Philadelphia · Sushi · a la carte
Royal Sushi & Izakaya
Edomae sushi / izakayaOmakase counterJames Beard nominatedQueen VillageIzakaya bar
Royal Sushi & Izakaya is the Queen Village jewel of chef Jesse Ito, first-generation Japanese-Korean American son of Japanese master chef Masaharu Ito. A James Beard Award finalist in 2024, Jesse runs a bustling izakaya open to walk-ins and an intimate 8-seat omakase counter by reservation.
- Price
- ¥¥¥
- Area
- Queen Village
- Since
- 2017
- Chef
- Jesse Ito
Plate № 26
About
Jesse Ito trained for over a decade under his Japanese-born father Masaharu Ito at the family's Fuji restaurant in New Jersey before opening Royal in 2017. Self-described as a Japanese chef ('My dad is a Japanese chef from Japan. Professionally, I'm a Japanese chef'), Jesse has earned eight James Beard nominations including Best Chef Mid-Atlantic finalist in 2024. Craig LaBan of the Philadelphia Inquirer awarded four bells — the paper's highest honour. The izakaya floor operates walk-in only and lines form before the 5 PM opening; the rear 8-seat omakase counter requires reservations booked weeks in advance. Fish is sourced from Japan and prepared with traditional Edomae techniques: dry-aging, salt-curing, and seasonal variety.
Neighborhood & visiting
Royal Sushi & Izakaya sits in Queen Village, one of Philadelphia's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused sushi counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional sushi restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- Eight James Beard Award nominations and a four-bell Philadelphia Inquirer review — the highest accolades in Philly
- Father-son Japanese sushi training spanning four decades; Masaharu Ito still cooks in the kitchen
- Two experiences in one: accessible izakaya walk-ins and an exclusive 8-seat Edomae omakase counter
- Fish flown in from Japan, prepared with Edomae dry-aging and salt-curing techniques — Tokyo quality in South Philly
Omakase counter by reservation only; izakaya floor is walk-in. Jesse Ito also opened Dancerobot (2025).
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Frequently asked
About Royal Sushi & Izakaya
- Is Royal Sushi & Izakaya an authentic edomae sushi / izakaya restaurant in Philadelphia?
- Yes — Royal Sushi & Izakaya is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for edomae sushi / izakaya in Philadelphia: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused sushi format.
- Where is Royal Sushi & Izakaya located?
- Royal Sushi & Izakaya is located at 780 S 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, Philadelphia, USA in the Queen Village neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Royal Sushi & Izakaya?
- Royal Sushi & Izakaya accepts reservations online. For an authentic sushi experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
- What is the price range at Royal Sushi & Izakaya?
- Royal Sushi & Izakaya sits in the ¥¥¥ price range — typical for edomae sushi / izakaya of this format in Philadelphia.
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