Royal Sushi & Izakaya

780 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, United States

Royal Sushi & Izakaya
About This Sushi Bar

A moodily lit Japanese pub with drink-friendly fare & a chefs' sushi counter in the back.

Sushi Reviews
Sushi Experience №1

Couldn't get omakase reservations so we sat at the bar and had some rolls off the menu which were really tasty.

Visited a month ago

Sushi Experience №2

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №3

Amazing food, incredible flavor and quality. Must try.

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №4

Incredible service and top tier food. I highly recommend their hotate skewers. If you don't get in line before they open, there is likely be a wait, but the food is so good I wouldn't mind waiting a while for it! Jacob was our server and he was excellent!

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №5

Very good food and great service

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №6

The chirashi is a little too much rice. Maybe my first having chirashi. I’m not sure the manner of eating it. But the tuna guac is amazing. I suggest the chicken thigh over rice bowl to add more eggs and shiitake mushrooms in it, it’d be perfect.

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №7

Very traditional Japanese food and what a delightful experience!

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №8

Amazing sushi and japanese food. Food came out at a great pace and the bartender was super knowledgeable. Great selection of sake and good cheap Kirin on draft.

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №9

Good service for our takeout order, which was ready 5 minutes early. My sushi was quite cold and refrigerated sushi rice is not my thing. But my husband liked his so I’m grateful to not have to hear complaints all night. Skip the Gyoza; they’re sub-par.

As a cellist, I’m horrified that a screw was sticking up out of their outside door handle enough to scrape up my hand as I left. Getting ready for a performance in two days, this is not ideal.

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №10

Very atmospheric & fun type of environment & food. Great shareables, great waiters, great recommendations

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №11

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №12

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №13

The best meal and meals I’ve ever eaten in my life here.

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №14

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №15

Best sushi I’ve ever had. The prices are amazingly reasonable too given the quality. Appetizers and deserts were good too. They do not take reservations. It is first come first serve and tends to get very busy, so be prepared to wait if you are dining in.

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №16

Food was good. Fresh and tasty.

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №17

Great food, worth the wait. If you’re a fan of different fish and shellfish, there’s a little bit of everything on the menu. We had scallops, yellowtail and some stuff from kitchen as well.

Try a little of everything, you won’t be disappointed. 5/5, if you’re in Philadelphia, try this gem of a restaurant

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №18

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №19

Sat by the service bar, service was a bit slow and impersonal. Sashimi was good, but at room temperature. Shumai were delicious. Rolls were ok. Overall, not wowed by the food.

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №20

Best restaurant in the city. Chill vibe. Delicious food. Rotating menu that keeps it interesting. Staff are super helpful and friendly. We visit every couple of weeks!

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №21

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №22

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №23

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №24

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №25

As soon as my wife and I entered Royal Sushi for the omakase, we were welcomed by the kind hostess who greeted us with warm hand towels - just like our first experiences at sushi restaurants in Tokyo. The stellar level of service continued throughout the meal and was only exceeded by the food itself!

Watching the chef work it is clear how much care and thought he puts into each dish. Some of our favorites included a dish with truffles as well as the add-on of Japanese wagyu. As Jesse prepared each course he chatted with us and the other guests, making it feel like an intimate dinner party. We enjoyed hearing the inspiration behind some of the dishes.

Given the menu rotates seasonally, we are looking forward to returning to Royal Sushi in the winter for another delightful experience.

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №26

Everything was delicious. Can't wait to come back

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №27

The best.

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №28

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №29

Favorite chirashi spot in Philly

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №30

The omakase is where this place shines but even that is overpriced due to the very limited sushi scene in Philadelphia driving up the demand. If you can snag a reservation, definitely do it as it’s still the best omakase in the Philly region.

The main dining area is too try-hard with loud hipsters with zero insight to actual authentic Japanese food. This place touts authenticity and traditional Japanese when in reality it’s more giving of a sushi chef’s desperate attempts to fit into the chef scene by attempting to curate dishes that simply fall flat and simply don’t work.

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №31

The best sushi in Philly

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №32

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №33

I loved the food and drinks. We were seated fast and were served shockingly fast. 10/10 would recommend. The sushi and fried chicken is fantastic.

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №34

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №35

The casual front room Izakaya was perfection. Food was exceptional for the clean flavors and authenticity...the eggplant with miso, the pickles and the chirashi bowl are standouts. The service was excellent and attentive -without being overly precious they had deep knowledge of the food and sake menus. I want to go back to sit at the sushi bar sometime soon.

