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Royal Sushi & Izakaya Philadelphia Reviews
This restaurant doesn't have a signage.
You will see a Japanese red lantern hanging outside. Inside is very dim. Fortunately we were seated near the door so I could take advantage of extra light when the door was opened to take better pictures. Not many seats with tables but there are more seats by the bar. Our waitress was super sweet, attentive, and knowledgeable. Spicy pickles : highly recommended if you like spicy food. Fresh and crunchy cucumbers. Tuna guacamole: too salty for me. Ebi shiumai: interestingly it has strong coriander flavor. I'm not a fan of this dish. Gyoza: it's ok, nothing special. Japanese eggplant: I love it. Beautiful plating of sliced eggplant topped with sweet miso glaze that gives umami. It is served with pickled cauliflower. The culmination of the dinner is Wagyu steak. Lean meat, cooked medium rare, with shiro dashi glaze. The glaze has some sweetness that blends to give robust flavor to the steak. To end the dinner is beautiful matcha tiramisu served in a square wooden box with ornate topping. Sweet mascarpone with some pineapple to give nice fresh fruity taste. So yummy . If They don't take reservations. I recommend coming here early.
Super fresh food, I love all the dishes and sushi! They are
Super fresh food, I love all the dishes and sushi! They are the same as the ones I had in Japan. Highly recommended
We had the distinct pleasure to partake in Izakaya's
We had the distinct pleasure to partake in Izakaya's masterpieces in early May and can still recall each course with clarity. It's worth the wait and the cost. The variety and freshness of ingredients prepared with painstaking care and efficiency was a joy to witness and we also appreciated the easy laid-back atmosphere fostered by chef Izakaya and his personable style. We just had to reserve for a return culinary experience before leaving. Highest recommendations.
Good but not stupendous.
Comparable to lower mid range New York places. I felt Umami Steak and Sushi Bar was tastier, and a better value. Note: this review is not meant for the Omakase.
Thoroughly enjoyed the omakase experience at Royal Izakaya.
The sushi was expertly prepared by chef Ito with all top quality ingredients, and the service was top notch. Ultimately, however, I left about 70% full even after having ordered extras. It is what it is. Glad to have had the experience, and was very much worth the visit for the first time. If I return, I'd probably have a snack in advance.
I was very hopeful about the food here as the menu has
I was very hopeful about the food here as the menu has dishes I have enjoyed at other Izakayas in NYC, and the prices were not bad. However, for what you get, the prices are steep. my daquiri tasted really strange (but was very strong, points added there). The hamachi yuzu had barely any flavor, no yuzu flavor whatsoever and was a small portion for $20! The pork bun was very dry and the mayo was sour. Goma-ae was descent as it is just spinach and sesame paste. The crunchy tuna roll was super mid as well. We got the special with zucchini- it was two small skewers of grilled zucchini over mayo with overcooked salmon sprinkled on the sides like cat food lol- the salmon was also very fishy. The zucchini was delicious but for $15 it was a pretty stupid dish. Overall, I wouldn't return here and I'm sure there are better Japanese spots in Philly that are worth the $$. Maybe get drunk here - don't get the food.
i don't like a service at all.
The food is not worth for the price. Note: This is personal feelings.
Best sushi I've ever had? No.
However, it was really solid and I would recommend it. Salmon avocado roll was fresh, well constructed. Tuna aka roll was good with a heaping amount of ikura on each piece. The sashimi was also enjoyable. Everything was pretty good, just not amazing. I think it is a bit over hyped. Service was friendly and prompt.
Seated fast.
Efficient service. High quality excellent food. Very impressed with the experience and have since recommended to many others friends!!!
When my friend and I went to eat dinner here, we ordered
When my friend and I went to eat dinner here, we ordered the Nasu Dengaku (japanese eggplant with sweet miso glaze), Ganmodoki (tofu patties with lemon, fennel, olives, raisins), Torikatsu Sando (fried chicken cutlet sandwich), and the Sakedon (rice bowl with salmon sashimi). Half of our food tasted good while the other half tasted pretty bad. The eggplant had a too much sweet miso paste that it overpowered the eggplant so I had to scrape it off. The tofu patties had a strong sour taste (because of the lemon and olives). I would not order either of them again. On the other hand, the chicken katsu sandwich was pretty good, since the meat was juicy and the bread was soft. The salmon on the sakedon bowl was fresh and melted in my mouth. Overall, I don't think I would come back for the izakaya food (which we ordered) but I would come back to try the omakase since the salmon was so good.
