Highlights:
Stephen Starr at reasonable prices; Speedy service
Drawbacks:
Limited vegetarian options
Price range:
Lunch menu: $12-$14
You might think that dining at a Stephen Starr restaurant, even for lunch, is all glitz and no real value. And in some cases, you would be right. But at Pod, University City's own futuristic pan-Asian wonderland, a fair-sized midday meal can be had for under $15.
The sushi conveyor belt that is the focal point of the dining room is always an option for cheaper eats. Color-coded plates underneath the sushi rolls or edamame correspond with each item's price, and guests pick plates off the conveyor belt as they float by. But what if you hate sushi or can't bear to eat edamame at one of Philly's best restaurants?
Enter the Kaiseki Express, a complete fixed-price meal. Every entree comes with miso soup, a Japanese house salad and white rice. The entree choices include mouthwatering but safe choices like teriyaki-glazed salmon ($13), miso glazed Chilean sea bass ($14), teriyaki chicken satay ($12), shrimp stir-fry with x.o. lobster sauce ($13) and chicken stir-fry with garlic sauce ($12) that are sure to please meat-eating guests. Best of all, the meal arrives at your table within 15 minutes, perfect for those on the go.
So if you've been craving four-star fare on a college-student budget and a tight schedule, head over to 36th and Sansom for a quick, satisfying lunch that will fill your stomach without draining your bank account.
