Bluefin: A Five-Star Restaurant

Restaurant: Bluefin Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar 
Address: 1017 Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA, 19462 (610.277.3917)

Overall Rating: ★★★★★ (5) out of 5 stars

Style:  Japanese cuisine and Sushi Bar
Food: Japanese, with many options
Atmosphere:  Authentic Japanese décor and ambience
Parking: Yes (lot for parking)
Service: Extremely attentive and helpful; reservations are needed
Price Range: $$$
Unique Feature: BYOB, live sushi preparation, takeout available

I passed it countless times. It’s hidden in plain sight, though crammed within a forgettable strip mall in Plymouth Meeting. Yet it was only after dining at Bluefin on a Saturday night that I became aware that this place is anything but ordinary. 

Before driving over, I called ahead to see if a reservation would be necessary, but the hostess politely confirmed that it wouldn’t. And though I couldn’t find an official website for Bluefin, there was enough information on the internet to confirm that it was indeed a BYOB. We arrived at 6:15 to a crowded restaurant, and the hostess let us know that it would be a short wait for a table. She then offered us seats at the sushi bar, right in front of the action (four chefs keeping up with the hustle & bustle of sushi orders, with only the most serious of demeanors). 

As soon as we were seated, our wine was uncorked and presented in a bucket of ice. While we started flipping through the menu, we couldn’t help but be impressed by the sense of pride that the waitstaff took in their professions; before we had even decided on an appetizer, three different servers asked us if we had any questions regarding the featured sushi and entrées.

To start, my girlfriend and I ordered the Shrimp Tempura Appetizer, served hot within 10 minutes and beautifully presented. Along with the mouth-watering shrimp was crispy broccoli, asparagus, onions, and sweet potatoes…vegetables never tasted this good (at least to me).

Bluefin has an impressive selection of hot/cold small dishes, as well as a never-ending list of sushi rolls. And though I have never been a lover of sushi (the few times I have tried it in restaurants, I was left underwhelmed), it was clear that I would have to indulge. In addition to the traditional staples of a sushi bar (such as the California Roll and Spider Roll), Bluefin has a long list of specialties, including local offerings, like the Philadelphia Roll, which blends smoked salmon and cream cheese on a cucumber roll.

Knowing that we would be sharing our meals, I decided on an entrée instead of sushi, and my girlfriend ordered both the Spicy Tuna Roll and Salmon Avocado Roll. The presentation was as remarkable as hoped for, with fresh servings that matched the descriptions to a tee. I ordered the Shrimp & Chicken Teriyaki and was completely satisfied with my selection; the fish and poultry were perfectly grilled, and the portions were more than enough to keep me pleased.

While picking at each other’s meals, I reflected on the perfect experience that we shared: delicious food coupled with flawless service. Just when we thought the bill would be dropped off and we’d be on our way, one of the waitresses surprised us with a complimentary dessert: Bananas Tempura & Fresh Pineapple. Though not a dessert that I was familiar with, the combination was brilliant, and the only disappointment of the night was that I hadn’t saved more room for it. 

As we left the restaurant, the hostess and waitresses (serious sushi chefs included) gave us several goodbyes, and we did the same. Though seemingly effortless, the waitstaff and chefs at Bluefin were clearly working their hardest to make sure their customers will be back; we’ll be seeing you real soon.

Click Here To See the Menu