Nakama Japanese Steakhouse

Nakama was a great experience, especially for our 1st wedding anniversary. The chef was amazing and fun to watch, the food was excellent and extremely well priced and the drinks were out of this world. We have been to several sushi restaurants in the Pittsburgh area and Nakama is definately the best!! I would highly recommend Nakama to anyone looking to celebrate any occasion. We are repeat customers, of couse!

Pros: Price, value, service and the Sushi! YUM!!!

Cons: Parking and lighting...it was just a little too dim in certain areas

Posted 09/18/06

I LOVE Nakama! I have been there many times and can't get enough. I was just there this week and had anoter tremendous dining experience. The food, the staff, and the atmosphere are superb. the fillet is the best that I have had anywhere and the lobster tail is incredible. Also you can't go wrong with the sesame chicken. The shrimp sauce is wonderful on the fried rice. If you are looking for the perfect place for a business dinner, date, or just to hang out with friends then Nakama is definitely the place to do all of this. They also have some great speciality drinks. Each chef that works there is just incredible. Their skills add to the entire dining experience. The price for the total dining experience is a great deal.

Pros: Atmosphere, Value, Quality

Posted 09/18/06

I am a regular at Nakama. I try to make it there once a week or 1 every two weeks. The employees are friendly and the service is great. Nakama has a great happy hour, with great a great atmosphere. If you are in the 20's and 30's singles scene is a great place to frequent. I am a very big sushi eater therefore I am a big critic, and Nakama's quality is always great. I always recommend this restaurant/bar to anyone who visits Pittsburgh, and will continue to as long as Nakama maintains it's high quality status.

Pros: Food quality and atmosphere

Posted 09/18/06

My friends and I love Nakama. The staff is wonderful the chefs are great and the food is amazing. Theres nothing more exciting than watching the highly skilled chef cook your food right in front of you. I can never finish my whole dinner because you get soo much good food. I recommend Nakama to everyone I know and even people I don't know. The VIP program is amazing, they reward all of their customers just for enjoying theirselves. They send you coupons and they always send out a monthly newsletter. They have a wonderful selection of food from chicken to filet migeon to lobster tail. Those are just some of my favorites. If you have never been to Nakama take a trip down to South Side 17th & Carson and enjoy a remarkable dining experience. This is a great place for just a nice and quite date to a large group of people. I hope you enjoy Nakama as much as I do!!

Pros: For the people who do not know how to park in the city~ they offer valet!!

Cons: I would have to say parking for people who don't know how to park in the city. But for me its fine.

Posted 09/18/06

I have been going to Nakama since it opened a few years ago and it is definitely my favorite Japanese and Sushi restaurant. We have spent birthdays, other special occasions and just nights out there. Even my 5 year old nephew loves it. The one thing I love about Nakama (other than the food) is the early bird specials. It really helps out so that I can go there more often. Also having Valet parking is great because the South Side parking situation is not great especially on weekends. ENJOY!!!

Pros: early bird specials, all of the food

Cons: parking (but they have valet)

Posted 09/18/06

Nakama has a great atmosphere and fabulous food. The upscale bar offers a great spot for happy hour drinks, while the restaurant offers the traditional steak house experience. Either way Nakama is a place worth checking out!

Posted 09/18/06

Every time I've visited, we have had a fabulous meal, excellent and entertaining service, as well as a wide menu selection to satisfy all! The atmosphere is fun, energetic and happening. Additionally, the email newsletters and updates that offer specials, newsy material, birthday dinners, etc. make this restaurant really stand out. I would recommend dining at Nakama to anyone!

Posted 09/18/06

I have been to Nakama twice both times were for a birthday celebration. I loved it the food is great the people were very friendly. My children loved it my husband said it was one of his best birthdays.

