Nakama Japanese Steakhouse
In a space big enough to hold an audience of 200, dinner isn't just a meal, it's a performance.
Categories:
Insiders:
You must be logged in to access this page
Message from Nakama Japanese Steakhouse
In 2003, Nakama Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar made its appearance in Pittsburgh's trendy South Side. Savor the incredible creations with limitless options provided by our sushi chef, which are almost too beautiful to eat. Almost. Nakama is a hip, trendy scene where patrons can enjoy the knife-wielding skill and showmanship of our specially trained chefs, our unique appetizers and the best sushi in Pittsburgh. Our guests will be rewarded with frequent dining points upon joining our free VIP program. The private party room is available for private functions and large group dining.
Editorial by Citysearch
The SceneAppropriately, "nakama" means "friend" in Japanese. And whether you're sipping cocktails at the sleek, wrap-around bar, sampling raw fish at the sushi station, or dining at one of the large hibachi tables, good times and good people abound. Sitting in a dimly lit room with total strangers may sound awkward, but nothing brings folks together like the collective misuse of chopsticks. By the end of the meal, you'll be clinking Buddha mugs and ordering another round of sake.
The Food
A specially trained chef prepares food before your eyes. He slices, dices, and juliennes with lightning speed. All entrees--from sesame chicken to hibachi scallops--are served with a flambe, soup, and assorted sides. Starving? Spring for the Buddha Feast which gets you all of the above plus lobster tail for two, dessert and green tea. Nakama will even throw in a photograph and a traditional Japanese gong toast. Now that's what friends are for.
Key Points
- Voted Best Sushi in Pittsburgh
- Private party room
- Free VIP program
The Inside Scoop
- What to Drink - Try one of the specialty rum concoctions in a complimentary Buddha mug. It'll bring you luck.
- Parking - Limited parking on the South Side is the only drawback to dining at Nakama. But it's worth a bus trip for food this good.
- The Extras - Sign up for Nakama's VIP program and start earning points for free food and drinks.
Latest reviews from Citysearch.
Took friend here for birthday. We had great service and wonderful food. Very friendly and very reasonable prices.
Posted 09/17/06
Prices are VERY reasonable for the quality of the sushi you recieve. I definitely would suggest sampling the Nakama Roll along side one of the signature martini's from the martini menu (also one of the best I have seen in Pitt - very creative). Highly reccomended to anyone from families to dates!
Pros: Great Food, no wait/reservation for just sushi
Cons: absolutely nothing
Posted 09/17/06
My husband and I love Nakama - it's not the "tacky" atmosphere my mind conjures up when I think of a Japanese Steakhouse. I love coming here with friends - it's a great place to cut loose and have a fun time - not stuffy.
This weekend my husband and I came alone for the first time and sat at the sushi bar. It was warm and intimate. We had a fabulous time - feels like a New York scene - not the typical Pittsburgh.
Love IT - thanks Nakama
P.S. - Try thier new wine Menage Red! It was awesome!
Pros: Sit at the Sushi Bar!
Cons: I just don't like bathroom attendants - oh, well - thiers is at least VERY nice.
Posted 09/17/06
My wife and I have lived all across the country and love to dine out. When we moved back to Pittsburgh, one of the things we were most excited about was that we would be close to Nakama. This is always the first choice of our kids when we ask them were they want to go. The service is awesome, the food spectacular and the chef's performances are second to none! We'll be back this week for our wedding anniversary and can't wait for the best dining experience in the Burgh!
Posted 09/17/06
I have been going to Nakama since it has opened and it is by far the best sushi/japanese restaraunt in Pittsburgh. The atmosphere there makes for the ultimate dining experience with some of the best chefs in Pittsburgh and such a great location in the heart of South Side. And their sushi is extremely fresh and some of the best around!!
Pros: The Ambience
Posted 09/17/06
My boyfriend and I have been to Nakama several times and every time we have had a great experience. We try to go in big groups but it is a great experience either way, by ourselves or with a bunch of friends. The food is excellent and you will never leave hungry!