Asian, primarily Japanese.
The food and service here is excellent. Something for everyone. Impeccably prepared and served. Small place. Do not take reservations. Best to get there as they open.
No reservations taken, but worth the wait.
Okonomiyaki is to die for: savory, sweet, smoky, umami perfectness. The pork belly was also absolutely phenomenal: incredibly tender and flavorful with a great crust. Service is good and the interior is warm and somewhat vintagey. The service has fast pacing, so if you like conversation with your server this isn't necessarily the ideal spot. Definitely need to come back here - the food and cocktails are all delicious. Good spot for a date.
Simply the best omakase there is.
We're talking Michelin-worthy cuisine, without the pretentiousness. There's a reason why the waitlist numbers in the hundreds. Chef Jesse is a master of his craft, with the highest level of dedication and creativity. I've tried high-end omakses in other cities yet none can compare to Royal Sushi Omakase. There are two ways to get in: 1) Find someone who is willing to take you / let you go in their place. 2) Get the Amex Platinum card, which gives you Global Access on Resy. Add yourself to the waitlist each available day (30 days out). If/when you get notified, you must book immediately. There is not enough time to figure out if you and others are free that evening. While you wait for that elusive opening, possibly for many years, you can get the next best thing and order from the izakaya. The Royal Chirashi Box is the most amazing sushi available for takeout.
Really cool little restaurant with excellent sushi.
It is tucked in a quaint part of queen village. Definitely recommend.
Heard so much hype regarding Royal so I was eager to try it
Heard so much hype regarding Royal so I was eager to try it out! My friends and I ordered the Royal Chirashi box for takeout (since we knew getting seated would be difficult). The presentation of this box was stunning! The sashimi, caviar, tamago, etc was strategically presented. A nice variety of colors and textures! This box also came with nori, rice, wasabi, and ginger. The sashimi was fresh and the ginger was also really good! Overall, good quality fish & a satisfying meal.
Probably the best sushi spot I've ever been to.
We tried a little of everything and it was all fantastic. Vibe is dark and hip. Take a date here if you want things to go well!
This review is dedicated to Jesse's omakase.
Before I was lucky enough to snag a seat at Royal, Sushi Kashiba in Seattle was the most mind blowing sushi experience I ever had. However, I can now say that Royal Izakaya Jesse Ito's omakase is the best FOOD experience I've ever had. Everything from the egg custard to the hand roll was so memorable that I was doing the best I could to recall the flavors on the drive home. Have you ever experienced something where you just replayed it over and over just to capture the feeling again? Yea...that's this. I'm so thankful to have a seat at the table and looking forward to the spring menu!
Royal Izakaya: Where the Sushi 'Reigns' Supreme Walking
Royal Izakaya: Where the Sushi 'Reigns' Supreme Walking into Royal Izakaya, one is immediately enveloped by the charm of an old city restaurant, tastefully infused with a dash of Japanese flair. The first room, featuring a standard bar, offers quick seating for diners on the go. However, be warned - the space is limited, and the wait time can quickly escalate to an hour within just 20 minutes of dinner service starting. The food, while quite good, was not without its flaws. The Chashu Bun and the Soba noodles were standout dishes. The Chashu meat was flavorful and tender, perfectly complemented by the steamed rice bun. The Soba broth was so amazing that I found myself savoring every last drop. However, the Ebi Shumai was a disappointment. The shrimp was barely discernible, and the excessive dough overpowered the dish, resulting in a heavy aftertaste. I would not order this again. The main attraction, however, is undoubtedly the sushi. It did not disappoint. The Bloc Party and the Chirashi were exceptional specialty dishes, featuring fish that simply melted in the mouth. This was easily some of the best fish I've had in Philadelphia. Paired with some soy sauce and wasabi, it provided a solid anchor to the meal. Despite the minor setback with the Ebi Shumai, I would definitely return to Royal Izakaya. The unique ambiance, coupled with the mostly impressive culinary offerings, makes it a worthwhile dining experience.
Came early, eager to try Jessie Itos sushi due the hype
Came early, eager to try Jessie Itos sushi due the hype built up by friends. However, it fell below our expectations. Make no mistake, most of plates were delicious but it wasn't $400 delicious. Little things also make a difference. If you come early, don't sit in a corner. Sit near the middle, as close to the chef as you can. He's light spoken and fast so its easier to hear and see his prep. Loved the entire experience but not so much with some of his experimental plates.