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №36

At this moment in time, this is one of the best restaurants I've ever tried. It's true I've never been to a Michelin star restaurant ever, but I've been to Italy for extended periods of time and that means something in terms of being exposed to excellent food and fantastic ingredients treated with a lot of respect, just like in authentic Japanese food. What is surprising to me is that this restaurant is special not only because of that. What I find impressive is how their food combines flavors that in any other context would be a failure. Let me give an example. The Roasted Red Pepper Roll has a strong flavor of the crunchy garlic in the filling that is almost by culinary miracle perfectly balanced by the strong sweetness of the roasted red pepper. It's a very curious way of combining ingredients that to me is new. These two strong flavors not only balance and communicate with each other, they also serve as the base notes of other flavors that join in the symphony inside the mouth. Another fantastic dish is their Nasu Dengaku. Normally I'd find the flavor too salty. But in this specific case, the salt again works as a base note not only to secondary flavors but also for the different textures. I'm referring to music here because I do believe that cooking like this is a form of art. The way flavors and textures combine and evolve in time in the mouth is a form of harmonic composition of the senses. The Chirashi, on the other hand, is a more regular style of flavor, with excellent ingredients and a balanced overall combination of flavors, there including a lot of umami. The only thing that disappointed me a bit was the Matcha Tiramisu. Given the reference to a tiramisu, which has strong flavors of coffee and rum balanced by the sweet mascarpone, I expected the matcha to have a similar role to coffee plus rum to make another bold statement, but at the end the sweetness dominates and it becomes in style like the risk-free well executed chirashi. It's still an excellent desert, with flavors that evolve in the mouth and a combination of textures that is quite interesting (there's a thin layer of a thicker cream mixed with the soft cream that produces an excellent effect on the palate): but it's not a tiramisu, it's more like a shortcake. In summary, this restaurant is a jewel of the neighborhood. In NYC a meal of such quality would be in the hundred(s) of dollars per person and one would never get a table without a two months reservation. But in this restaurant the price is pretty fair. It speaks volumes to the unassuming confidence of Philly: "Speak soflty and carry a delicious Roasted Red Pepper Roll", goes the saying. I've ordered five times here and every week or two I crave to order again. I really love their food and can't wait to try their Wagyu. I never write reviews, but i had to do it in this case to say that this restaurant is fantastic.

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №37

Service was really friendly and the food was great.

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №38

Absolutely unique and amazing experience. Everything we ordered was outstanding, the team took great care of us, and the vibe was cool and comfortable. We will be back!

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №39

This is a review for the izakaya portion of the restaurant. Tried a fair number of dishes and everything was excellent. Highlights for me were the corn and lobster potage, the koji cabbage, the nasu dengaku eggplant dish, and the special corn ice cream with tyaki and red bean drizzle. Those alone are worth a visit to this spot! The corn potage was especially impressive, super bright yet sweet yet umami.

Also had the menchi katsu, sashimi deluxe, sourdough okonomyaki, torikatsu sando, and the spicy pickles. Those were tasty as well, but they didn’t stand out to me as much as those first three dishes did. I’d still get them again, but I’d seriously come here just for the corn and lobster potage, the koji cabbage, and the nasu dengaku eggplant dishes any day.

The menu lends itself to sharing, tapas style so everyone at your table can have a little bit of everything.

Tried some cocktails as well and they were the perfect accompaniment to the meal. Well balanced and fresh. Everyone at the table loved their drinks and the food.

The restaurant’s design was so fun. I loved the projector playing some different anime and the Godzilla variant of the wave painting in the bathroom.

Service was attentive, informative, and pleasant. Overall this was such a great first visit with exceptional food and really great vibes.

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №40

Ridiculously delicious! Just go and enjoy.

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №41

Outstanding izakaya. Every dish was fantastic; the sake selection is outstanding. Among the best meals in Philadelphia, I think. And it's pretty easy to get a table: I walked in at 6 on a Tuesday and was seated immediately.

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №42

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №43

You don’t have to spend as much as we did but there are so many wonderful dishes to try! Some favorites - spinach, chicken sandwich, curry buns, sushi roll, the cabbage, the ice cream dessert. Our server, Kelly, was great! So knowledgeable and friendly. We can’t wait for our next visit!

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №44

Highly creative and enjoyable.

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №45

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №46

Best sushi in Philly.

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №47

Judging by social media presence previous reviews and the talent at this establishment my hopes were high. This is one of the few places that exceeded them. Truly pleased with every aspect and plan on visiting again very soon! Wait the 45 minutes for a table it's more than worth it.

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №48

Very tasty and good take on different dishes, I suggest to try their Guac starter and sushi rolls.

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №49

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №50

Cute little place for Sushi

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №51

amazing place

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №52

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №53

Authentic food, not a huge selection so 4 stars. Atmosphere is next level

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №54

The Izakaya chirashi box offers the freshest fish I've ever tasted in a long time. The aka Taka melts in your mouth and is simply amazing. Their wagyu is so tender and flavorful. The tuna guacamole is a must-try, with its perfect blend of flavors. 😋
I'm usually not into desserts, but their matcha tiramisu is absolutely yummy!

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №55

Very cool neighborhood spot that feels like you’ve stepped into another world with its intense darkness. The izakaya has some really fun dishes that are well executed and I love the NA cocktail menu. Very friendly and helpful hostess squeezed me in at the bar on a busy weekend evening. Much appreciated. Can’t wait to come back and try the omakase!