Posted 09/18/06

Nakama Japanses Steakhouse is one of the hottest places on Pittsburgh's Southside. Come early or make reservations for this very entertaining meal. Service is fantastic even when the place is crowded - and it does get crowded on weekends, which only positively adds to the atmosphere. Menu offers a wide selection of entrees, sushi, and appetizers that represent the best in Pittsburgh. Keep an eye out for promotions and give-aways as they are plenty offered year round and are gladly accepted (it is also a good idea to join their members club as it is another great way to get free meals). The decor and atmosphere of Nakama is outstanding and the chef's are all top notch. My family has been dining at Nakama since it's inception a few years back and have always had a fantastic time and never a single problem (the servers will even go out of their way for those with food allergies to make sur ethat everything is prepared correctly). The staff is extremely curteous and the owners truly care about their patrons - we have received multiple letters and gifts from the owners directly as members of their rewards program. Last but not least, if you are looking to find out where many Pittsburgh Steelers like to dine, make your way to Nakama. If you are looking for a fast inexpensive meal, I would stay away, but if you are interested in great food with lots of flare, then Nakama is the spot for you. Dinner plus entertainment - Nakam makes for a very fun eventful evening (or lunch!)

Pros: Decor, service, bar

Cons: Very busy on nights and weekends, but isn't that a good sign?

Posted 09/18/06

We recently were in a party of 35 that ate at Nakamas in there enclosed party room of the restaurant. The food was wonderful and the service was very efficient. I will definately be making plans to get more groups to go there for dinner and a night out!

Posted 09/18/06

Nakama is a wonderful Japanese restaurant with the best sushi i have ever had! the workers are very friendly and the atmosphere is very classy and wonderful. Nakama is alot of my friends and I favorite restaurant in Pittsburgh and we come here often.

Pros: Service, Taste

Cons: Reservations are hard to come by on Saturday Nights

Posted 09/18/06

They have the best spider rolls there. Excellent service. I usually get takeout during my lunch hour and they are very quick and always very nice. Its the best sushi in town.

Posted 09/18/06

I LOVE Nakama's atmosphere, friendly service, excellent ginger salad and sesame chicken, not to mention the chef's putting on an entertaining performance/presentation!!

I would recomment this restaurant to anyone!

Posted 09/18/06

I have been to Nakama twice....once for dinner and once for lunch. Both were excellent. I actually recommend lunch because it is less crowded and only a little less food for a lot less money. However, I would not hesitate to go at any time. I have been to several hibachi restaurants and this is the best by far.

Posted 09/18/06

This Japanese steakhouse is great. The food is excellent. The service is quick, and the chef are talented. I will continue to recommend this restaurant to friends.

Posted 09/18/06

I go to Nakama with my girlfriends atleast once a month. We always have the best time. The food is unbelievabley good....I have NEVER had a bad meal and the service staff and chefs are always knowlegable and entertaining. I would absolutly recommend this restaurant.

Pros: Best sushi and hibachi in the burgh!!!

Cons: are you kidding me...NONE

Posted 09/18/06

I recently went for my freinds birthday. the food was excellent....great portions. the service and atmospere was great. im am eager to return in the near future to try the sushi bar this time

Pros: location

Cons: crowded

Posted 09/18/06

we go to your restaurant a few times a month. although all of your food is exceptional, we especially enjoy your sushi bar. The sushi is always fresh and the chefs are very friendly. The atmosphere is always good, with plenty of people to talk with and just hang out.

Pros: atmosphere and sushi

Cons: crowded on weekends. no sushi bar seating

Posted 09/18/06

I recently took my family in from out of town to Nakama - i was there recently for some cocktails and people there were raving about the atmosphere and the quality of the food. We were seated together for a hibachi-sytle meal, and enjoyed the table commentary by the chef that prepared our meals. Everyone got something a little different, and we enjoyed sharing our different dishes with each other. Everything I tried (even some of the sushi which I'm normally not a fan of} was very tasty and flavorful. We completely enjoyed our dining experience and look forward to our next trip down to the Southside to go to Nakama again soon

Posted 09/18/06

This past august, I went to Nakama for my anniversary dinner with my boyfriend. The food was amazing and the chefs were outstanding. I would recommend Nakama to anyone of my friends and family. It was also a great way to meet new people. The people that were seated next to me were just enjoyable. The evening was a wonderful success. Thank you for the evening! Cristen Gides, Pittsburgh Pa

Pros: Parking, food, atmoshphere

Cons: -

Posted 09/18/06

Nakama is the greatest place ever! There food is the bestest. If you love seafood then this is the place to go. Everything is wonderful from the soup to the bean sprouts! If you have never been there go, and if you have been there go again!