Posted 09/17/06
Bob's triple Combo is worth a visit to the South Side. It is reasonably price tfor the quality/quantity of food that you get. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. Very good food with a professional type ambiance. I will definitely be a loyal customer for years to come.
Posted 09/17/06
A must if you live or are just visiting the Pittsburgh area. The hibachi is to die for an the sushi is just as good! Service is excellent and there is usually valet service out in front. The bartenders are experienced and create tasty martinis, like the "T-D tini". I definitely recommend the hibachi dinner. Plenty of choices to choose from. I prefer the Land & Sea which is a combination of scallops and NY sirloin. So GOOD!!! I'm always impressed everytime I visit Nakama. I even plan on taking my mother there for her birthday.
Pros: Best hibachi in Pittsburgh, great service, and terrific sushi
Cons: Packed on weekends
Posted 09/17/06
Nakama is one of the best Japanese restaurants I have ever been to! They also have some of the best sushi. I would highly recommend Nakama to anyone who is a lover of great food!
Posted 09/17/06
We have been to Nakama three times now and love it. The tuna and scallops are the best I've ever had. It can be VERY busy on the weekends after about 7:00 so we go early. We also try to get Mike as he is very entertaining.
Pros: fresh food cooked well
Cons: can be busy and noisy
Posted 09/17/06
Nakama on the South Side of Pittsburgh is the best sushi place. Their unique and tasty appetizer salad is to die for. I can't wait to go back to Nakama and devour their Hawaiian rolls again. They are amazing!
Pros: Ambience
Posted 09/17/06
My family recently went to Nakama and the experience was wonderful, the service, the food and the atmosphere was fabulous. My daughter wants to go weekly now. I recommend everyone going here. You get allot of food for your money and that is hard to find these days
Pros: Service, food atmosphere
Posted 09/17/06
One of my favorite places to go in Pittsburgh for happy hour. I love the variety of appetizers and they are 1/2 off. Can't beat it. I would recommend the beef tips and lettuce wraps. So great! And one of my favorite drinks, Plumy Yummy!
Pros: Happy Hour
Cons: Parking, but you know that's south side!
Posted 09/17/06
I love this place! Never a complaint when I go. Try the Sushi boat, it is to die for. The hibatchi is also great, but you need a take home box.
Posted 09/17/06
Nakama is the best Japanese steakhouse I have ever been to. Their service is above and beyond and the food is mouthwatering. You will never leave Nakama hungry -- excellent!!
Posted 09/17/06
My boyfriend and I went to Nakama with another couple of friends of ours. We made reservation and although we did have to wait a few minutes for our table, there was a magician there to entertain us and we just loved him! I had sushi for the first time and I loved it! But we also had a dinner prepared by the chef right in front of us and it was delicious! I can't wait to go back again.
Posted 09/17/06
Nakama is by far my very favorite restaurant. The atmosphere is inviting, trendy in the bar area, and a little more subdued in the hibachi dining section of the restaurant. The chefs are both skilled and entertaining. It is truly a unique experience every time I go to the restaurant as I have always been treated to a savory meal and a creative show with food and fire on the side. The bartenders always create a delicious accompaniment to the food. I highly recommend the citrus martini with a touch of heavenly sugar on the rim of the glass. So grab a special friend and head for the South Side. Nakama is the place to be.
Pros: Too many to list.
Cons: Sometimes tough to get in on a Saturday without a reservation.
Posted 09/17/06
My co-workers and I visit Nakama at least once a month for their outstanding lunch menu. What a great value... you can get a whole meal (ex: soup, side & entree w. rice) for practically nothing. And it's all served up right in front of you on the hibachi grill. I've never had a bad meal yet. Looking forward to checking it out for dinner soon.
Pros: Food, Ambience, Service
Cons: None!