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №56

Impeccable service, hands-down the best omakase in philly.

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №57

Wonderful sushi spot with fresh fish a fun bar and great employees that are knowledgeable and nice. If you are in Philly and want sushi I think this is the place to go. The eggplant is like candy and the tuna guac is amazing.

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №58

Overall great

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №59

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №60

Great di dining experience. From non disclosed location to local ambiance. From local Japanese to experimental fusion. Great food.

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №61

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №62

It's great to hear that you had such an amazing sushi experience! Finding hidden gems like this can be a bit tricky, especially when the exterior doesn't clearly indicate that it's a restaurant. However, it sounds like the quality of the sushi made up for any initial confusion about the location. Do you have a favorite sushi roll or dish from your visit?

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №63

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №64

I heard that this was one of the must visit places in Philly and I wanted to try it out. The wait was 90 minutes for walk-ins on Saturday evening.

I ordered the salmon and spicy tuna rolls, okonomiyaki, pork shoulder, seaweed salad and that filled up the two of us. The presentation of the food and service was great. There is only one bathroom so you need to wait in line to use it.

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №65

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №66

Amazing food. Amazing ambiance. Amazing service. Amazing drinks! The only downside is it’s tough to get into but that’s expected with how good it is. For a group of 4, we got to the restaurant 15 min before opening on a Saturday and there was already a long line. We were one of the last parties to be seated. We loved every dish we got and hope to come back again soon!

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №67

Great food option, most of yhecdishes were amazingly tasty

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №68

I mostly go here for their bao buns, which are fantastic. I've also tried their noodles, lamb, and sushi. The sushi could use more variety instead of having avocado in almost everything. As for the lamb, it was way too greasy, mostly consisting of the fatty part of the cut, and the texture was mushy. It might be perfect if I were really drunk and had the munchies, but overall it lacked flavor. I shouldn't need to be drunk to enjoy food.

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №69

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №70

Worth the wait! The food is simply wonderful. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful. We loved every minute there!

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №71

Best sushi I’ve had in a long time. The place was a little hard to find as a first timer - from the outside it looks like someone’s home and not a restaurant, as there’s no clear indication outside besides their lantern, but it’s definitely a hidden gem. Service and food was amazing. The sushi came out almost instantly! Portions may be considered small but worth it considering the price and quality. Regret not eating more while I was here. It’s very lively and somewhat crowded if you’re going with a party > 2, but still cozy vibes. Definitely a must go when you’re in the area!

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №72

Favorite sushi place in the city

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №73

Cute little store. Sat at the bar with bf and ordered a variety of items. The seaweed was good, miso soup was packed with ingredients, tofu was comforting, and chicken was savory. But the best items are definitely the fish. The Hamachi was so delicious and velvety, with flavor. The chirashi was to die for. It's pretty pricey for the size but absolutely so worth it!!! Every single piece of fish was so juicy, tender, and such amazing quality. Definitely one of my top of my list for sushi in philly.

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №74

I came here with my girlfriend on a friday night and was able to get two seats at the bar upon walking in. All the food was delicious. The fish was high quality. Service was also very good with no long waits. Im excited to go back and try more.

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №75

Best sushi in Phila..great bartenders

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №76

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №77

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №78

Best sushi spot in Philly.

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №79

Pretty good experience! There was a little bit of a mix up with what we ordered but they instantly took care of it and got us the rest of our food. Some of the food was hit or miss. The broll, Bloc party, Hijiki, and e I shumai was great but I didn't really like the chashu because it was a bit gummy and the wings were not my favorite. But other than that, it was all great. I will definitely come back soon to try more things :)

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №80

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №81

I got a chair at the bar on a Friday night, crazy packed food was tasty but not amazing, a local bartender suggested visiting the place, but honestly I would have preferred a omakase place up the street.

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №82

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №83

Best of the best!

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №84

Called to ask if we needed reservations and the lady literally hung up the phone because she tells me I am supposed to know 🤷🏿‍♂️

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №85

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №86

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №87

Highest quality sushi in Philadelphia with plenty of other Japanese dishes that are universally outstanding.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №88

Staff are very knowledgeable about food allergies.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №89

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №90

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №91

The food here is absolutely incredible. Just next level sushi that makes you not want to eat sushi from anywhere else. That RICE is just perfect. Also if you're lucky enough to snag a spot at the Omakase then you're in for a REAL treat. :)

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №92

Izakaya is wonderful, everything is delicious and the fish quality is stellar

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №93

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №94

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №95

Royal Izakaya is in a class of its own. My wife and I have come for dinner a few times, but this past week we did the Omakase for the first time, and it was truly an incredible and unique experience.

Jesse is front and center with just 8 people in this intimate setting, and you can tell he enjoys the interaction with the guests, as well as getting a chance to explain each offering.

Every single bite that we had was a mouth watering experience.