Posted 09/18/06

This is the go to stop for my group of friends for anyone's birthday!! Festive mood fills the place. Trendy but not over the top. And who wouldn't want sake bombs on their birthday???

Posted 09/18/06

I recently ate at Nakama, and the service was outstanding. The sushi was to die for and I will definately be returning soon!

Pros: Ambience and Food

Posted 09/18/06

I got the email too about getting a $10 certificate, but I decided to be honest instead. The last time I was there was in December for my friend's birthday. She had a reservation, and it was an hour and a half after her reservation that we were even seated. It was extremely crowded in the little waiting area, very uncomfortable, and the wait staff was extremely rude to us. I was late to a Christmas party because the whole ordeal took almost three hours. If we didn't have a reservation, I could completely understand that, but an hour and a half WITH a reservation is quite ridiculous. Like I said, the wait staff didn't help our moods, either. I'm sure they were stressed, but they still need to act professional. The food is great, but I've had no desire to go there since.

Pros: delicious food

Cons: long waits, rude wait staff

Posted 09/18/06

A great place for dinner or even just to have drinks at the bar. Always a fun crowd. Dinner at Nakama is truly a great dining experience!

Posted 09/18/06

Great atmosphere with promt and friendly service. Certainly one of a kind. My personal favorite place to dine in Pittsburgh.

Pros: Food, Group Dining

Cons: Parking

Posted 09/18/06

I have used Nakama for several small corporate dinners and have had great success with their service. The service is attentive and the menu options suit everyone. Will continue to use them for business as well as pleasure.

Posted 09/18/06

One has to wait hours to get in but its worth it as the food is great, esp. the sushi. We drove 7 hours from Louisville, KY to get there at 9"30 pm on a Friday night and had to wait over an hour to get in, but it was delightful. We were enroute to Baltimore, MD. On our return two weeks later, we drove an extra 100 miles to return to Pittsburgh for a late lunch at Nakama's and were delighted with the sushi and Japanese items, and at 2:30 PM it was not as crowded. We will likely take the PA Turnpike for future trip to the East Coast in order to stop by for lunch or dinner there. The young people who work there are friendly and helpful and made this 72 year old guy and his younger bride feel welcome. Our trip was in June 2006 and we look forward to another pleasant dinning experience. Keep up the good work, Nakama.

Pros: Good Service and friendly people once you get in to be waited on.

Cons: A long wait, and rather noisy music and trouble finding parking.

Posted 09/18/06

My friends and I try to get to Nakama's at least once a month. We have found that the atmosphere allows us to have so much fun. We can laugh and talk loud and be entertained by the chefs. Not to mention that the food is great. The portion sizes are huge which means you have plenty left over for lunch the next day. My favorite is Bob's Triple Combination. And if you join the mailing list (or club) you can get savings through your email. I particularly like the location of this Nakama (for those of you visiting) b/c it is in the heart of the Southside. You are walking distance from more than a few bars, clubs, theaters, etc. And a short drive from the new movie theater and shopping district. Nakama's is definitely a must-try!! On the weekends be sure to have reservations for faster seating. It gets crowded b/c its definitely a night spot.

