Philadelphia · Izakaya · casual
Dancerobot
Japanese retro diner / izakayaKatsu curryJapanese comfort foodLate nightBrunchRittenhouse Square
Dancerobot is the sophomore act of James Beard Award-nominated chef Jesse Ito (Royal Sushi & Izakaya), translating the warmth of Japanese retro dining — katsu curry, hamburger steak, yaki onigiri, pizza toast — into an accessible Rittenhouse Square setting since September 2025.
- Price
- ¥¥
- Area
- Rittenhouse Square
- Since
- 2025
- Chef
- Jesse Ito
Plate № 55
About
Opened September 30, 2025, Dancerobot channels the comfort-food canon of mid-century Japanese dining through the lens of James Beard-nominated chef Jesse Ito. Where Royal Sushi is reverent and precise, Dancerobot is joyful and accessible: katsu curry, hamburger steak with demi-glace, yaki onigiri, Japanese pizza toast, and a Sunday brunch that Philadelphia Magazine called the makings of a 'retro Japanese diner.' Co-owned with Justin Bacharach, the Sansom Street spot was booked a month in advance upon opening. Late-night service on Fridays and Saturdays caters to an after-midnight crowd rarely served in the city's Japanese dining scene.
Neighborhood & visiting
Dancerobot sits in Rittenhouse Square, one of Philadelphia's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. The house does not publish an online booking link; call ahead to secure a seat, especially on weekends. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional izakaya restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- James Beard-nominated chef Jesse Ito brings his Japanese heritage to joyful comfort food — a different side of his genius
- Katsu curry, hamburger steak, and yaki onigiri executed with the same care Royal Sushi gives its omakase
- Booked a month out upon opening — Philadelphia's most anticipated Japanese restaurant opening of 2025
- Late-night service until 2 AM on weekends — rare for Japanese dining in Philadelphia
Opened September 30, 2025. Co-owned by Jesse Ito and Justin Bacharach.
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Frequently asked
About Dancerobot
- Is Dancerobot an authentic japanese retro diner / izakaya restaurant in Philadelphia?
- Yes — Dancerobot is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese retro diner / izakaya in Philadelphia: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
- Where is Dancerobot located?
- Dancerobot is located at 1710 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19103, Philadelphia, USA in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Dancerobot?
- Dancerobot does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular izakaya restaurants in Philadelphia we recommend calling ahead.
- What is the price range at Dancerobot?
- Dancerobot sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for japanese retro diner / izakaya of this format in Philadelphia.
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