Nakama Japanese Steakhouse

I have been to Nakama on three occasions, and each time I had a very pleasant experience and excellant food ! We are planning a night out with friends and will probably be going back to Nakama !

Posted 09/18/06

All I need to say is...Hanalei Rolls -- You HAVE to try them!. :) If you're looking for an exciting bar atmosphere, EXCELLENT sushi bar (and the hibachi is pretty damn good, too), friendly bartenders, TVs showing various sporting events and great "mood music," look no further... Nakama is the place! :)

Pros: Valet Parking, Delicious Food, Great Music

Posted 09/18/06

great sushi, always a fun atmosphere. definitely go during happy hour - great deals, always lots of people, good drink selection.

Posted 09/18/06

My boyfriend was in town and he is a huge seafood/sushi fan. I've heard about this resturant from some friends who raved about their grill tables and suggested it to me. Unfortunately, I called too close the to time we wanted reservations (they wouldn't be able to get us a grill side table until 10), but luckily we were still able to get a bar side table. Even though they were very busy, the waiter was extremely friendly, and even took the time to explain some of the different choices. Our dinner was amazing! We ordered a sushi platter and Red Tobiko (which I highly recommend). My boyfriend already said that the next time we are in town, he definitely wants to go back, and if it is up to his standards, then I know it is good.
I have no complaints about this resturant, everything was excellent; just if you plan on going, make sure you make reservations ahead of time--it's not a secret that this is the best japanese resturant in town!

Pros: Service, Selection, Great Food

Posted 09/18/06

Nakama is by far my most favorite place to go to eat.
I've had sushi at other restaraunts such as Sushi Two, Yokoso, and Fish Market and they do not compare to Nakama. I met a guy at Nakama once who said that he travels all over the world, including Japan and he stated that Nakama has better sushi than anywhere!!!
The bartenders are very friendly too.
The VIP program that Nakama offers is very beneficial. I've already received a $10, free appetizer, $25 & $50 gift certificates. I cannot wait to get my $100 gift certificate.
LOVE THIS PLACE!
I eat there at least once or twice a week.
My only complaint is that they need to expand the restaurant....... we need more NAKAMA!

Pros: food, atmosphere, crowd

Cons: Parking, square footage, too crowded

Posted 09/18/06

Before I moved to Pittsburgh, a friend took me to Nakama. While there, I signed up for their VIP club or whatever they call it. After spending considerable amounts of money there in the sushi bar, they sent me a $20 gift certificate for my birthday. When I tried to use the gift certificate in the sushi bar, the waitress would not honor it. She told me that it was only good for "dinner," and "dinner" was only served in the "dining room." I was shocked. When I eat sushi in a "sushi room" after 6 pm and pay way too much for it, I call it dinner. The waitress, seeing how angry I was, gave me $10 of the $20. When I complained to the manager, she agreed that it was not "dinner" and refused to honor the other $10. She told me that they have a lot of customers and they don't complain. I took this to mean that, as they have so many people coming through the door, my concerns did not matter. I have not gone back to Nakama. (Tonight I plan on spending at least $150 at Chaya on Murray Ave.) Since then, my friend got two cases of fd. p'ing. after eating sushi at Nakama, and everyone I've talked to agrees that the food quality has really slipped. The management (who are not Japanese, no one who works there is Japanese unless they hide them all in the kitchen) seems more concerned with attracting people who don't know their Japanese food and think that valet parking and a bathroom attendent give them some degree of social status. Keep paying for those over-priced rail drinks, people, because I predict word will get out. All in all, I've gotten better sushi and better service at a self-described sushi restaurant in Iowa.

Posted 08/26/06

Nakama is for the 21-41 crowd looking to "mingle" and to see and be seen. If it is an appetite that you are looking to satisfy, then Nakama has a pretty extensive menu. Whether it be sushi or the habachi grill there is something for everyone--and if you pay attention, you can find some good deals i.e. Bobs special for $19 on Tuesdays (I think that's the right night). For me, I get sick everytime I eat the grill items--so I stick to sushi. My husband on-the-other-hand, never has a 'problem' and always enjoys his meal. We love their tuna appetizer and for the two of us it's a fun dinner experience. We have gone with parties of 4, 6 and 8 and it is too hard to carry a conversation with so many people due to all of the noise of the surrounding tables and the sizzle, flame and clang of your own. Depending on the chef, the preparation of your meal can be really entertaining or a tad disappointing if they just stare at the grill the whole time. If you do go--sign up for the frequent diner card, they actually do some really good promos and the points keep building. We've gotten some great freebies. Key point: if you have a sensitive stomach, use caution--either way, you might want to hang out for about 1/2 an hour to make sure everything 'agrees' with you.

Pros: Good sushi

Cons: Very noisy

Posted 08/14/06

Nakama Japanese Steakhouse did not honor our reservation in a timely fashion on June 10, 2006. We had to wait 35 minutes past our arrival at 7 pm. Even with that delay, we had to continially request to be seated. The food was slightly above average. Our waiter and chef were helpful to special diet needs (low sodium). The management and hosts were unhelpful and surly. While waiting to be seated we had to beg for someone to take a drink order. Needless to say, we won't be dining there again!

Pros: Tasty, above average food; chef was a good entertainer.

Cons: Ambiance, way too dark & noisy, smoky

Posted 06/12/06

I have travelled all over Asia and I love Asian cuisine. Nakama is more of a fusion of Japanese food with a little bit of American touch. The food is wonderful, the hibachi sometimes is great other times is above average... Some chefs are great, some are so/so.

