Where to Eat in Japan: Discover Royal Host – Japan’s Premium Family Restaurant Chain

Discover Royal Host, Japan’s premium family restaurant chain. Explore the top 10 must-try dishes loved by locals — from Wagyu hamburg steak to fluffy pancakes.

If you're traveling in Japan and wondering where to eat when you're craving hearty Western-style food with a Japanese touch, Royal Host is a name worth knowing. This beloved restaurant chain combines quality cuisine, warm service, and cozy ambiance — a hidden gem for both locals and international visitors.

 

Whether you’re on a solo trip, traveling with family, or simply exploring Japan’s unique food culture, Royal Host offers a memorable dining experience that blends Japanese hospitality (omotenashi) with comfort food classics.

🇯🇵 What Is Royal Host?

Royal Host is one of Japan’s leading family-style restaurant chains (known locally as “famiresu”), founded in 1971. With over 200 locations across the country — from Tokyo to Okinawa — it's a favorite spot for everything from casual lunches to full-course dinners.

 

But don’t let the “family restaurant” label fool you. Royal Host is known for offering:

  • Chef-prepared meals (not microwaved or mass-produced)
  • Seasonal menus that change throughout the year
  • Elegant interiors with spacious booths and ambient lighting
  • A diverse, bilingual menu that includes everything from pancakes to sirloin steaks

It’s a perfect choice if you're looking for a relaxing place to enjoy Japanese-style Western food without breaking the bank.

🍴 Top 10 Most Popular Dishes at Royal Host (According to Japanese Diners)

To help you make the most of your visit, here’s a list of the top 10 best-selling and most-loved menu items at Royal Host, based on data from Rakuten Point Card users.

1. 🥇 Black x Black Hamburger Steak

Made with a premium blend of Japanese Black Wagyu beef and Kurobuta pork, this juicy patty is served with a rich brown butter sauce and a fried egg. A must-try if you want a gourmet-level hamburger steak.

2. 🥩 Angus Sirloin Steak

Sourced from Certified Angus Beef®, this tender sirloin steak is cooked to perfection and served sizzling on an iron plate. Ideal for steak lovers seeking quality at a reasonable price.

3. 🥗 Chef’s Signature Salad (Kuisinbo Salad)

A vibrant mix of ingredients like avocado, shrimp, crispy chicken, cheese, and bacon. It’s a full meal in salad form — flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying.

4. 🍚 Cosmo Doria

This baked rice dish (doria) features shrimp, chicken, and sweet chestnuts in a creamy white sauce. A cozy, nostalgic comfort food loved by all ages.

5. 🍱 Japanese-Style Hamburger with Grated Daikon

This variation of the hamburger steak includes grated daikon (radish) and a soy-based sauce, bringing a refreshing Japanese flavor to a Western classic.

6. 🍳 Royal Omelette Rice with Hashed Beef Sauce

A fluffy omelette atop butter-flavored rice, covered in a rich demi-glace-style beef sauce. This “omurice” is a staple in Japanese-Western fusion cuisine.

7. 🍗 Grilled Chicken with Butter Soy Sauce

Juicy grilled chicken thigh served with a fragrant butter and soy sauce glaze. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside — this dish is simple but deeply flavorful.

8. 🥪 Clubhouse Sandwich

A generous triple-layered sandwich filled with grilled chicken, ham, lettuce, and tomato. Perfect for brunch or a light lunch with coffee or iced tea.

9. 🦐 Shrimp & Scallop Seafood Doria

Seafood lovers will enjoy this indulgent dish featuring shrimp and scallops baked with creamy Americane and Mornay sauces over rice. Decadent and filling.

10. 🥞 Classic Pancakes

Golden, fluffy pancakes made to order. Surprisingly, these pancakes ranked #1 among both Gen Z and Baby Boomer customers in recent surveys — proof that simple pleasures never go out of style.

🧭 Why You Should Try Royal Host During Your Japan Trip

Here are some reasons Royal Host is worth a stop:

  • ✅ English-friendly menus are available at most locations.
  • ✅ Open early and late — perfect for breakfast or post-sightseeing dinner.
  • ✅ Kid-friendly with children’s meals and high chairs.
  • ✅ Consistent quality across all branches nationwide.
  • ✅ Good for solo diners — counter seating available.

It’s also a great spot if you’re vegetarian or have dietary restrictions — staff are helpful and willing to make small modifications when possible.

💡 Tips for First-Time Visitors

  • No tipping: In Japan, tipping is not required. Prices include all charges.
  • Water is free: You’ll be served cold or warm water as soon as you sit down.
  • Ordering dessert? Try their seasonal parfaits or crème brûlée.
  • Lunchtime (11am–2pm) tends to be busy — go during off-hours for a quieter experience.

🗺 Where Can You Find Royal Host?

You’ll find Royal Host branches in major cities including:

  • Tokyo (Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro)
  • Kyoto
  • Osaka
  • Fukuoka
  • Sapporo

Visit their official website for store locations and current seasonal menus.

 

✨ Final Thoughts: A Taste of Japan’s Everyday Luxury
Royal Host offers more than just a meal — it’s a chance to experience how Japan elevates even casual dining into something thoughtful, refined, and delicious. Whether you’re craving pancakes, steak, or a Japanese-style hamburger, this family restaurant delivers comfort and quality in equal measure.

 

Don't leave Japan without trying at least one dish at Royal Host — your stomach will thank you.

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