We did the omakase experience and celebrated our engagement
We did the omakase experience and celebrated our engagement here! Food: the fish was extremely fresh and each dish was prepared per person. Ambiance: the back room only has 8 people at the omakase bar so it was an incredibly intimate experience. Service: very quick to make sure our drinks were always full and very attentive. Overall I would give a 4-4.5 because the price is very high (300+ per person) and in order to make another reservation for the future you have to pay the entire cost upfront.
This has been on my list to try for awhile and glad I was
This has been on my list to try for awhile and glad I was able to get there when it opens at 5pm and try out the food without having to wait. They don't take reservations unless you get lucky and get a reservation for their omakase so the best bet not to wait is get there a little earlier than when it opens at 5pm. My favorites were the waygu zabuton steak which was cooked perfectly and black sesame and shiro glaze paired well with it and the hamachi ponzu. The highlight was the royal chirashi which could easily feed 2-3 people and came with an assortment of fresh fish including tuna, fatty tuna, salmon, scallop, uni and caviar. At $155, it is pricey but the fish was fresh and also came with seaweed to make handrolls. I didn't love the gyoza and the nasu dengaku which is the eggplant with the miso glaze but overall, this was a great experience.
Very small place and doesn't take reservations for regular
Very small place and doesn't take reservations for regular dine in (only for omakase), so likely end up waiting for a while... (for 2 we waited for 1.5 hours *_*)A good variety of sakes and Japanese liquor, we tried plum liquor which was very sweet but still pretty refreshing. An overflowing pour which allowed us to share ;)Unfortunately the food didn't have that many varieties, especially not much to offer on the grilled items for an izakaya... The portion is also bigger than regular izakaya plates, so harder to sample more. Ex. The chawanmushi is usually served individually but it came in a big bowl that's enough for 2-3 to share. The grilled items are also in larger portions than usual, and the server did not warn us about the larger size. What made us most disappointed was all dishes were overly salty. Tuna guac was pretty refreshing if it weren't drenched in a pool of soy sauce; the grilled saba was also overly salted and fishy; steamed egg with shiitake was already salty on top with a good amount of even saltier roes; grilled chicken thigh meatball was juicy and tender, but alone was very salty, and the yolk was served in a dish of soy sauce to dip the skewers in! Such a shame they were mostly well cooked (temperature) if not way over salted...Food came out relatively quick, but since it was so busy and packed, service could be slow and hard to grab their attention as they are always spinning around.
Soothing visit. Stellar food.
Delicious sushi and appetizers prepared with care and an eye to detail. Warm, helpful, and genuine waitstaff. Small and welcoming. Will be back.
Royal Sushi Izakaya has always come across as overpriced to
Royal Sushi Izakaya has always come across as overpriced to me. For a long time, I did not come here because I just did not feel justified in spending this kind of money on Japanese street food. For the same exact dish in New York City, you would pay half the price. The same with omakase. You don't have to pay $200+ for decent omakase in NYC.The sourdough okonomiyaki, Ahi Ponzu, Negitoro roll, Kitchen Special's soba and grilled trumpet mushrooms all tasted right and were very filling, but just felt super unsatisfying.I will never understand the hype for Royal Sushi Izakaya.
Royal Izakaya now has became one of my favorite Japanese
Royal Izakaya now has became one of my favorite Japanese restaurant. One of the best in town! Just amazing! First of all, I never had good experienced with Uni, but Royal Izakaya changes my life. The best and freshest Uni I've ever had. Uni Ikura Don is a must! And don't forget to ask for seaweed sheets to wrap with it. The best thing you will ever eat. Another must order dish is the Tuna guac, will melt into your mouth. We also had Sashimi deluxe, everything is so fresh and delicious. Last thing we ordered was Bloc party sushi rolls, which is full of flavor. When having them with warm Sake is even better. It was so good. This restaurant is on a pricey side, but for the quality and taste, it's definitely worth it! You won't be disappointed! I'll definitely returning for more Uni!!
This place is fantastic.
Very expensive but worth it for a fancy night out. The front is first come first serve but the back you need reservations on Resy. The fish is flown in from Japan. It's so fresh and just amazing. The atmosphere is real cool too. Definitely our fav for something special.
After trying endlessly to get a reservation for this highly
After trying endlessly to get a reservation for this highly coveted omakase, we were lucky to get one on a Friday night. The fish and seafood is so fresh. Every bite is amazing and melts in your mouth. The attention to detail that Jesse puts into the food is amazing. Just watching him work is pure artistry in itself. The meal may be considered pricy, but the quality is well worth it.Each night, the omakase has a special menu. Our menu had roughly 17 pieces, but you can order additional add-ons at the end. Everything was good and would definitely return here again!
