Royal Izakaya - A Unique Philadelphia Dining Experience
For anyone looking for a truly special meal in Philadelphia, there is a spot in Queen Village that offers something quite distinct. It is a place where two different dining ideas come together under one roof, providing a memorable experience for those who appreciate Japanese cooking done with great care. This establishment, you know, has a way of making you feel right at home, even if you are just visiting for the first time.
This particular place gives you the chance to enjoy either a very personal sushi experience or a more relaxed, but still excellent, izakaya meal. The sushi side, in a way, feels like going to a private show, with just a few people sharing the moment. The izakaya part, on the other hand, is a bit more open, but it still has that warm feeling that helps people connect with one another very quickly. It is, pretty much, a testament to how good the atmosphere is there.
The food at this location is rooted in a long tradition of Japanese cooking, ensuring every dish has a deep, genuine flavor. Whether you are after a multi-course sushi feast or some small, tasty plates, the quality is very high. It is, as a matter of fact, a spot where the chefs really pay attention to the details, making sure your time there is something you will remember for a while.
Table of Contents
- The Heart of Royal Izakaya - Omakase and More
- What is the Royal Izakaya Omakase Experience Like?
- A Legacy of Flavor - The Ito Family Connection
- How Did Chef Jesse Ito Learn His Craft?
- Beyond the Sushi Bar - The Izakaya Side of Royal Izakaya
- What Can You Find on the Royal Izakaya Menu?
- Getting a Spot - Tips for Enjoying Royal Izakaya
- Is the Royal Izakaya Sushi Omakase Worth It?
The Heart of Royal Izakaya - Omakase and More
At the very core of what makes this place special is the omakase offering. This is a very particular style of dining where you simply trust the chef to prepare a sequence of dishes for you. It happens at a small sushi bar, which is, you know, set up to feel very private and personal. There are only eight seats available for this experience, making it feel very exclusive and quite sought after. It is available from Tuesday through Saturday, with two chances to sit down each evening, one at six in the evening and another a little after eight.
What is the Royal Izakaya Omakase Experience Like?
When you sit down for the omakase at this particular royal izakaya spot, you are in for a rather extensive meal. The menu typically consists of around sixteen different items. These items include what are called otsumami, which are small, flavorful appetizers, then a series of nigirizushi, which are those beautiful pieces of fish on seasoned rice, and finally, some temaki, which are hand rolls. It is, basically, a carefully planned progression of tastes and textures that unfolds right in front of you. The chef, you know, prepares each piece with great care, making the whole thing feel like a performance, a sort of culinary show. You are there with seven other people, and the shared experience often leads to everyone getting to know each other a little bit, which is, honestly, a nice touch.
A Legacy of Flavor - The Ito Family Connection
The delicious food at this royal izakaya is, in large part, thanks to Chef Owner Jesse Ito. His skill and understanding of Japanese cooking come from a long family tradition. Jesse, you see, learned a great deal from his father, Masaharu. Their previous eating place, called Fuji, was where Jesse really got to develop his abilities. Fuji was, in fact, a well-known Japanese establishment in the area for many years, a place people recognized for its quality and authenticity. It was opened by Masaharu back in 1979, and it built up a solid reputation over the decades.
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How Did Chef Jesse Ito Learn His Craft?
Chef Jesse Ito’s path to becoming a master of his trade is, in a way, a story of family teaching. He spent time working under his father, Masaharu, at their earlier restaurant, Fuji. This kind of hands-on training, you know, often passes down skills and knowledge in a very direct and personal way. It means he learned the ways of preparing food, the traditions, and the dedication needed to create truly good Japanese dishes from someone who had already perfected them over many years. So, the flavors you taste at royal izakaya have deep roots in this family's history of cooking.
In 2016, the Ito family decided to make a change. They sold Fuji to start royal izakaya. This new venture was created with the help of bar owners Dave Frank and others, bringing together different kinds of expertise to build something fresh. This move, you know, marked a new chapter for the family’s culinary efforts, allowing them to create a new space that combined their food traditions with a new atmosphere.
Beyond the Sushi Bar - The Izakaya Side of Royal Izakaya
While the sushi omakase gets a lot of attention, royal izakaya is, as a matter of fact, two different concepts operating in the same building. This means that besides the very special sushi bar, there is also an izakaya section. An izakaya is, basically, a Japanese informal drinking place that serves small, shareable plates of food. Both parts of the establishment are known for their truly good Japanese food. The spaces are designed to be comfortable, so comfortable, in fact, that people who do not know each other often become friendly within a short time. It is, you know, a very welcoming atmosphere that encourages conversation and shared enjoyment of the food.
What Can You Find on the Royal Izakaya Menu?
The menu at royal izakaya, especially on the izakaya side, has a good selection of dishes. It is rooted in solid Japanese cooking, offering a variety of tastes and textures. You can find things like spinach gomaae, which is a simple but very flavorful spinach dish, or tsukune, which are delicious Japanese chicken meatballs. There are also more creative items, like something called "bloc party" and classic "dragon rolls." Each item, you know, is put together with a lot of care and precision, making sure it tastes just right. This variety means there is, essentially, something for many different preferences, whether you are looking for traditional tastes or something a bit more playful.
This spot, located in Philadelphia, has a vibe that many describe as modern and stylish, yet still very personal. It is a place that draws people looking for a unique and flavorful meal. The focus on both izakaya dishes and sushi means they cater to a wide range of desires for Japanese food. You can, for instance, order delivery or takeout from their location at 780 South 2nd Street in Philadelphia. This allows you to look at their menu online, place your order, and even follow its progress live, which is, obviously, very convenient.
Getting a Spot - Tips for Enjoying Royal Izakaya
Getting a seat at the sushi omakase part of royal izakaya can be a bit of a challenge, as it is very popular. With only eight seats available, they tend to fill up quickly. Many of these spots are, you know, often taken by people who visit regularly and have monthly bookings. So, if you are hoping to experience the omakase, it requires a little bit of strategy. One tip is to check the Resy booking platform right after midnight, as that is sometimes when new spots become available. Another, less practical but still mentioned, idea is to have a friend who is a regular and might be able to help you get in. This shows, in a way, just how sought after this particular dining experience truly is.
It is worth noting that people who have visited royal izakaya generally have very good things to say about it. It has received many positive comments, with a very high rating on review sites, placing it quite high among restaurants in Philadelphia. This positive feedback, you know, really speaks to the quality of the food and the overall experience that people have there. If you are looking to save a little money and get the best service, the advice is to order directly from them, rather than through third-party services. This is, basically, a straightforward way to make sure you get exactly what you want.
Is the Royal Izakaya Sushi Omakase Worth It?
The sushi omakase at the back of royal izakaya is, in fact, the most expensive version of this kind of meal you will find in Philadelphia, costing around $300. This price point, you know, definitely puts it in the category of a very special occasion meal. However, once you manage to get one of those rare eight seats, you are treated to approximately seventeen courses of what is described as perfect fish. This suggests that for those who appreciate high-quality ingredients and expert preparation, the experience is, pretty much, considered to be well worth the cost. It is, essentially, an investment in a truly memorable culinary event.
Royal Izakaya, with its dual dining concepts, provides a unique and highly regarded Japanese food experience in Philadelphia. From the intimate, multi-course sushi omakase prepared by Chef Jesse Ito, whose skills come from a long family tradition, to the welcoming and diverse izakaya menu, the establishment offers something for various tastes. While the omakase is a sought-after and high-end experience, both sides of Royal Izakaya are known for their quality, friendly atmosphere, and ability to turn strangers into friends. The restaurant has received positive reviews and offers convenient direct ordering options.
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