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More About Royal Sushi & Izakaya Philadelphia
Map 780 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA
138 users watching
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Royal Sushi & Izakaya Philadelphia Reviews

Yelp: 🙂 (40) Tripadvisor: 😍 (2)
🤮

Who said this place is the best Izakaya in Philly? Have you

1/5 by 👻 @Yiran G. on 08/30/2025

Who said this place is the best Izakaya in Philly? Have you eaten any sashimi or Nigiri in the past? We did not get an omakase spot even we tried so many times and this place does not take reservations for normal dine-in. So we have to come here wait in line for more than 1h to have a spot. VERY Disappointing! Very dark, only light was from the candle on your table. We are old so we have to pull up flashlights on our phones in order to see the menu. Fish taste very very fishy, soft and textures are like mushes. Absolutely not worth the price, spent over $200 and not a single dish was satisfying. Restaurant is very small, very very noisy, more like chaos. People are everywhere, servers do not have uniforms, hard to recognize. There are many good places around here which are absolutely better than this one, if you want my recommendation just dm me.

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I reviewed in 2017 and will limit my comments to a brief

1/5 by 👻 @M S. on 08/22/2025

I reviewed in 2017 and will limit my comments to a brief visit inside while waiting for a takeout order this week. I previously noted that the front dining area was, as ever, dark and uncomfortably loud. Takeout orders now have to be picked up inside due to noise issues and neighbor complaints regarding small crowds waiting by the takeout window. I figured I would have a drink at the bar and put in ear plugs. Well, all seats were occupied, and it didn't take long for me to realize that you will be ignored if you are standing. The bartender, only several feet away and clearly in our respective fields of view, was chatting up a patron and showing pics of his recently-adopted 10-year-old cat...WTF. After waiting some minutes with no recognition I got the hint and bolted to the New Wave a block away. I tried. I like the takeout, but it is pricey. That's my choice, however. But my recommendation remains to try to score a seat at the omakase sushi bar in back or order out. Otherwise, avoid the obnoxious front room and bartender.

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😍

Very frustrated foodie!!!! I have been trying for over 6

5/5 by 👻 @Mona C. on 08/21/2025

Very frustrated foodie!!!! I have been trying for over 6 months to get a reservation. I even started bidding on a aite for a reservation!! My BF knew the owners father when he owned Fuji and has been trying and trying to get in to see him or even say hello but no luck. I only wanted a reservation for 2 for Omakase for a special occasion in September. 'Sushi Gary ' , located in Manhattan ,was easier to get into than this place since Jessie won the Beard award 2025!!

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😍

Still dreaming about the omakase at Royal!!! I stumbled

5/5 by 👻 @Kate F. on 08/10/2025

Still dreaming about the omakase at Royal!!! I stumbled into a chance to go to Royal when a friend of a friend needed to pass off her monthly reservation and now I just keep wondering how often is too often to remind someone you exist and would love to relieve them of their reservation again. We visited Japan in May, and I would argue that the quality of the fish at Royal is on par. Chef Jesse is incredibly talented. He is precise, creative, and friendly to boot. He deserves all the accolades that are coming to him, and I am so glad we got to experience his omakase. We were seated promptly for our 6p tasting and immediately brought a drink menu. The main server, Kelly, is incredibly friendly and made sure to introduce herself and remember our names. We opted for cocktails --- the Poor Impulse Control was a delicious mezcal drink, and for my second round, one of the regulars recommended an off-menu Lychee Martini, which was delightful. The omakase was essentially divided between more complex dishes for the first half, followed by nigiri and hand rolls in the second half. Watching the chef put together the first few dishes was fascinating. He is so deliberate in his efforts --- I literally watched him rearrange edible flowers with tweezers until he was satisfied with the layout on each and every dish. Some highlights we particularly enjoyed: a delightful little tartlet with caviar and a combination of fish, an incredible dry-aged fatty tuna collar over rice, and a flavorful avocado aguachile with fresh scallop and shrimp. We were then served a parade of nigiri, each more delicious than the last. All of the fish are sourced from Japan, New Zealand, or Spain, and we enjoyed chatting with Chef about the fish market in Tokyo, which we had had the pleasure of visiting in May. I was impressed how much Chef clearly enjoys getting to know his guests. He was quiet during the assembly of the more complex dishes, but once he into the rhythm of making nigiri, he was chatting with the new folks and following up with his regulars. The omakase is $300 pp, including tip, plus whatever drinks you opt to purchase... but the quality of food and overall experience make it worthwhile. Would go again in a heartbeat.

