Royal Sushi & Izakaya — Restaurant in Philadelphia

I think Royal Izakaya is a great place to go for drinks and apps if you have no concept of what izakaya food is supposed to be like, or have never had any authentic Japanese food before, but have equally uninformed friends to impress and have a couple hundred buckaroos to spend.

Authenticity means nothing with no point of reference so it's not surprising to hear people guffawing excitedly at dropping a couple hundos on an omakase menu. I went in with moderate expectations considering the pricing of the menu items. Ordering the chirashi, sadly, turned out to be the equivalent of ordering a surf and turf at an Olive Garden. Haphazardly sprinkling some caviar with random bits of raw fish does not constitute a chirashi platter that costs over a hundred. I know Philly's not really world-renowned for sushi, but having brown liquidy goopy metallic bits of uni that barely have the characteristic fragrant sweet-briny flavor that distinguishes good from back of the shelf stuff was a bit much. Not everyone can travel to Japan or Korea to try raw fish but everyone owes it to themselves to find something that is decently fresh and decently priced, which shouldn't be this hard.

The atmosphere is intolerable with loud yuppies cackling and bragging about their third quarter profits and complaining about their underpaid dogsitters who are just indentured servants/homeless people that squat in their empty million dollar apartments over Thanksgiving (way to go!). I love witnessing the decline of our ultra capitalist society while I sip on lukewarm biru.

I came here for some beer and fries a few years back and don't remember the fries being so salty the corners of my mouth burned. The lukewarm kirin ichiban really hit the spot and helped combat the salt mine building up in my mouth.

The hijiki salad wasn't bad.

The panna cotta's texture was a bit off, and the touille garnished on top must have had a bit too much baking power/baking soda that gave the dessert a soapy aftertaste. Baking powder/soda can speed up caramelization but when overused will raise the PH of the food to an unbearable level. I would have settled for some fruit or dango and a tea.

The servers were fantastic, polite, and informative except for the guy that brought the sashimi before the rest of the appetizers came out, who asked, "well do you want this after your fries come out?" Yes, please let the sashimi sit in a corner while I twiddle my thumbs. It was still kind of mystifying to see a piping hot platter of fries served to the table while I was in the middle of eating the chirashi platter. Who doesn't like a little appetizer to spice things up in the middle of your main course?

I did enjoy the ebi furai but the dab of kewpie mayo (WOWIE ZOWIE, BINGING WITH BABISH TALKED ABOUT KEWPIEE) was frustratingly small. Like, less than a tablespoon. The dish only comes with four shrimp but the sauce to shrimp ratio was appalling at best and performance art at worst.

I think the nail in the coffin was the dummy thicc burly bartender who had his rump 2.5 inches from my girlfriend's skull every time he came over to speak with the people in the table about 2 feet away from us. I get you want to talk to your buddies but we don't need to be able to smell your aftershave and not-so-scent-free deodorant. I was able to overhear and learn about the difference between soju and sho-chu which was both informative and invigorating, but that didn't take much sleuthing since I was about 24 inches away from the table next to me.

I had fun. What more...

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...

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...