Royal Izakaya offers a unique dining experience with a walk-in only front room serving izakaya-style dishes and a more exclusive omakase experience. The ambiance is described as intimate, moody, and dark, with projected anime and quirky decor.
Customer Perception
Customers praise the exceptional freshness and quality of the fish, with many highlighting the sashimi and chirashi bowls. The omakase experience is frequently mentioned as outstanding. Some reviewers noted slow or inattentive service, and one instance of concern regarding shellfish allergy plating was mentioned. The dessert menu has seen changes, with a previous tiramisu being replaced.
Additional Details
The restaurant features projected anime and small Pokémon figures, contributing to its quirky atmosphere. Reservations for the omakase are difficult to secure.
Accommodates shellfish allergies (though with a noted concern about cross-contamination in plating).
Best Times to Visit
Arriving at opening time is recommended, especially for the walk-in front room, as lines can form. Thursday nights at 8 PM have been noted as having no wait.
we went again for walk in — no wait on a thurs night at 8pm. overall at about $170 total for us two felt reasonable!
service: megan was our bartender and server and she was great! really personable and helpful with offering recommendations
food:
- chirashi ($52) 4/5
- sashimi ($48) 4/5
- okonomiyaki ($18) 4/5
- black sesame panna cotta ($15) 1/5
we got fished out by the end 🥴 both fish dishes had overlap which was helpful so we didn’t have to split any pieces — we actually had trouble finishing them all. okonomiyaki was nice, crispy, smokey from the bacon very impressed!
for dessert they changed their menu and took the tiramisu off 💔 instead we got their black sesame panna cotta with mango puree and caramel - 1/5 I couldn’t even finish it.
atmosphere: intimate, moody, dark, like a dark gothic church (since there are pews). the low lighting is vibey which makes it feel a little more cozy otherwise everything feels pretty heavy. the projected anime medley and small pokémon figures everywhere are cute and quirky. good for a date night or small group
Best Japanese food I’ve had in Philadelphia. The food came out quick, everything was well portioned and brought out at a good pace- especially for sharing for four people. Duck was easily the best thing on the menu. Best Gyoza around!
My only note is the service was pretty slow and not super attentive. We made a note that there was a shellfish allergy at the table, with one person still ordering shrimp (bc why not), and the shrimp sushi came out right touching the salmon sushi. It’s surprising that a restaurant of this caliber would note a shellfish allergy but plate the shellfish sushi on the same plate as the all the others? The person is OK with cross-contamination, but still.
Would have ordered more to drink, but service was slow. Other than that, it was a great dinner.
4
I have been dying to go here for a while but never wanted to wait in a line for walk in. Happy they started taking reservations. Got a 5 pm reservation for 2 and went with a friend today for my birthday. Arrived and saw there was a long line and thought maybe reservations don't need to wait in line but waited for my friend to arrive anyways. A group of ladies arrive behind us and I ask them if they have a res and they said they do too and we weren't sure if we had to wait behind the line of walk ins. One of the ladies walks up and asks the hostess/manager if we have to wait if we have reservations and she was kinda rude and dismissive saying "yes everyone has to wait in line." Off to a rough start with walkins being sat before reserved guests. Even if we were sat around the same time the attitude and optics felt weird. Food was good, enjoyed some dishes more than others. Our waitress was friendly but felt bare minimum and the atmosphere was nice in the back with the skylight.
Not sure I had a Michelin experience... having to wait in a line down the block behind walk in parties turned me off.
Would come back to try the omakase if I can get a seat... there were 4 open seats during the 6:00pm seating lol kinda disappointing to see.
5
I visited a while ago, but it’s still one of the most memorable dining experiences I’ve had in Philadelphia. The omakase was outstanding from start to finish, with incredibly fresh fish and thoughtful preparation throughout. Chef Jessie was not only highly skilled but also warm and engaging, making the experience feel even more special. It was already difficult to get a reservation back then, and it seems even harder now. Looking back, it was absolutely worth the effort.
5
On my trip to Philly, I had to check out the sushi scene. Royal Izakaya didn't disappoint.
I unfortunately wasn't able to get a reservation for the omakase. It is one of the hottest seats in town. Instead I went to the walk in only front side of the restaurant.
I recommend getting there at open as there was already a line at 4:30pm when I arrived. The place opens at 5pm and I was easily able to get a seat at the bar.
The food and service was excellent. I always order the chirashi bowl when I try a new sushi place. The selection and freshness of fish was on point. The dish itself was well balanced. I especially enjoyed the Hokkaido uni. I could tell it was flown in fresh.
Overall, I would come here again. Hopefully next time to try their critically acclaimed omakase