Posted 09/17/06
Nakama was one of my first sushi experiences and it really turned me into a sushi lover. I have yet to try their hibachi, but the sushi is delicious. On my first visit to the sushi bar, I didn't know much about sushi and wasn't sure how and what to order. The sushi chef was very helpful and actually enjoyed explaining everything to be. It was very educational and tasty!
Posted 09/17/06
I have been a regular at Nakama since it opened and i love the place!! I go once a week and the food and the atmosphere is wonderful. When i take my son with me, the staff does everything to entertain him and they are so great to him. Heidi has gone out of her way time and time again to put a smile on his face. We go there for every special occasion and always have a great time. The food is outstanding!!! Keep up the good work!
Posted 09/17/06
We love Nakama, and believe that their sushi is the best in Pittsburgh. Even better, we enjoy sitting at the bar for Happy Hour - the staff is friendly, they have a great drink menu - and you can't pass up the Happy Hour specials. The seared ahi tuna is phenomenal ... and half price during Happy Hour! You can also enjoy a great view of the happenin' Carlton scene.
Posted 09/17/06
I've eaten at Nakama numerous times and just love the sushi. My boyfriend is a huge fan of the hibachi. Overall, Nakama is a great dining experience and I recommend it to anyone looking for great sushi! The ginger dressing is great too!
Posted 09/17/06
Nakama is amazing. Best sushi/restaurant in Pittsburgh. You can't beat Bob's Triple Combo and the Hanelei Roll, but everything I have ever tried as been delicious. Great to get a group together and go, or just have a nice night out for 2.
Pros: An amazing amount of food, never leave hungry
Cons: A little pricey, but worth it
Posted 09/17/06
What a great night spot for some fantastic japanese food! entertaining enough for family and classy enough for dates!
Pros: valet parking, entertaining, timely seating
Cons: none
Posted 09/17/06
i shared a hibachi table with 5 of my friends last friday...some of us had experienced them before, while for others this had been their first time...we all had an excellent dinner and enjoyable "show"...by far the BEST filet mignon i have EVER had!...thank you and keep up your superior service!!!
Pros: serivce, food, ambience
Posted 09/17/06
I was so excited to go to Nakama for the first time and my expectations were definitly met! My chef was so friendly and entertaining and the food was amazing! Make sure you try the shrimp sauce!!!!!
Posted 09/17/06
My family and I dined at Nakama a few months ago for a birthday dinner. The sushi and food were excellent, especially the scallops, we were seated right at our reservation time, and had a wonderful dining experience. The food is much better than other area Japanese restaurants. We can not wait to return again.
Posted 09/17/06
Nakama is the best sushi restaurnant that I have been to since I moved here to Pittsburgh. Being a VIP member, they send me coupons and promotional offers to dine in the restaurant. Recently I brought a friend of mine from California, and we had a pleasant dinner at the sushi bar and the service was excellent!
Posted 09/17/06
I dined at Nakama with my finacee about a month ago. I had been to a few other hibachi style restaurants, but I was really impressed with Nakama! We started with the lettuce wraps, they were delicious! We both had a chicken and shrimp entree and it was just fantastic! The smokeless grill was really impressive too (didn't come home smelling like smoke!) We also thought the atmosphere was very romantic and cozy. The service was also fantastic, and we can't wait to go back again!!! Yes, parking can be a pain on the South Side, but if you are willing to walk a bit, park a street or two away and just walk over.
Posted 09/17/06
Been there three times for dinner and sushi. I have eaten in 5 or 6 of Pittsbutghs Sushi resteraunts and Nakama is the best hands down. The soft shell crabs rolls are to die for. The service is excellant, the cooks are friendly and entertaining. Each time we were there we were witha group and none of us had any complaints about anything. I will be back again and again! I an't wait for our next trip. Don't wait, try them today.
Pros: Super service, outstanding food
Cons: slightly expensive but worth it.
Posted 09/17/06
Nakama is a great place for happy hour any day of the week. The atmosphere, food and service all make for a great evening on the southside.