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😍

A cozy little Japanese izakaya One side of the wall plays

5/5 by 👻 @Julia b. on 07/29/2025

A cozy little Japanese izakaya One side of the wall plays Japanese anime -- perfect for an easy conversation starter if you're with a fellow anime fan. The sushi was fresh and cleanly presented, but the real star was the mentaiko fries That salty, savory mentaiko sauce was so unique and delicious. Such a perfect spot to enjoy a cold beer and unwind!

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Came a little bit earlier than opening for their Izakaya

4/5 by 👻 @Randy B. on 07/21/2025

Came a little bit earlier than opening for their Izakaya experience, and it was an amazing experience w/ good eats! Got a variety of items-- - Nasu Dengaku (eggplant): on the salty and small end, loaded with umami and miso flavor. - Korean Okonomikyaki: addicting gochujang mayo sauce, thought not the biggest fan of the batter they used as opposed to noodles. More of a doughy chew, but overall one of my favorites of the night! - Wagyu Steak: not a highlight, especially at its price point. The black sesame flavor did complement the steak well and was disappointed in the Wagyu itself. - Royal Chirashi: for its price point, I think the value was decent but some of the cuts of fish weren't mind-blowing. Hard to get the temperature right on the chirashi (if you care about that) as everything became warm/room temp when it arrives. Favorite bites were from the uni and scallops for sure. Would come back to try their other popular dishes, but would stick with smaller rolls and more of their season specials. The ambience is on the cozy and casual side for the Izakaya. Saving up for the omakase...

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😍

Finalllly made it here! Not to the omakase but regular

5/5 by 👻 @Noelle W. on 07/19/2025

Finalllly made it here! Not to the omakase but regular dining - there were 2 of us on a Saturday night - we got there about 10 min before opening (already a line formed) but we got seated immediately at a table in the back (nice and bright compared to the front dark room) and to the side of the omakase area. It is a pretty casual vibe for a really high quality food experience. Service was great, and fast! I loved my drink (pina colada) and literally everything we ordered was flavorful, fresh, and delicious. I loved the eggplant and sushi rolls - especially salmon crunch. Miso black cod is probably my favorite food ever - it was so buttery. We got the chirashi which was delicious and great to split between the 2 of us. The desserts were magical as well - the sundae had corn ice cream - amazing, and a matcha tiramisu which was beautiful and so tasty. I only wish I had more room for eat more. I definitely want to come back and try more items, and try to get on the omakase list!!

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- Service: Nice, fast, and friendly staffs.

4/5 by 👻 @Quinn L. on 06/30/2025

- Ambiance: DARK. I hated to do it but I did have to turn on my flashlight to read the menu, because your girl cannot see anything!!!! Tables are quite close and tight to each other, so you could easy take a peak at other tables to see what they're having, or even make some more friends if you feel like it. - Food: Well, we literally wanted to order everything and we somehow did. The appetizers sound way more interesting than the sushi or sashimi to be honest. + Tuna Guac, Hamachi Ponzu, and Wagyu Zabuton Steak are so good and memorable to me. + However, those three dishes ain't nothing compared to my beloved Nasu Dengaku - Creamy Miso Roasted Japanese Eggplant. It's just out of the world with such an outstanding flavor! The eggplant is like a pillow - soft and tender yet not mushy iykwim. The sauce they top it on is just incredible - savory, sweet, and teeny tiny tangy combination. It's just so good that my bf and I keep talking about it for weeks. + Sadly, the sushi rolls are just okay though. Spicy pickles and the chicken thigh Tsukune are mediocre at best. The desserts are nice, but still, they didn't impress me. Over $200 for a whole meal for 2 people, definitely on a pricey side. People really hype this place up so I was very curious and excited to try. Slightly disappointed but could also because I just expected it too much. They're more known for their omakase than a la carte like this. If I could snatch a reservation for omakase, I'd love to come back again and update this review. (*) A note for walk-ins: We arrived 45 minutes earlier than their open time. 30-45 mins earlier would definitely guarantee you a seating when they're open. There was a long line with us waiting for them on that Saturday. People also say you may get some luck if you walk in on weekday.

