Elisa Ludwig takes in Miraku, a recent addition to Philadelphia’s Japanese restaurant scene. There are some stars among the dishes, especially the tempura.

Sadly, the bar’s output � while perfectly acceptable � is not transcendent, lacking the crisp nori, vibrantly flavored fish and precise presentation that make for truly great maki and sushi. Most memorable is the complex arrangement of textures in the Miraku roll, which features spicy tuna blanketed with sweet barbecued eel, thin slices of avocado and a sprinkling of black tobiko. There’s also no denying the decadent pleasure of the tornado roll � lobster tempura embedded in Japanese mayo, lettuce and caviar.

Miraku [City Paper]
Miraku [Official Site]

Three new Japanese restaurants have opened or are about to open in the area.

Umai at 22nd and Brandywine, near the Art Museum is just about set to open. The chef, Alexander McCoy comes from Teikoku in Newtown Square where he amounted quite the reputation. In 2004 McCoy and Teikoku won a Philly Cooks award for best appetizer for his Salmon Tartar, with apricot miso Brulee, blueberry balsamic reduction, served with Yuzu cr�me fresh. He was also the feature chef at a sake dinner at the James Beard House in New York in June 2005. Before Teikoku McCoy had experience in the kitchens of Morimoto, Nobu and Le Bec Fin. Sounds like it could be a special place.

In Center City Miraku, has opened at 1326 Spruce Street. Its menu includes sushi and cooked dishes and is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. It figures to be a hit with the theater crowd looking for a light and quick meal. Craig LaBan says try yellowtail ceviche or �excellent tempura.�

Also in Feeding Frenzy today, Drew Lazor highlights Maki Rocks, a new sushi spot at 2027 Walnut Street. Interesting choices “include the taco su (sliced octopus in a vinaigrette sauce) and firecracker maki (spicy tuna with scallions and masago).”