STARR Restaurants’ Pod returns to University City, favoring the Japanese fare that made the restaurant popular at its inception over twenty years ago.
“Pod was open for two decades pre-pandemic, host to countless celebrations and some of Philadelphia’s favorite memories with STARR Restaurants,” begins Restaurateur Stephen Starr in a statement. “When we reopened the space as Kpod, our customers kept asking us, ‘where’s the sushi?’ So, we listened and decided to transition the space back to its original conception – a Japanese restaurant and Izakaya. We are looking forward to Pod’s newest iteration and welcoming back those who’ve missed us. We’ve missed you too.”
With a menu celebrating traditional Japanese ingredients, Pod will return as a “grown up” version of the original concept with a more refined menu. Highlights include a variety of cold dishes – including Sunomono Seaweed Salad, Donburi, and Lobster Roll Bao – alongside hot dishes such as Snow Crab Croquettes, Crispy Pork Gyoza, Wagyu Gyudon, Miso Seabass and more.
Heartier items include a selection of noodles and rice dishes – from Mentaiko Spaghetti (a Tokyo staple) to Pork Ramen and Crab Fried Rice – and a full Robata (Japanese Grill) section – including Yuzu Prawns, Smoked Pork Belly, Beef Short Rib and more. For serious beef enthusiasts, the menu spotlights the A5 Shabu Yaki Don, a prime cut of Japanese Hokkaido snow beef sliced paper thin and flash grilled, served in the traditional style with sukiyaki sauce and an egg.
Pod’s menu was developed in partnership with Corporate Chef Mark Hellyar and will be executed day-to-day by Executive Chef Kenjiro Omori. Hellyar, who has spent years studying culinary technique and tradition in Japan, has worked with numerous restaurant groups including Chicago BOKA Group, Gordon Ramsay North America, and a long tenure with STARR Restaurants.
“I’ve created a menu that embraces the essence of the original Pod, but with a little more elevation, polish and Japanese tradition,” says Hellyar. “Those who’ve spent time overseas will appreciate a nod to the classics, while those who are newer to the cuisine will find familiar Japanese American favorites. Between the updated menu and the restaurant’s intrinsic energy that defined the space for two decades, diners will fall in love with Pod all over again.”
While Pod’s signature conveyor belt remains in the past, the sushi menu is back. Helmed by Chef Kevin Yanaga, Pod’s former Lead Sushi Chef, the sushi menu includes a variety of rolls and maki – from classics like Spicy Tuna and Salmon, Rainbow Rolls and Philly Rolls – to signature Butter Krab Rolls, Grilled Chilean Sea Bass, and the Surf & Turf Roll filled with American wagyu, lobster, and truffle soy. Sushi and Sashimi is also included, offered at two pieces per order, as traditional offerings plus creative and elevated preparations including Fluke Tomato, Smoked Shima-Aji and Foie Gras.
With new food comes new beverages. Kpod’s signature cocktail, the “Champ-pop” cocktail (house citrus sake, chic cava and fruit boba) has been updated and, supplemented by new boozy concoctions like the “Bird of Paradise” (Goslings Bermuda black rum, Aperol, lime, pineapple) and a “Hi-ball section” with both traditional and innovative interpretations of the Japanese classic cocktail. The beverage menu is rounded out with a strong sake program – including a house-infused Citrus Sake – alongside a selection of wines, beers and non-alcoholic options.
Located at 3636 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, Pod is open for dinner Monday – Thursday 5pm – 10pm and Friday/Saturday 5pm-11pm. At its full capacity, the restaurant can accommodate up to 200 guests including three signature semi-private dining “pods” for parties between 6 to 12.
