Philly Explore｜Supposedly the Best Japanese Spot in Town 🍣

Restaurant: Royal Izakaya – Known for ages, originally wanted their omakase (said to be Philly's best), but couldn’t book it for 3–4 years… literally 😅. Later found out you need an existing customer to refer you to get in. Thanks for that 🫠. So I walked in for à la carte instead! The menu has this fun Ultraman vs. monster theme (literally drawn on it 🦸‍♂️👾). Lots of small plates to choose from. 🍚 Uni Ikura Don – Had my eye on this bowl! Did NOT disappoint. At first I thought: so much rice, how will I finish it? But the ikura-to-rice ratio was perfect, and the uni was sweet! Rice temp and texture were just right — a dish that’ll make any uni lover smile 😊. 🍣 Rolls – Also delicious. 🍆 Grilled Eggplant – Interesting flavor — crispy, soft, salty, sweet all in one. Pretty unique. 🥩 Wagyu – Not mind-blowing but tasty. 🌟 Main takeaway: That rice bowl is the star! They also have a premium sashimi bowl (less uni) — probably great too depending on preference. The place is small, walk-in only. Not too crowded on weekday afternoons. Definitely worth trying! 💰 ~$80–120 per person. If any regulars have omakase spots and feel like inviting a fellow foodie… just saying, I’m down 🥢✨. #PhillyEats #RoyalIzakaya #JapaneseFood #UniLover #WalkInOnly #FoodieAdventure 🍱🇯🇵💫