here. The sushi is excellent and distinctive. Atmosphere is cozy, and the service was super fast.

After reading the reviews I took my friend here for her birthday. The sushi was very good. I wish the reviewers had stated that there is only a small bar to sit at (seats about 10). There is one table by the door that has 4 chairs. There is no bathroom either. I would suggest getting takeout.

You can't go wrong with this tiny place (1 point deducted for the packed place with no style aesthetic) on the sushi front. I've been a few times and recommend it for a quick sushi fix. The well priced fresh fish is served quickly with a smile. I've been a few times and the place is always packed with a huge takeout service. The owners call everyone "friend" and whip a plate in front of you in no time. BYOB. Tofu app delicious. Spicy seafood salad yummy and a decent portion. The tuna dumpling everyone raves about is worth a try, although pricy at $10 for 2. The Sashimi is good. The Miso soup accompaniment has room for improvement. Every roll tried is a winner. I'm waiting to taste the delicious lobster roll next.

Went here with my wife on a rainy Saturday night and waited about 10 minutes to get a seat at the counter. We arrived at 7:30 and I think it was a reasonable wait considering the timing the fact that it's really only a sushi bar with 10 seats. Sat at the bar and they heated up our BYOB sake. Ordered the popular tuna dumplings which are $10 / 2 dumplings.... But very original and large and delicious. Certainly worth a try. We each ordered a 3 basic rolls for $11 special. This is the way to go. Great fresh fish, not a ton of rice and plenty of rolls to choose from. After getting a good buzz from sake we decided to finish with a yellow dragon role. Classic eel dragon roll with mango on top. Very creative and perfect. The sweet mango goes excellent on top. Overall, this will probably become our spot. Reasonably priced with good sushi. Takeout is convenient to avoid waiting for a limited counter seat. Good atmosphere and I love the family-run/ hole in the wall vibe. Perfect sushi spot for the heart of center city. Stray observations: -whole place is very family owned, authentic. Owners kids were playing in the front. Very cute -Self serve hot tea was wonderful -takeout is VERY popular -great, attentive, fast staff. they made sure we finished the whole bottle of sake too :)

Luckily we got there very early on a Friday night before a comedy show next door. There are maybe 6 - 8 seats at the sushi bar. What they lack in space they make up for with great sushi and creative rolls. They do a brisk take out business as well.

I popped into this extremely small place because everyone inside looked really happy. I soon found out why. It was a tiny set of barstools and minimal other tables. The folks at the next seats told me I had discovered the neighborhood secret. Some of the best sushi I have had in a VERY VERY long time! And it came ALMOST AS SOON AS I ORDERED IT! Could not recommend this more strongly

Good not great sushi -- you cannot beat the low prices, and they do deliver. That said, there are some better options in Philly if you want higher quality fish.

Take out would be the best option. Not good for a big group

I've been here 2 or 3 times and will return. The 3-roll special for $11 is great, but I still haven't had any of their specialty rolls. Just be aware that this place only has 6 seats (I'm not joking), and the line can accumulate at times.

So happy to have found Vic Sushi! Was staying overnight and placed an order to pick up. I think they also deliver. I ordered 2 special rolls and a Miso. Was really full and had a couple of pieces left over. Super interesting and fresh. Don’t let the size of the place fool you. They rock!

After a comedy show nearby, we lucked out and got the only table at this place. There is a sushi bar that you can also sit at, or carry out. The 3 roll special is a deal. The sushi was pretty darn good, especially for the price. We also ordered the "Tuna Dumplings", not knowing what we would get. They are bulbous purses of a tuna tartare that were AMAZING! Also, it's a BYO. Enjoy!