Pros: ambience, location, music

Cons: Parking but they offer valet

Posted 09/18/06

Ever since Nakama opened in the South Side, I have always had a wonderful meal, great service, and an enjoyable experience! The owners are innovative and bring a little fun back to the Pittsburgh dining experience. It is because of them and their friendly staff that I keep returning to this true "gem" in the South Side. Even if it is for just a late night snack of sushi, I am delighted to find fresh, quality ingredients that are always tasty. And the servers are extremely attentive to meet all of my needs while I am dining. Although the bar can get crowded on weekend evenings, it is entertaining to watch the variety of people mingle and the wait for dinner (which most times is short) is absolutely worth it. I can only wish that smoking will be banned from public restaurants and bars in the city of Pittsburgh...because that would be the only way to make my dining experience at Nakama more enjoyable!
Overall, I find Nakama to be a great place to take family and friends for an enjoyable night out in Pittsburgh!

Pros: Wonderful bartenders, clean restrooms, Valet parking

Cons: Smoky bar, Occasional wait even with reservations (but be patient!)

Posted 09/18/06

I have been to Nakama several times and have always had a wonderful experience. The wait staff is pleasant and attentive, the chefs are amazing, and the food is always great! The sushi is some of the freshest I've ever had. The atmosphere is very vibrant and there always seems to be a crowd at the bar and for dinner. Nakama is a must for anyone who likes sushi or habachi dining!

Pros: Great food, attentive staff

Cons: sometimes the bar crowd gets a little loud for the diners

Posted 09/18/06

I have never had a problem at Nakama, the people there are very nice, the music is great and the atmosphere is fantasic. The food and the tricks that are done are great! I wouldn't change a thing about Nakama. All of their coupons and specials are very true. As long as Nakama stays in Pittsburgh, I will continue to serve them!

Pros: Parking, food, atmosphere

Posted 09/18/06

This is one of the best japanese hibachi and sushi restaurants ANYWHERE. The restaurant is so comfortable, and the services has always been good for me, (of course you can only judge on how crowded or non that it is. I recommended this place to all of my friends and they have nothing but the nicest things to say as well. I hope everyone gets a chance to try it atleast once.

Posted 09/18/06

Nakama is all around a wonderful experience, not only does it have some of the best food in all of the city of Pittsburgh, it has some of the best atmosphere and entertainment around. The sushi bar is incredible! There is something for everyone, whether its going out to get a drink with the girls, sushi on a date or Habachi with the family, Nakama is absolutely wonderful.

Pros: quality of food, different than other restaurants

Cons: expensive for younger adults

Posted 09/18/06

My husband & I recently had dinner and had the lobster tails and kobee(sp?) beef. The meal and entertainment was excellent. We shared a table with 6 strangers, and yet, the chef still tried to encompass us all in the entertainment of the food preparation. We so enjoyed ourselves!! Next time, though, I'll take along people we know.

Pros: parking and service

Posted 09/18/06

Some of the best sushi you'll find in the city and the dinners are always great. Thursday nights at Nakama is beat by very few others in the city.

Pros: Sushi

Cons: not many

Posted 09/18/06

I can't even count anymore how many times I have been to Nakama! The food is amazing, always fresh, and keeps you coming back for more! The caterpillar roll is s must-have! It's not your traditional Japanese restaurant environment, but that's what makes it so great!

Posted 09/18/06

I give Nakama a 10 out of 10! This was a great experience for my entire family. Great food and lots of it! Nakama gives more than any other Japenese restaurant we have been to.

Posted 09/18/06

I love eating here! My roommates and I come here for birthday dinners and for the lunch specials. The food is great and the chefs are so fun to watch! Great for dates or girls night out.

Posted 09/18/06

I have been to Nakama on several occasions. Once with my children. I have never had a bad experience. In fact, my children loved it so much that if they had their way we would eat there everyday! The staff is very friendly & the cooks are wonderful. It was a wonderful experience. If you are in the SouthSide area, you should stop by and give Nakama a try. It is an experience like no other!!!!!!

Pros: food

Cons: if you are a shy person, try going with a group of friends.

