If You Love Sushi and a Little Mystery, You Need to Know About Royal Sushi Izakaya in Philly

If you’re a sushi lover with a taste for the exclusive, there’s a good chance you’ve heard whispers of Royal Sushi Izakaya in Philadelphia. Tucked away without a sign—just a single red lantern and blue door marking its presence—this hidden gem sets the tone for an intimate and elusive dining experience before you even step inside.

Now, if you’re familiar with this place, your mind probably goes straight to Royal Sushi Omakase—the ultra-exclusive chef’s tasting tucked behind the curtain in the back. Yes, there’s a crazy waitlist. Yes, it’s pricey. And YES, if you’re lucky enough to land a reservation, it’s a serious sushi-lover’s dream.

But here’s the exciting part: you don’t need a reservation to eat here! That’s right—there’s a walk-in side of Royal Sushi Izakaya that most people don’t even realize exists. And we’re here to break it down for you.

Let’s Talk Vibes

We counted about 15 tables and a cozy bar area. The atmosphere is moody and intimate, yet casual and welcoming. They open at 5 PM, and we highly recommend arriving right when doors open. We went on a Thursday and got seated right away—but by 5:22, there was already a wait forming.

Behind the curtain? That’s the Omakase zone. Think very limited seating, a prix fixe menu, and the kind of experience people reportedly resell seats for on Reddit (we didn’t say that—you heard it from the streets 👀). We haven’t scored a seat yet… but one day we will. Manifesting that!

In the meantime, we dove into the walk-in menu—and let us tell you, it did not disappoint.

Let’s Eat: What We Ordered

• Ebi Suimai (Steamed Shrimp Dumplings)
  These were light, simple, and delicious. The soy vinegar broth with spicy mustard really elevated the dish—comforting and flavorful.
• Chashu Buns (Braised Pork Belly with Cucumber, Scallion, Kewpie Mayo, and Black Bean BBQ Sauce)
  An absolute must. These fluffy, flavor-packed buns are the perfect way to kick off your meal.
• Tamagobo Roll (Special Yellowtail Roll)
  Fresh, clean, and simple. The kind of roll that lets the fish shine.
• Spicy Crunch Tuna Roll
  We’re still fans of the classics, and this one delivered way beyond your average takeout. Crisp, spicy, and packed with flavor.
• Tekkadon Bowl (Sliced Tuna, Seasoned Rice, Pickled Jalapeño, Tempura Crisps, Scallion, Sesame Seeds)
  This was where we really noticed the quality of the fish. Clean flavors, beautiful textures—so satisfying.

Final Thoughts

While nothing felt over-the-top in terms of presentation or complexity, everything we ate was fresh, thoughtfully prepared, and left us craving more. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to come back—not just for the great date-night vibes, but because you need to eventually experience that legendary Omakase.

So, if you’re in Philly and love sushi, don’t wait for the golden ticket. Head to Royal Sushi Izakaya for the walk-in experience—you’ll get a taste of the magic without the wait or the splurge.