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🤢

Got takeout from here but ingredients don't look fresh,

2/5 by 👻 @Natalie C. on 06/26/2025

Got takeout from here but ingredients don't look fresh, brown avocado is never appetizing.

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😍

Food- incredible! Probably the freshest sushi I've had in

5/5 by 👻 @Austin H. on 06/21/2025

Food- incredible! Probably the freshest sushi I've had in the city so far. Really enjoyed the Chirashi bowl and the chasu bao buns. The service was nice our server and wait staff were very friendly and the food and drinks came out surprisingly quick Ambiance is very cool. The first half of the restaurant is dark with a bar some tables and a projector playing some Japanese shows/films like pokemon and other films and tv e back half is more lit with a sun roof and then back room where the sushi masters work. Very cool

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🙂

This restaurant doesn't have a signage.

4/5 by 👻 @Retna S. on 07/13/2024

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.

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Super fresh food, I love all the dishes and sushi! They are

4/5 by 👻 @Ellen C. on 07/11/2024

Super fresh food, I love all the dishes and sushi! They are the same as the ones I had in Japan. Highly recommended

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😍

We had the distinct pleasure to partake in Izakaya's

5/5 by 👻 @Jin C. on 06/27/2024

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.

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😒

Good but not stupendous.

3/5 by 👻 @David E. on 06/22/2024

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.

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Thoroughly enjoyed the omakase experience at Royal Izakaya.

4/5 by 👻 @Dave H. on 06/20/2024

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.

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🤢

I was very hopeful about the food here as the menu has

2/5 by 👻 @Sofia L. on 06/15/2024

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.

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i don't like a service at all.

1/5 by 👻 @Mark L. on 06/13/2024

The food is not worth for the price. Note: This is personal feelings.

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Best sushi I've ever had? No.

4/5 by 👻 @Bella M. on 06/13/2024

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.

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When my friend and I went to eat dinner here, we ordered

3/5 by 👻 @Rosa Z. on 06/01/2024

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.

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😍

Seated fast.

5/5 by 👻 @Megan G. on 06/01/2024

Efficient service. High quality excellent food. Very impressed with the experience and have since recommended to many others friends!!!

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Asian, primarily Japanese.

5/5 by 👻 @WMT N on 05/30/2024

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.

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No reservations taken, but worth the wait.

5/5 by 👻 @Madison C. on 03/12/2024

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.

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Simply the best omakase there is.

5/5 by 👻 @Ben S. on 03/08/2024

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.

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Really cool little restaurant with excellent sushi.

5/5 by 👻 @Kellen A. on 02/10/2024

It is tucked in a quaint part of queen village. Definitely recommend.

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Heard so much hype regarding Royal so I was eager to try it

4/5 by 👻 @Justina A. on 01/31/2024

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.

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Probably the best sushi spot I've ever been to.

5/5 by 👻 @Jason M. on 01/24/2024

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!

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This review is dedicated to Jesse's omakase.

5/5 by 👻 @Chris K. on 01/23/2024

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!

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Royal Izakaya: Where the Sushi 'Reigns' Supreme Walking

4/5 by 👻 @Jay H. on 01/16/2024

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.

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Came early, eager to try Jessie Itos sushi due the hype

4/5 by 👻 @Dinesh A. on 01/13/2024

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.

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We did the omakase experience and celebrated our engagement

4/5 by 👻 @Nikki K. on 01/03/2024

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.

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This has been on my list to try for awhile and glad I was

4/5 by 👻 @Andrew K. on 12/31/2023

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.