I can’t say enough good things about this place. If you get the chance to go - GO!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №96

I can not begin to explain the excellence of the evening I had here! It's a must!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №97

Incredible food. Great atmosphere, for sure!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №98

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №99

Favorite spot in Philly. Amazing food, service, and atmosphere. I have yet to have a sushi roll better than their guac roll. I love bringing people here - never had someone not enjoy. Couldn’t recommend more!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №100

We arrived around 9:00 and asked for a two top, which they said would be a 90 minute wait. An hour and 15 minutes later we were sat at the bar, which was fine, though a table would have been cooler. The staff were all super nice. The worst part was the food and the lack of food, since many, MANY options were sold out. Not to mention, after ordering and receiving the Tonkatsu Sando - a highly anticipated item - it was quickly whisked away before we even had a chance to taste it. Apparently something was wrong with the dish, and just when we were about to ask for a replacement, we were told that was the last one, and offered a comped chicken skewer instead. All in all, the best thing were the pork gyoza and cucumber sushi rolls, which is pretty disappointing considering the variety of items we tried (chashu bun was too mayo heavy: dripping, wagyu steak was bland/not seared/gristly, chicken skewers were super sweet). We wanted to try - but were unable to due to the restaurant being out - the carrots, the burdock root, the curry dumplings... the Tonkatsu Sando... Drinks were also good, their bartenders did a great job with everything but the Yuzu Spritz which tasted like hubba bubba. Overall the evening was disappointing at best, not worth the long wait, and certainly not worth the imposed lack of menu options. Hopefully Royal Izakaya will get a better idea of how much stock to be prepared with, especially like... carrots? =\

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №101

This review is about the izakaya dining experience, not the fancy omakase course.

When I walked into the restaurant, I was surprised because it didn't look like a typical Japanese restaurant. Instead, it felt more like a cozy Philly pub, but with soy sauce on every table.

They serve authentic Japanese small plates, similar to what I enjoyed back in my hometown in Japan. It's different from the usual Americanized Japanese places in Philly, and I'm happy to find a spot that serves genuine Japanese food.

The service was excellent and quick. The prices were fair, especially considering the nice location.

However, the wait time was quite long (over an hour), which makes me unsure if I'd come here often. It would be great if they had a reservation system. Right now, you just show up, give them your number, and wait for over an hour. When we went on a Saturday at 6:30 pm, they said the wait would be 2.5 hours, but it ended up being only 1.5 hours. They sent a few updates about the wait time, but it was still hard to plan what to do nearby.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №102

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №103

A really special place. Their food is a heightened izakaya theme with sushi. Food is consistent. They import their fish from Japan so the care and quality is impeccable. If you actually enjoy sushi, not American sauce slathered rice rolls, then this is your place. I usually get a variety of food and it's uncommon for me to not enjoy an item. My friend is vegetarian and adores their curry bun and red pepper roll.
Great sake collection and bartenders make great drinks.
I can't comment on the omakase because I have never been successful in acquiring a reservation, but the izakaya is nothing to sleep on.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №104

Have been multiple times and it’s always a 12/10 service, food, atmosphere.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №105

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №106

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №107

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №108

Saw your Bon Appétit YT spot. Man, I want your food. It's definitely a reason to visit Philly.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №109

Yummy fish

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №110

This is the izakaya to check out in Philly. The vibe is relaxed, the food is fresh and reasonably priced, and the staff are friendly. Besides other staples, I had the sourdough okonomiyaki. It isn’t authentic to a region but it maintains the essence, meaning it’s worth it. With drinks, paid a very reasonable $25 pp.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №111

Awesome food and great drinks!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №112

Royal is a staple for me. The omakase with Jesse is a blessing 🤌🤌. Tuna guac my favorite item on the menu, always have to get that.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №113

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №114

The Omakase tasting meal here is the pinnacle of a culinary experience in a comfortable, non-pretentious atmosphere. Sublime flavors with out of this world presentation. Jesse is an incredible chef and host who deserves all of the awards and praise he has received. I wish I could rate this higher than a 5 as it was a top 3 lifetime meal for me. If you are lucky enough to get a seat at the Omakase table, you will not be disappointed. Still thinking about the meal a day later and probably will be weeks from now.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №115

I was brought here as a surprise by my boyfriend for my birthday. Honestly it’s the best time I’ve ever had. The food was absolutely out of this world. 100% would not hesitate to eat here.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №116

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №117

Tremendous local sushi place in Queen Village! Obviously this is an amazing restaurant but just wanted to show you a couple of interesting dishes that maybe aren’t in photos. 1st course, Seaweed Salad, 2nd Wagyu Zabuton Steak, 3rd no idea what it’s called but this is a pumpkin based seasonal ice cream style dessert with little pancake fishes, 4th Baller Single Malt. Enjoy and other suggestions are the Tuna Tekkadon which is just outstanding.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №118

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №119

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №120

Absolutely delicious food. Extremely reasonably priced small plates, perfect for ordering a few items and sharing. One of the best Japanese restaurants in the city.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №121

Best dinner in philly

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №122

Some of the best sushi I've had.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №123