Royal Sushi was truly a delight if you can get a
Royal Sushi was truly a delight if you can get a reservation for the right omakase. My friend waited for a couple of months before she got a call from the waitlist that there was a spot opened as there are only eight seats at the sushi bar and you are given the choice to rebook at the end... so most of the people booking are regulars as they are booking for each season since the menu changes with the season. The sushi bar does allow a lot for interactions with Jesse and the other people enjoying the omakase. The lighting is also perfect for instagram pictures. ;) The sushi itself was fresh and flavorful. Each piece was well thought out as Jesse picks the fish and ensures the best quality. There were combinations that I did not think I would enjoy, but to my surprise it all balanced out. The rice was also very well seasoned and cooked to perfection. If I can get a reservation and am back to Philly, I definitely will try to be back!
WARNING - if you're a sushi lover like me, do not go to
WARNING - if you're a sushi lover like me, do not go to Royal Sushi and Izakaya, located in the Queen Village neighborhood of Philadelphia, for Chef Jesse Ito's omakasi experience. Otherwise, be prepared to forever frown upon literally every other sushi restaurant in the area as mere impostors in the fine art of serving this pinnacle of Japanese cuisine. Thanks to our daughter for her generous gift to my wife and me of Royal's omakasi for two. It truly was an experience that will be hard to duplicate anywhere else. The setting was slightly hidden behind a black curtain in an area off the main dining room where the sushi bar accommodates just eight lucky guests. This is where Chef Jesse takes his guests on a two hour journey that's equal parts theater and gastronomy. Chef Jesse's extraordinary dexterity with his bare hands, a razor sharp sushi knife and wooden chop sticks are impressive to behold as he surgically cuts and scrupulously assembles in perfect succession a seventeen piece tasting menu that contains only the freshest fish from around the globe. Each piece is presented at the perfect temperature, some having been delicately seared by a torch just before serving, to be consumed within thirty seconds by each eager diner. Several pieces were generously adorned with the finest osetra caviar and real wasabi - not that green-dyed horseradish served in most sushi restaurants - along with specially crafted sauces carefully applied with a brush. Add-ons are available at the end of the scripted menu, but only those with the heartiest of appetites will not be satisfied with what's already included. The restaurant also offers a variety of fine sakes and will gladly offer suggestions to the uninitiated. We opted to split a glass of sake that was suggested by our server and it was the perfect balance of minerals and fruit to complement the fish. We also opted to each add a serving of wagu beef which was barely seared and topped with freshly grated garlic. Delicious!!!If you're interested in trying Royal, you can make a reservation (well in advance) via Resy at <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Froyalsushiandizakaya.com%2Fsushi.html&s=5ce7e5066ba615ee24d5a11a2994596ab51bf3c30740cf3ecb126f933b55d353" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">royalsushiandizakaya.com…</a>.
Having been to both the sushi omakase and izakaya, they
Having been to both the sushi omakase and izakaya, they have different vibes that are excellent in their own ways. The omakase is one of the hardest reservations to get in town, but it's worth it. The price for the omakase is $165, but that does not include drinks, tax or tip. What it does include us 16 pieces of nigiri and one hand roll. The ingredients are all the highest quality and I don't think you could buy the ingredients on your own for $165. There's probably an ounce of caviar on the two nigiri that would cost about $100 at Beidermans or Dibruno's. The menu changes seasonally so you'll like be treated to a new menu every time you go. Chef Jesse Ito does a good job describing every piece and speaking with the guests. In contrast, the izakaya is fun and casual. The sushi at the izakaya uses a lot of the same fish as the sushi omakase, so the quality is unbeatable. The cooked dishes such as the wings, eggplant, and grilled cabbage, mackerel/saba, or mushrooms are all ver
Waited 1.
5 hours for a table though understandable on a Saturday night, as soon as we sat the restaurant became empty. We were originally told that the wait was only 1 hour as well. The food was underwhelming and so was the service. Our hostess was kind and apologetic for the long wait but still not worth it. I'm
God bless Jesse for letting us roll through with like five
God bless Jesse for letting us roll through with like five people when our original resy was for two.Iirc this omakase was $200. The pics are just of a few course that I remember to take pics of. Every piece was carefully made right in front of our eyes. The experience is definitely worth the money considering how innovative some of these dishes are. Some of the fishes are rare and I haven't seen them in other cheaper omakases elsewhere
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