Royal Sushi Izakaya - Philadelphia

I had an incredible experience overall. The bar has a great vibe, although it can get a bit crowded; that’s to be expected in a small venue like this. We opted for the Omakase at the back table, and it was fantastic. Each piece of sushi was carefully and thoughtfully crafted. It was truly a memorable experience!

This restaurant holds a unique place in Philadelphia. We've enjoyed meals in the front and have had the pleasure of experiencing the omakase twice before, which shapes my perspective. Jesse does an outstanding job of providing guests with authentic fish from Japan, Korea, New Zealand, and more, right here on the East Coast. It's truly incredible to think that I can eat fish that was caught just a day before. While some may not fully grasp the significance of what Jesse is offering to the community, it is truly something special.

Many izakayas often lack the authentic dishes and flavors I love from Japanese cuisine, but this one truly excelled with a modern Western twist. My top four dishes included the chicken karaage, braised short ribs, sweet miso-glazed eggplant, and sesame panna cotta. Each dish was packed with rich flavors and made with evident care; the crispy textures melted in my mouth. I was particularly surprised by the eggplant. Normally, I'm not a fan, but it was roasted to perfection and topped with a lovely umami sweet miso glaze that made it irresistible. It was light enough to enhance the flavors without being overwhelming. The panna cotta was similarly delightful, boasting a wonderful sesame nuttiness on its own, while also pairing beautifully with fresh mango and a drizzle of caramel. I'm looking forward to trying new items on my next visit, including their omakase in the back, which has only eight seats and is usually quite difficult to book (reservations typically open up a month in advance). For more updates, check out their Instagram: @midwestmunching.

The fish quality here was solid. I though it was great concept to have Izakaya, Japanese street-style bar, next to omakase counters. It made me trust all sushi and sashimi quality even before arriving there, and they were indeed all good. At the same time, they incorporated a lot of graphics from street-style Izakaya, which made the place comfortable and reachable. With Chirashi, assorted sashimis over sushi rice, I especially liked Saba, mackerel and tuna. Also, try Tuna Guac from their appetizers. Serving tuna and avocado together may not be that unique, but this dish was completely different from other usual tuna avocado combinations. I must say, this might be the best street-style Izakaya that I tried in the US.

Reservations for the Omakase are ridiculously hard to get but we were blessed with a last minute cancellation. It is very easy to understand why spots are so precious and booked out. The tasting menu deserves more than 5 stars. Every single piece of nigiri was a memorable experience in itself. Chef Ito makes each piece with such expertise and the flavor profiles are amazing. We will definitely be back for a regular dine in experience!