We've been here twice and enjoyed it both times. The food is very special and of exceptional quality. The first time, the Royal Chirashi was out, but the second time we were able to try it. It's a real treat, and the portion is sufficient for two people. The service was excellent, and we felt very comfortable! Great place that combines a creative with a very classic cuisine.
The second time, we were there on a winter cold day and found it quite chilly in the restaurant, with a draft coming from the outer wall. I understand the idea of not being able to make reservations, but in reality, I would find it much more pleasant for planning. Nevertheless, an absolute recommendation!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №124

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №125

The omakase is worth the hype and wait - amazing “best bite” experience. So cool to meet and interact with Jesse Ito!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №126

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №127

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №128

Mic drop. Just mic drop.
The uniqueness of flavors and cuisine makes this place truly special. While I didn’t jump at the chance to eat sushi, it’s clear the quality of their fish is a cut above anything I’ve tried. Even dishes you might assume to be bland like agedashi tofu, was a burst of flavors. Do not miss out on the unique desserts!!!!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №129

One of the best ways to get sushi in town. Very high quality food. Dimly lit bar vibes inside. It’s impossible to get a rezo for the omakase for a reason. The staff is so friendly and the bartenders really know their stuff too.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №130

First of all, it’s 2023, there’s no reason you have to go there show up and wait for one hour for a table. Secondly, the foods are mediocre. The rolls are not too impressive. The cocktails are ok. The service was good, but the space is so tight and the table/seating are not very comfortable… would not recommend.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №131

My wife and I went on a Saturday night for dinner at the Izakaya. We got there early (around 5:20), and I’m glad we did, because there was already an hour wait! But we’ve been itching to try this place for months.

We ended up getting a few drinks up the street and got called back for our table at almost an hour on the dot.

The vibes and ambiance were nice, pretty much exactly what you would expect from a dark, moody izakaya.

The food was awesome. I would say, personally, nothing was truly that new or revelatory for me, but the overall quality of ingredients, preparation, and flavor combinations were perfect across all the plates.

We ordered a mix of small plates; the spinach gomaae was honestly maybe the highlight. The perfectly cooked spinach and black sesame sauce were an unexpectedly delicious combo. We also ordered a special chutoro roll that was so decadent and rich, in the best ways.

I would absolutely go back. Loved it!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №132

The food is incredible. Very good quality fish for sushi, fatty tuna especially. The sourdough okonomiyaki was SO GOOD. But the service was meh. The server couldn’t really answer our questions. And disappeared halfway through the meal despite being a small restaurant. The atmosphere however is an 11000/10. So cozy and nice! Beautiful queen village dinner spot.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №133

Really the best....however very very pricey. Crowded and noisy but good music. Great wait staff. Go early.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №134

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №135

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №136

Incredible Japanese fusion. Food, drinks and service are top notch. We try and go once a month.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №137

An ode to the art of sushi craftsmanship, Royal Sushi never ceases to amaze. This marked my third venture into its elegantly curated atmosphere, and yet again, I was left awestruck by the omakase experience. Chef Jesse Ito's expertise and passion shine through in each meticulously crafted piece of sushi, demonstrating a seamless blend of traditional technique with modern flair. The fish, always of the highest caliber, melts in the mouth, while the rice – seasoned to perfection – complements every bite.

A bottle of sake, an addition I opted for this time, was a revelation in its own right. Each pour was thoughtfully selected to harmonize with the flavors of the dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience and providing a deeper dive into Japanese culinary tradition. The nuanced flavors of the sake, ranging from the fruity to the earthy, unfolded beautifully alongside the sushi, creating a symphony of taste sensations.

Royal Sushi has solidified its position as one of my top culinary destinations in Philly. It's more than just a meal; it's a journey. A journey I urge every sushi aficionado to embark on.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №138

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №139

One of the best sushi restaurants in Philly. The quality of food was out of this world. With low lights and cool music, the ambiance was intimate yet fun. They had an extensive sake/drink list, and lots of food options with everything from sushi, sashimi, gyoza, fried veggies and more. And to top it off, our server Kelly was a gem. She was so knowledgeable on the drinks and food, knowing details on specific drinks like how it was made, location, what it paired with, and gave tastes to try before we settled on it. Officially added to my list of top restaurants in the city to go.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №140

Very yummy, shareable plates.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №141

10 / 10 would do again
FAV. RESTURANT IN PHILLY!

The moment you walk through the doors of Royal Sushi & Izakaya, you're transported to a stylish, yet intimate space where the meticulous fusion of contemporary design and Japanese aesthetics creates an inviting atmosphere. The dimly lit, sleek interiors set the stage for an elegant dining experience, making it a perfect venue for special occasions or a memorable night out.

Service: 4.5/5

The service at Royal Sushi & Izakaya is exemplary. The staff is not only knowledgeable but also passionate about the menu offerings. Their recommendations and explanations of the dishes elevate the dining experience. However, on exceptionally busy nights, you may experience slightly longer wait times, but this can be forgiven given the complexity of the dishes.