Pros: Valet Parking, large Bar area, upbeat atmosphere
Posted 09/17/06
I'm a hero! Every client I've taken to Nakama invariably calls me to find out the next time we'll go there. The food is outstanding, the service superb and the prices, (especially during "Happy Hour") are affordable. I highly recommend Nakama to sushi afficionados as well as "first-timers". Even if sushi isn't your cup of tea, take in a show tableside. All of my clients were impressed with the performance done by expert chefs.
Pros: Great atmosphere, above-average cuisine, friendly staff
Posted 09/17/06
Nakama is really violating the spirit of this website! Look at all the good reviews posted today. Nakama sent out an email stating they'll give gift certificates for positive reviews! I've eaten twice at Nakama and been underwhelmed both times. The service was lousy and the restrooms were in desperate need of a cleaning. Shame on Naklama for being so sneaky!
Cons: Service, cleanliness, NOISY
Posted 09/17/06
I've dined at Nakama several times and had great experiences there EVERY TIME!!! The chefs are very personable and professional and the entire wait staff is very attentive to your needs. I recently went there for my 21st birthday in August and chose the surf and turf...AMAZING as always and they made it a very memorable birthday dinner!!!!
Pros: valet parking, romantic setting, hands on
Posted 09/17/06
Nakama was such a wonderful experience, I had been a bit reserved about going, because I didn't like Japanese food, but a trip to Nakama is now my absolute favorite meal! I've gotten the Kobe beef every time, and have never been disappointed. The staff is both professional and entertaining, and the restaurant is beautiful and welcoming, a great place for an exciting sit down meal, or just for drinks at the bar. I have no complaints and can't wait to go back again!
Posted 09/17/06
I really do not even know where to begin - I guess in the order that it always happens. The hostess is always very nice, even though you might have to wait for your table sometimes (the time they tell you always is more then the time we actually wait which is always good), it is WELL worth it. The atmosphere is trendy and Nakama is THE place to be on the South Side. I don't know of another place in the 'Burgh that is like this. The servers are always very knowledgeable and helpful. Now on to the best part the GREAT FOOD. I will list my favorite things- for appetizer go with the Spicy Tuna or Chicken Egg Rolls(these are not at all tasteless and nasty like the neighborhood takeout)- For Sushi I would always go with the Spicy Tuna Roll or Shrimp Tempura Roll, but there are so many. For Dinner I go with either the Kobe Beef Tips or the Bobs Triple Combo(Especially on Tuesdays), but there are so many other things that are amazing. The sides are wonderful; the salad and THE DRESSING is out of this world. The soup is delicious, the mushroom or shrimp appetizer that is included with the meal is great, The vegitables and rice are good as well. I mean everything is top notch and the value for the price you get so MUCH food. The Chef is always very entertaining and a great part of the atmosphere.
Simple said Nakama is an AWESOME EXPERIENCE, you will go home absolutely stuffed and thinking man when am I going to be back.
Oh yeah and always use the valet, it might not be the quickest on the busy nights but its the best thing to do.
Pros: EVERYTHING
Cons: NONE
Posted 09/17/06
I have eaten at Nakama numerous times and it is a great restuarant. Actually, one of the best in Pittsburgh. The Sushi is phenominal and the Hibachi style cooking is fun and taste great. Everyone should try it!!!
Posted 09/17/06
I frequent Nakama's at least once a week. The food is tremendous, excellent customer service, and trendy atmosphere. I LOVE IT!!! I mainly go for the Sushi and I havent had any problems. It melts in my mouth! As a frequent customer, I receive many benefits, coupons and discounts. Its my favorite place in the South Side.
Posted 09/17/06
My husband and I go out to dinner with friends at least two times a month, and we go to Nakama every single time! Not only is the service excellent, and the food great but the atmosphere speaks for itself! I recommend it to anyone and everyone i talk to! Def #1 in PGH!
Posted 09/17/06
Nakama is boasts a fun atmosphere, friendly, talented chefs and to-die-for tuna steak. The restaurant is great for dates or just going out with friends. Also, if you're interested in appetizers try the caterpillar roll- cute and tasty!