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Very small place and doesn't take reservations for regular

3/5 by 👻 @Emma Z. on 03/12/2023

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.

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Soothing visit. Stellar food.

5/5 by 👻 @ElspethMcG on 03/05/2023

Delicious sushi and appetizers prepared with care and an eye to detail. Warm, helpful, and genuine waitstaff. Small and welcoming. Will be back.

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Royal Sushi Izakaya has always come across as overpriced to

2/5 by 👻 @Ju L. on 03/01/2023

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.

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Royal Izakaya now has became one of my favorite Japanese

5/5 by 👻 @Sophea S. on 02/21/2023

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!!

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This place is fantastic.

5/5 by 👻 @Kat H. on 02/09/2023

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.

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After trying endlessly to get a reservation for this highly

5/5 by 👻 @Kelly N. on 01/19/2023

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!

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Royal Sushi was truly a delight if you can get a

5/5 by 👻 @Emily L. on 01/14/2023

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!

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WARNING - if you're a sushi lover like me, do not go to

5/5 by 👻 @Eric M. on 01/11/2023

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>.

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Having been to both the sushi omakase and izakaya, they

5/5 by 👻 @Michael S. on 12/28/2022

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

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Waited 1.

2/5 by 👻 @Brenda C. on 12/17/2022

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

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God bless Jesse for letting us roll through with like five

5/5 by 👻 @Dinh B. on 12/09/2022

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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Connect with users posting reservations for Royal Sushi & Izakaya Philadelphia

AppointmentTrader is a community-driven platform where users can exchange their reservations or leverage their personal relationships with Royal Sushi & Izakaya Philadelphia. Buyers can make informed decisions using automated seller ratings, which reflect past transactions and reliability.

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Each posting on AppointmentTrader shows you which user submitted it and along with that provides a trackrecord of that user which indicates how much experience the user has and how many percent of their transactions resulted in them issuing a refund.

If there is no user posting that fits your schedule, you can bid on your preferred time.

Let's say Peter has a great morning and decides to take his three friends to Royal Sushi & Izakaya Philadelphia at 6 PM the same day.

He checks the restaurant's website and sees that no reservations are available. He then looks at the Royal Sushi & Izakaya Philadelphia page on AppointmentTrader, but finds that there are no user postings either.

That's where the community-driven bid process comes in.

Peter can place a bid on AppointmentTrader, which serves as a reward for any community member who chooses to work on securing the reservation. AT then notifies experienced users who may be able to help.

Step-by-Step Process
1.) Setting a Reward (Bid)
* AppointmentTrader uses historical data to recommend a reasonable reward amount for securing a reservation - let's say $100.
* Peter really wants to go, so he increases the bid (or reward) to $200.
* At this stage, the reservation does not exist yet.

2.) A Community User Picks Up the Bid
* FulfilledThread16, an experienced AT user, has a strong track record of successfully securing reservations and low refund requests, they receive a notification about Peter's bid.
* FulfilledThread16 picks up the bid, meaning they will now work on securing the reservation.
* Peter can now talk to FulfilledThread16 for any questions Peter may have as FulfilledThread16 user fills the bid.

3.) Finding the Reservation
* FulfilledThread16 now uses their connections at Royal Sushi & Izakaya Philadelphia to secure the table.
* If they successfully get the 6 PM table for four, Peter receives a confirmation that the reservation has been secured.
* If FulfilledThread16 fails to secure the reservation, the bid is returned to the pool so another user can try.

4.) Payment & Protection
* Once the reservation is secured, FulfilledThread16 receives the $200 reward which is credited to FulfilledThread16's AT balance, where users manage their own funds and can withdraw via available payout options such as bank transfer, PayPal, or Zelle.
* Peter can now enjoy the dinner with his friends at Royal Sushi & Izakaya Philadelphia!
* As with all transactions on AT, disputes and no-show fees are handled through the platform's community-driven resolution system. Users with a strong track record are incentivized to fulfill bids successfully, and community members can report issues to maintain trust in the marketplace.

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