The Culinary Experience: 5/5

The heart and soul of Royal Sushi & Izakaya is, of course, the extraordinary cuisine. The menu offers a delightful array of traditional Japanese dishes and innovative creations. The sushi is impeccably fresh, and the expertly crafted rolls are both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. Don't miss the Omakase experience - a culinary journey guided by the chef's creative whims, which unfolds like a beautifully choreographed dance of flavors.

Unique Offerings: 4.5/5

What sets Royal Sushi & Izakaya apart are their daring and original offerings. The creative use of ingredients and the artful presentation of dishes are truly unique. Whether you're indulging in their tantalizing sashimi platters or exploring their signature cocktails, you're in for a treat that delights the senses and challenges your palate.

Price: 4/5

Quality comes at a price, and dining at Royal Sushi & Izakaya is no exception. While the menu leans towards the upscale side, the exceptional culinary experience and the meticulous craftsmanship behind each dish justify the cost. Consider it an investment in your gastronomic education.

Cons: 4/5

One potential drawback is the restaurant's popularity, which can lead to a crowded and noisy dining room during peak hours. For a more intimate experience, consider making a reservation or planning your visit during quieter times.

In conclusion, Royal Sushi & Izakaya on South Street is a Japanese culinary adventure that promises a regal experience for your taste buds. The ambiance, impeccable service, and creative cuisine make it a dining destination unlike any other in Philadelphia. The dedication to preserving the essence of Japanese gastronomy while embracing innovation is a testament to the artistry of the culinary team. While it may not be an everyday dining spot, it's a place to celebrate special moments, savor the extraordinary, and elevate your appreciation of Japanese cuisine. A visit here is a majestic exploration of flavors and textures that you won't soon forget.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №142

Amazing every time! Better than the best sushi we have had in the Ginza in Tokyo!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №143

Couldn’t help but need out with pictures for this meal, it was all incredible, easily a top 3 Japanese restaurant experience to date for myself. Happened and lucked into just walking by without reservations and were lucky enough to grab a table right away - future me would definitely make reservations because it is so worth it.

The tuna guac was truly the best piece of tuna I think I’ve ever had, it was like buttery soft and melt in your mouth. The trumpets had the perfect char to them and were covered in the most unctuous and umami salty, vinegary sauce, I could’ve eaten just reloaded plates of the tuna guac and trumpets on repeat. The eel sashimi and bloc party sushi roll were great and perfectly balanced as well, just happened to follow two of my favorite dishes ever - also don’t sleep on and make sure to get the spicy pickles. The service was prompt, helpful and incredibly quick (much appreciated). She absolutely sold us on the ice cream/dessert of the night and was so glad she did.

Great selection of beers and strong sake list. Would recommend this anyone to visit locally, when visiting, or to make an excuse to build a trip around.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №144

1,000 stars!!! My husband surprised me with an omakase reservation for my birthday last year, and it was a meal unlike anything I have ever experienced. The space is beautiful and every detail of the dining experience feels like magic--from the incredible service of the delightful staff, to having a front row seat to watch chef/owner Jesse Ito craft the most gorgeous, jewel-like fish dishes you'll ever see. I've since been several times, and each experience has been better than the last.

At each omakase seating, you get 17 of the most perfect bites of food (meant to be enjoyed as soon as they are placed in front of you) you'll ever have and it's impossible to pick a favorite. The combination of flavors, freshness of the fish, and beauty of the presentation is beyond, and more than exceeds the rave reviews/press.

If dining in the izakaya, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The chirashi and rolls are excellent, and the tuna guac, hijiki, miso glazed Japanese eggplant (really any of the veggie sides), wings, and chasu buns are essential.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №145

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №146

I went for the omakase and it was such a great experience.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №147

I want to give this more stars. Incredible experience. Outstandingly perfect food and very informative and kind servers. We had the squid, edamame, special tuna roll, ribs, char su bao buns, and gyoza. Each was a hit but our fave was the sushi and bao buns! We ate so fast we couldn’t get pics. Must must go back.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №148

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №149

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №150

We wanted to do the omakase but decided to try the main restaurant first before committing. Some dishes were unique and flavored well. Others were just bland. The sushi rolls had zero uniqueness to them- just basic cuts of fish. The chashu buns were just tragically masked by nothing but globs of mayo. We sat at the bar after waiting 10 minutes at the front door and being ignored. The bartender was fine but didn’t pay us any attention so we had to keep waving him down. The atmosphere was VERY aggressive- like a dark and loud dive bar. The space is built to that effect. Everyone around us was yelling into each others’ faces. We could barely hear each other and we were shoulder to shoulder. Ultimately, it didn’t live up to the hype and we won’t come back.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №151

This place was phenomenal. There was nothing we didn't like and the service was amazing. I will absolutely be going back!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №152

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №153

EVERYTHING was delicious!! Our server was also extremely kind and attentive.

