Sao

Mawn’s New Seafood Restaurant Sao Opens With Cambodian Seafood in Philly | Eater Philly

"A no-rules Cambodian seafood sibling to Mawn, this East Passyunk newcomer officially opens Wednesday, September 10 at 1710 E. Passyunk Avenue, led by Phila and Rachel Lorn with partner and bar lead Jesse Levinson; it channels personal seafood roots and even takes its name from how Phila’s mother says “South” (“Sao Philly”). Since Phila was recognized by the James Beard Foundation as 2025’s Emerging Chef, the team feels “more courageous,” which shows in a raw bar up front (glistening crudo and oysters) and a hot kitchen in back turning out whole fish, broiled oysters, and just one noodle dish, plus a unique caviar program — “Let’s just say it’s buttery.” The vibe aims for “Palizzi meets Oyster House meets gangster old South Philly, New South Philly,” with a South Philly row house feel (a stoop-style railing, a bathroom door from an old vestibule) and projected fish on the back wall instead of a tank. There are 32 seats including bar stools where you can watch the shuckers, and unlike BYOB-only Mawn, there’s a full bar program focused on classic cocktails (“I hate made-up shit”), some beer, and some wine; a few bar seats and one table will be held for walk-ins, with hours 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., lunch to come later, and reservations on OpenTable." - Maddy Sweitzer-Lamme