Revered Sagami Japanese Restaurant Plans New Location in University City
Media Relations Contact:
Jennifer Rizzi, Communications Director
Penn Facilities & Real Estate Services
215.573.6107, rizzi@upenn.edu
Sagami Japanese Restaurant, one of the region’s most acclaimed Japanese dining destinations, will open a new location now in Philadelphia at 3636 Sansom Street, adjacent to The Inn at Penn, adding to Shop Penn’s diverse mix of dining and retail offerings. Sagami has served authentic, traditional Japanese cuisine for over 50 years at the original location in Collingswood, NJ.
Restaurateur Alan Su, who also operates Nom Nom Ramen, Umami Steak & Sushi Bar, and Shiso, will bring Sagami’s beloved classics to University City, including customer favorites like the agedashi tofu and the chirashi bowl, alongside a selection of new dishes. A highlight of the new menu will be the ramen, udon, and soba noodles, all made fresh in-house.
“I am honored and incredibly excited to open this new restaurant, creating a unique, casual dining experience for students, campus visitors, and neighborhood residents alike,” said owner and chef Alan Su. “I look forward to sharing our classic Japanese cuisine with a contemporary approach for all to enjoy.”
Designed by Stokes Architecture, the new 8,350-square-foot space in University City will include a warm and inviting dining room and full bar. Drawing inspiration from the look and feel of the original Sagami restaurant, the interior will feature traditional Japanese materials and motifs, like wood, bamboo, and shoji screens, but updated throughout with modern design elements.
“Sagami is an award-winning concept, and we are thrilled to welcome it to University City,” said Rachel Siegert, Penn’s Associate Vice President of Real Estate. “Alan is an exceptional restaurateur, and we are looking forward to him bringing this caliber of dining to Penn’s campus with a culinary experience for the community. Sagami is a wonderful addition to the continued evolution of the Shop Penn Retail District.”
The new restaurant is anticipated to open in the summer of 2027.
MSC Retail represented the University of Pennsylvania in the transaction.
About SHOP PENN Retail District
Penn’s retail district offers an inspired, contemporary shopping and dining experience, open to all. Spanning ten city blocks from 30th to 40th Streets and across Spruce, Walnut, and Chestnut Streets, the district features more than 65 curated shopping, dining, and entertainment outlets immersed in the region’s most beautiful and historic university campus. The diverse collection of retail offerings—including national brands and independent shops—provides the highest quality options at every price point for the Penn community, surrounding neighborhoods, and beyond. Visit the SHOP PENN website for a full listing of retailers.