The flavors in the sushi rolls we had were so fresh, and the textures they incorporated in were excellent!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №154

We were really looking forward to the dinner here given the high reviews on Google but we found the Izakaya food rather mediocre.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №155

Great selection of sharable dishes, and the desert was amazing. Everything came out quickly.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №156

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №157

Food was super super good. It is quite pricey but the fish is really delicious, and all the vegetarian dishes were amazing too (the soft tofu in fashion broth!!!!!!!!!). Would definitely go back. Our table was a bit tiny for four people but other than that it was awesome.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №158

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №159

Food was amazing!! 10/10

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №160

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №161

Royal is in the top 5 winner’s circle of restaurants where I’ve eaten. Every meal here has been a treat. The quality of the fish and other raw seafood is second to none. The service is impeccable and the timing of food to table is expeditious and expertly staggered. Do not dare sleep on the desert menu, they are astonishingly delicious.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №162

I was reminded of what made Royal Izakaya so royal and now I will never forget! ❤️

Chef Jesse Ito makes some of the best damn sushi and comparable bites in the region and there's no comparison. 🔥

Great cocktails, service, and vibes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №163

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №164

Amazing amazing food, drinks, and service. A great place for a date night or a group setting. I recommend getting a bunch of things to share. The spicy crunchy tuna roll was divine. Will be back soon!!!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №165

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №166

too dark that you can't seem to read or look at the food table felt a little sticky seemed clean tho but overall not bad

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №167

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №168

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №169

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №170

Food quality was good and the atmosphere was amazing. You won't be able to find this place unless you know look for it. Inside is totally different from outside. It was pricy, but totally worth to try.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №171

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №172

First time at this place that we wanted to try. The walk-in experience was straightforward with notification via text (there are some neighborhood bars within walking distance). We were told an hour wait but actually only ended up being 30 minute wait. The waitstaff was on point -- knew the menu and allergens well; food came out quickly. I'd say that the izakaya was the highlight, with many offerings (cucumber, eggplant, tuna guac, hot dog, and bao being some of the great highlights). Some notables however: sushi was just okay -- rice was mushy and underseasoned; also, wagyu roll was way too salty (a number of dishes including the eggplant were oversalted). I would return for a meal here - but would only stick to izakaya menu and not sushi.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №173

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №174

Absolutely fabulous, one of the best meals I've had in Philadelphia. The decor is beautiful with historic elements but not stuffy at all. They had dragon ball z projected on one of the walls which was so fun and charming. The service was perfect, the chirashi bowl was so flavorful and delicious, the calamari special was cooked perfectly, not too chewy like mosy calamari I get, and the black sesame pannacotta dessert was delightful. The cocktails were inventive and lovely. I really can't say enough how much I loved his place.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №175

I think it is the same as other Japanese restaurants, there is no special craftsmanship.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №176

The first time I came to this restaurant, i cried eating the food. Food is my love language, but.. WOW. I Requested to meet the chef and i got the sous chef, Adriel. 😭 humble and didn’t know the gift he gave! I came a second time with a friend who’s lived in Japan for 10 yrs and it brought him so much nostalgia. Thank you to Erin, our waiter as well. This is food with love, care, attention, and passion. We will be back from Md soon again.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №177

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №178

I have been wanting to go here and this place really did not disappoint!! You cant make a reservation for a table unfortunately but we didnt mind waiting. It was about 30 minutes for 8pm on a saturday. The food was delicious I absolutely cannot wait to come back again. Highly recommend

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №179

I wish I could have taken photos here, but the lighting is a bit dim. Other than that, the experience at Royal Izakaya is out of this world. I went on date night with my fiancé and I'd come back again tomorrow.

The service was incredible, with wait staff checking in on us without feeling overbearing. The food is delicious and the cocktails are great too. The restaurant excels at quality hospitality.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №180

I’ve been a few times and I’ll continue to go back! Seaweed salad is excellent. All the sushi hits and the lamb ribs were an awesome addition last time I went.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №181

Love this restaurant, amazing ambiance, nice semi dim lit, anime playing in the background, and absolutely delicious food! I highly recommend you try the aka taka tuna roll! Try a whole bunch of things and get some sushi and dip them in the sauces and juices, it was amazing!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №182

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №183

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №184

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №185

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №186

Everything was delicious! Unique offerings with Asian flavors. The Sukui tofu was a refreshing share to our meal.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №187

Hands down best Japanese food in the area.

A must not miss!!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №188

I want to preface this review with the fact that I am not a food critic, but I love good food! The ambiance and service were great, but the food was pretty "mid" for the prices. We got uni ikura don, hijiki, nasu dengaku, chashu bun, and the yellowfin roll. All the ingredients were high quality, but there were things that just ruined the experience for us.

The uni ikura don was more roe than uni. Because of this, the dish had an extremely overwhelming salty flavor. The uni itself was very delightful but only had a couple of pieces placed on a quarter to a half-inch thick layer of roe. The balance in the dish was very much lacking. Also, it would have been nice to have an egg yolk for the leftover roe and rice.

The hijiki was great! There are no remarks there other than it's great to see other applications of seaweed I have never tried before.