Posted 09/17/06
The food and atmosphere are great at Nakama. The staff is very helpful and nice. The sushi is the best in Pittsburgh. I've eaten sushi throughout the US and Nakama is right up at the top of my list. Thanks for a great time and can't wait to go back!
Pros: Great sushi and service
Cons: Can be a little crowded on the weekends
Posted 09/17/06
I can't think of a better happy hour...the people, food and drink all are great. We met more fun and interesting people in one night than we have in months. We will be part of the regular Friday night happy hour crowd.
Posted 09/17/06
My wife and I recently visited Nakama and loved it. I had a great selection of sushi including Avocado noki and tuna rolls which were perfect. We then ate at the Hibachi and had a wonderful time watching them cook our food. Overall it we both had a great time.
Pros: Great Sushi, Great Entrees, Fun
Cons: Soup and salad
Posted 09/17/06
Loved the atmosphere. My husband and I ate there for our 2nd anniversary and we really enjoyed the whole experience. The food was delicious--similar to many other cook-the-food-in-front-of-you Japanese restaurants, but the atmosphere of this restaurant set it apart from the rest.
Posted 09/17/06
I just wanted to say how wonderful your restaurant is. I have only been there once and can not wait to dine there again. I was very impressed with your food. Also the cooks were wonderful and entertaining. Your sauces that you make are absolutley divine.
It has been the first time in a long time that I had a steak and didn't need to use A1 sauce because the flavoring was exquisite.
I can't wait to bring my oldest son in. I think he would be very entertained and would really enjoy himself and the food.
Thank you
Kelly Bartello
Posted 09/17/06
Nakama is great for a night out or a large group going out to dinner. Reservations are taken for large groups. The sushi is fantastic, tha Hanlei roll is our favorite! The service is always great, everyone is friendly. Lunch service is quick and the food is just as good as it is for dinner. The hibatchi dinners are kid friendly and great place to celebrate birthday's!
Posted 09/17/06
I love Nakama not only because they serve great food, but also because they entertain me while doing it!! But what I really appreciate is learning about their special events and feeling like "one of the guys" when I receive their newsletter. I am a definite fan!
Pros: valet parking
Cons: the wait sometimes
Posted 09/17/06
Good grub, spacious restaurant, great selection, and entertaining atmosphere. Not to mention the best happy hour around. This is truly the Burgh hot spot for hanging out, but the secret is definitely out. Nakama is no longer the secret on the South Side!
Posted 09/17/06
The food at Nakama is delicious! I enjoy it more than some of the other Japanese Steakhouses around the Pittsburgh area. The atmosphere is fun, the food is great and it's a wonderful place to meet friends and have a great time. I highly recommend Nakama to anyone who enjoys this type of cuisine.
Pros: service, food, atmosphere
Cons: parking, but offering valet is nice
Posted 09/17/06
Just an FYI, Nakama recently sent out an email to its mailing list offering a gift certificate in exchange for writing a good review on this site. Sites like this only work if they contain honest opinions. I think this blatant manipulation of the system is completely unacceptable. Below is the content of the message....
---
If you have a few minutes and would like to get a $10 gift certificate to Nakama then I would like to send one to you! As you may know, onwww.citysearch. com Nakama is listed under japanese restaurants. We usually have terrific reviews but just recently a user wrote an awful review about us---she didn't contact me or anyone at the restaurant. Just wrote it and posted it on citysearch. I tried to respond to her through citysearch but citysearch does not give out the person's email address. So if you've had good experiences at Nakama---please post a review!!!
As a thank you for your time, votes of confidence and continued loyalty I will send you a $10 gift certificate. Simply write a positive review/testimonial onwww.citysearch. com, under Nakama, then email me atinfo@eatatnakama. com with the subject line: "Testimonial". Include your name, mailing address and citysearch id and once verified that it is written and posted, I will mail you a $10 promotional gift certificate.
Posted 09/17/06