The price you pay is a bit high for the quality of food you get. Again its great but if you are used to eating good Japanese food (LA, NYC, Chicago, etc...) then this will seem average to you. Consider Sushi Tomo on McKnight for great Japanese food and great prices.

Posted 03/11/06

Nakama is a great addition to the South Side. With the bar in the front and Hibachi tables in the back, it provides a complete dining experience. As soon as you walk in you are greeted by a fantastic island bar that is chalk full of beautiful people. The chef for our table was less than exciting, but I believe he was in training. Also, the place is a bit loud to have conversation with anyone beyond the people sitting directly next to you. However, the food was delicious and everyone had a great time. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for an exciting dining experience.

Pros: Food, Beautiful People, Restaurant layout

Cons: Loud, Hit or miss on Chefs

Posted 01/27/06

After spending $130.00 for two people, I left Nakama wondering what all the fuss was about. As I was rudely informed by the Maitre D', Nakama is the "hottest place in the South Side". I guess this will always cause me a bit of confusion. Do yourself a favor, if you're looking for great sushi, there's a restaurant also on Carson St that will deliver in their promise of great food and great atmosphere.

Cons: parking, too loud, disappointing

Posted 09/13/05

I have never had a bad experience. We use nakama for all of our family and friend get togethers! Not only is the food great but the service is always prompt and friendly. I highly recommend Nakama to anyone interested in a great meal and a great time!

Posted 06/20/05

I have eaten at Japanese steakhouses all over. Nakama was one of the best meals. The sushi was fresh and perfect. The chef was entertaining, friendly and professional. He cooked a perfect medium rare steak for one of our party as well as my scallops and shrimp being "just done". I was only disappointed with the fact that we had to wait for the table to fill before we proceeded. Parking was hard to find. Dinner for three was pretty pricey. This is a special occasion treat.

Pros: fun chef, great food, good waiter

Cons: crowded area, too smoky, expensive

Posted 06/13/05

My husband and I chose Nakama from the internet! We drove from Ellwood City to go there & it was well worth the drive! The Cook was exciting and funny to watch and the waiter made us all feel welcome even those of us who had to save a few weeks to afford the night out! Drink prices were normal for the City and They got us in quite fast!

After going to their competion and getting snubbed and waiting 1 1/2 hours to be seated this was a godsend! Thanks Nakama for making my anniversary even more special!

I will bring my kids the next time!

Pros: valet parking, Entertaining Cooks, good food

Cons: Drink prices, Food Prices, Location

Posted 06/12/05

Fabulous place and atmosphere, other Japanese steakhouses in the area pale in comparison!!

Posted 06/10/05

I have always had great service and fun. I eat and drink mostly in the bar but also have had diiner parties in the back. I love the Nakama card.... it offers get benefits for return customers. Newsletters are great also. Plus it's one of the few restaurants that actually give you a free dinner for your birthday.

Pros: Good Food, Good Parking, Great Prices

Cons: Smoking in bar

Posted 06/10/05

Food lacks authenticity. For example, take the spicy tuna roll: the tuna tastes bland and mushy (as if it had been frozen and thawed), the tuna is not rubbed with chili powder, and a sauce of about the same taste and appearance as THOUSAND ISLAND DRESSING(!) is squirted all over the cut pieces of the roll. In fact, this thousand island dressing sauce is used to compensate for the blandness of many this restaurant's items. So I suggest trying someplace authentic. Furthermore, this place is dark and loud -- a Japanese restaurant that is DARK AND LOUD??? Thanks for reading.
-Tomo

Posted 06/08/05

The waitstaff is very kind and attentive, the food is incredible, the performance on the grill is spectacular, it has a very cool and beautiful ambiance and is a GREAT place to take a date or take that special someone on an anniversary. Perfect!

Posted 05/26/05

For the cost of the meal we expected a much better show. Our table cook was grungy looking and rather lifeless so that it put an overall damper
on the meal. The sushi was lower quality compared to that of other Japanese restaurants in town like Kiku or Sushi House. The Kobe steak chunks were tasty though and the filet and strip steaks our party ordered were well received.

Posted 09/17/04

The sushi served a Nakama is hands down the BEST in town. The fish is always fresh, portions generous and the service is the greatest. I won't go anywhere else in Pittsburgh for sushi.

Pros: portions, service, sushi, food quality,

Cons: , none

Posted 06/01/04

Nakama Japanese Steakhouse has the best sushi in Pittsburgh!!! It is a great place to go with a couple friends for some amazing food and drinks in a great setting.

Pros: sushi, drinks, bar

Cons: , ticket time on food

Posted 05/27/04

What a great meal, and a great show! The sushi is excellent, and artfully served. The glowing ice cubes in the drinks are a blast, and provide additional fun to the entire experience. The chefs are creative, and provide fun to both families and "hot dates" out for a meal. Get ready to catch some flying shrimp, and watch the onion volcano go up in flames! Go to Nakama, and have a great meal, and a great time!

Pros: Atmosphere/fun!!, sushi, food quality

Posted 02/19/04

one of the best meals i have ever had! atmosphere is fantastic, the service is great, and everyone was extremely nice and made me feel so welcome! definitely my favorite restaurant and i can't wait to go back! best sushi by far and the cooks are amazing!

Pros: good location, spaced out seating, food worth the price

Posted 01/30/04