The nasu dengaku was a miss for me. It almost had me, but the balance of flavors was lacking as well. In addition to this, the eggplant itself was very oily when we got it. Just biting into one serving caused a good amount of oil to run down onto my plate with no effort. The sweet and savory miso glaze was oh so delicious but way too rich for the amount that was served with the eggplant. Instead of a marriage of flavor, I was hit with just the miso. Though, if done right, the dish would have been phenomenal.

Before I get into my thoughts on the chashu bun, I want to say that it was so well executed. The bun was soft and not too thick. The chashu meat itself was cooked to perfection. I would eat it again! However, the chashu could have had more of the flavor that it's known for. Other than that, almost a homerun.

The yellowfin roll was... well, a yellowfin roll. Nothing significant but tasted good!

These items plus a drink racked up to around $110 (w/o tip). I wanted to love it, but there were things that just made me feel that it was not worth the amount I spent. Feel free to try the other dishes as you may have different experiences than what I shared. 😅

Note: Area is usually jam-packed with cars. Prepare for a walk once you find parking 😱

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №189

The unsuspecting entrance is the best cover for this great restaurant. No reservations accepted but, stop by and drop your name on the wait list. If you are lucky enough to get a bar spot, grab a drink while you wait. We waited over an hour for a two top. However, it was definitely worth the wait. The food was fabulous! We started our food journey with a miso soup that didn’t disappoint. The recommendation to have the trumpet mushrooms from waitress was brilliant! We also enjoyed the wagyu roll which melts in your mouth. The cocktails were just the right addition to compliment the food. To wrap up the meal the homemade vanilla ice cream sundae was the perfect way to end the experience.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №190

The best food I've ever had in Philadelphia! The tasting at the bar in back was a great experience.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №191

Little Japan in Philly! Great taste and atmosphere

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №192

This review is specifically for the sushi chef. I had the regular Chirashi last night and it was amazing. Every fish was so fresh and it felt like eating through bliss. The presentation was absolutely stunning and even the rice was to die for. Thank you for such an amazing experience!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №193

Omakase experience - amazing. One of the best I’ve had in a long time. You can only get Omakase as a regular or if a regular cancels. We were lucky our friends are regulars and offered us their spot. We’ve also been non-Omakase and it’s definitely worth the visit (the chirashi platter will be a repeat for me soon and large enough to share). I can’t wait to go back!

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №194

Long anticipated as I live in Central PA. Food was outstanding, sushi at Royal was outshined by the apps and entrees. I imagine the omakase is where it's at for sushi enthusiasts.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №195

Not bad. Assuming the notoriety of this place is based on the omakase and not the general menu. Nothing different than most sushi spots.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №196

It's a small space with a bar. We were told it would take 1.5 hrs for a table. 1st come 1st serve basis. No reservations. Food and drinks were good. Thank goodness we got space at the bar, so we didn't have to wait for a table. I think it's a good place for the neighborhood. Don't know if we will go back since parking was tough to find. The restaurant is pretty small, so there is a long wait.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №197

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №198

Hidden gem. Everything we ate was delicious, really cool atmosphere, highly recommend.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №199

Totally great Sushi.!.

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Experience №200

Visited 2 years ago

Sushi Details
  • 15 sushi photos
  • 200 sushi reviews
  • 4.7 Sushi Rating
  • Reservations: +1 267-909-9002
  • Menu Website: http://royalizakaya.com/
  • Sushi Address: 780 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, United States
  • Sushi Map: 39.9381073, -75.14656219999999
Specialties
  • Japanese restaurant
  • Restaurant
  • Sushi restaurant
Sushi Hours
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 5–10 PM
  • Wednesday: 5–10 PM
  • Thursday: 5–10 PM
  • Friday: 5–11 PM
  • Saturday: 5–11 PM
Service options
  • Delivery: Available
  • Takeaway: Available
  • Dine-in: Available
Highlights
  • Fast service: Available
  • Great tea selection: Available
Popular for
  • Dinner: Available
  • Solo dining: Available
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park: Available
Offerings
  • Alcohol: Available
  • Beer: Available
  • Cocktails: Available
  • Happy-hour drinks: Available
  • Healthy options: Available
  • Late-night food: Available
  • Small plates: Available
  • Spirits: Available
  • Vegan options: Available
  • Vegetarian options: Available
  • Wine: Available
Dining options
  • Dinner: Available
  • Dessert: Available
  • Seating: Available
Amenities
  • Toilets: Available
Atmosphere
  • Casual: Available
  • Cosy: Available
  • Romantic: Available
  • Trendy: Available
Crowd
  • Tourists: Available
Planning
  • Dinner reservations recommended: Available
  • Accepts reservations: Available
  • Usually a wait: Available
Payments
  • Credit cards: Available
  • Debit cards: Available
  • NFC mobile payments: Available
  • Credit cards: Available
Parking
  • Free of charge street parking: Available
  • Paid street parking: Available
  • Parking: Available