Fuji Mountain: A Longtime Favorite for Sushi and Karaoke in Center City
For more than 30 years, Fuji Mountain has been a beloved fixture in Philadelphia’s Center City, known for its sushi, late-night dining, and private karaoke rooms. We had the chance to interview Helen Shim, General Manager for the past decade, to learn how this iconic restaurant continues to thrive while staying true to its roots.
A Menu Built on Crowd Favorites
Fuji Mountain’s reputation as a top spot for sushi has kept it a dining destination for years. "Our sushi rolls and platters are what we’re really known for," Helen explains. "The Ex-Girlfriend Roll is a huge hit, along with the Holiday Roll and plenty of vegetarian options." The wide range of sushi offerings has made Fuji Mountain a go-to for both sushi enthusiasts and newcomers alike, with a balance of traditional favorites and inventive twists.
Helen’s personal recommendation? The Dynamite Mussel Appetizer. “It’s steamed mussels topped with spicy crab meat that’s torched—it’s definitely one of my favorites,” she shares. Fuji Mountain’s menu strikes the perfect balance for any occasion, offering light bites for karaoke parties or a full dinner experience for those who want to linger and enjoy the atmosphere.
A Karaoke Experience Like No Other
While sushi is a big draw, what sets Fuji Mountain apart is its karaoke experience. "We’re one of the only places in the city with private karaoke rooms," Helen explains. These rooms offer an intimate setting for groups to celebrate and sing their hearts out, making them particularly popular with college students and partygoers.
"Our weekends fill up fast, especially with the college crowd booking out the rooms," Helen says. “But it’s not just for students. We get birthday parties, family celebrations, and even retirement events. People love the privacy and the fun atmosphere.” Whether it’s a lively night out or a special occasion, the karaoke rooms are a big part of what makes Fuji Mountain a unique destination in Philadelphia.
Keeping the Tradition Alive
Helen and the current ownership have worked hard to maintain Fuji Mountain’s status as a local favorite. "When we took over 10 years ago, we didn’t want to change too much because the restaurant already had such a strong following," she recalls. “People would tell us they remembered coming here as college students or that they’d celebrated milestones here.”
While Fuji Mountain scaled back its late-night hours after the pandemic—now closing at midnight instead of 2 a.m.—the restaurant has retained its lively, welcoming atmosphere. “We’ve kept the karaoke rooms and the menu largely the same, but we’ve also adapted where needed,” Helen shares, noting the small updates they've made to keep customers engaged.
A Peek into Day-to-Day Operations
As General Manager, Helen oversees the restaurant's operations from lunch through dinner. "Lunch isn’t as busy as it used to be with so many people working from home, but we still get a lot of takeout orders," she explains. Dinner is the restaurant’s busiest time, especially with customers coming in to dine and enjoy karaoke. "We get a lot of reservations for the karaoke rooms, particularly on the weekends."
Helen’s role involves ensuring everything runs smoothly, from staff management to making sure the kitchen and dining areas are ready for service. "We prepare for dinner right after lunch because the menus are different, and there’s always a lot to do to get ready for the evening rush," she says. It's a balance of coordination and customer service that keeps Fuji Mountain’s reputation strong.
Looking Forward: Innovation Meets Tradition
Despite Fuji Mountain’s long-standing history, Helen and the team aren’t afraid to innovate. “We’ve added new sushi rolls to keep things fresh, like the BTS Roll and the Eagles Roll, which are really fun additions to the menu,” she says. Special items are introduced regularly, and servers love sharing these updates with loyal customers.
With decades of history behind it, Fuji Mountain continues to attract diners of all ages—from regulars who’ve been visiting for years to new customers looking for a memorable night out. "It’s great to hear from people who have been coming here for years and still love it, and we’re always excited to welcome new faces," Helen reflects.
Whether you're craving expertly crafted sushi, looking for a place to host a lively karaoke party, or just want to experience one of Philadelphia’s longstanding restaurant gems, Fuji Mountain offers a little bit of everything. Its combination of tradition, great food, and fun atmosphere ensures that it will remain a beloved part of the city’s dining scene for years to come.