Posted 09/18/06

This may be the hottest spot in the city and with good reason. This restaurant has it all. Whether you like sushi or the Japanese steakhouse fare you will be more than satisfied with the quality of the production on your plate and palate. The attention to detail that goes into everything they make whether it be food or drink cannot be understated. It is a great place to take a date or a group of friends. In addition, this is THE PLACE TO BE SEEN in the city right now which makes for a fun night of people watching. When you finally leave your senses, desire to have fun and appetite will all be satiated.

Pros: Service, Service, Service

Cons: Parking (But what doesn't have poor parking on the Southside.)

Posted 09/18/06

My son goes to school in Pittsburgh, and when I visit we almost always go to Nakamas for the sushi. The service has always been good, and sometimes even entertaining. We are VIP members. I read the negative review, and must say I agree that the coupons should be good for the sushi bar as well. My coupon experience was that when I asked our waiter to honor it at the sushi bar, he asked management, and then gave us a full $20 credit on our bill. That would be my only suggestion to management - to make those coupons good for both sides of the restaurant. Other than that, it still continues to be my favorite place for sushi in Pittsburgh. The staff is great and the sushi wonderful. That's why it's always crowded!

Pros: good food, service and just a fun place

Cons: the coupon limitations

Posted 09/18/06

Nakama is a great place for some after work, evening, or weekend gathering with friends. The sushi is delicious, the atmopshere and decor of the place is very metropolitan, and the overall enviornment is perfect for young and old alike.
Highly recommend this carson st. hot spot!

Posted 09/18/06

Nakama is a great place to have an amazing time with friends. The service is always great, the drinks awesome, and the food amazing.

No matter how many times I return I am always impressed by Nakamas.

Pros: Amazing sushi

Cons: A little loud, but that's alright.

Posted 09/18/06

When you go to Nakama, you go for the experience - it's like none other in the city. I love the atmosphere, and the staff is very attentive. Overall, it's always a fun night out with friends when we dine there. And, to top it off, I never even like Japanese food until I tried it there!

Pros: atmosphere

Posted 09/18/06

I've been to Nakama's dozens of times - sometimes with my boyfriend, sometimes friends, sometimes family - and every time I try something new (and I have yet to be disappointed). Whenever I make a reservation, we are seated a few minutes after arriving. The ambiance is unlike any other. I've worked in the restaurant industry for five years and I've seen both good and bad waitstaff -- and Nakama's has a wonderful waitstaff. The food has always exceeded my expectations. They have an excellent selection of wines & cocktails. But the chef makes the experience!

Pros: Sushi, Ambiance, Amazing Entrees

Cons: some chefs aren't quite as spectacular as others

Posted 09/18/06

I have been to Nakama many times, with family, co-workers and friends. Every time I go there the service and food has been excellant!!! Stephanie the bartender takes very good care of all the customers in the bar area. I have also sat in the dining rooom and never have had a bad meal, server, or chef. It is a delicious dining experience. My boys 16 & 21 insist I bring them home take-out when I go with friends for a nice lunch. My favorite is the filet and shrimp- it just melts in your mouth. Whether you have you dinner cooked in front of you on the hibachi or in the kitchen, it is wonderful. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a different type of dining experience. Yum! Yum! Yum!

Posted 09/18/06

This restaurant is downright amazing. From the decor and ambience on through to its sushi and hibachi-style dinners, Nakama epitomizes the perfect dining experience. In addition, they send out informative monthly newsletters, hold contests, and generally treat their patrons better than any local restaurant. Go to Nakama and you'll see what I mean!

Pros: Ambience, sushi

Cons: None!

Posted 09/18/06

Nakama is one of the best Japanese restaurants I have ever been to! I went with my boyfriend my brother and my Mom and we all loved it. My brother especially loves the ahi tuna so me and my boyfriend tried it and its delicious. We will definately be coming back for more!

Pros: food, service, unique experience

Cons: there were definately no cons.

Posted 09/18/06

Just love this place. We choose it for all special events. One of our favorite places for sushi. We go at least once a month.

Pros: Food

Cons: None

Posted 09/18/06