Nakama Japanese Steakhouse
In a space big enough to hold an audience of 200, dinner isn't just a meal, it's a performance.
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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.
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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.
Nakama was a very fun place to eat. This is not the place for a quiet romantic dinner. If you are in the mood for something upbeat then this is your place. The food is very plentiful and good. Some menu items are quite expensive but other are quite affordable when you consider you get two meals out of them. The sushi is pretty good and the bar is reasononable priced. Bar has a good selection. Service is excellent. Parking is hard to find but valet service is only $5. The wait was reasonably short without reservstions but you might want to have them anyway.
Pros: Lots of food
Cons: some prices out of this world
Posted 09/23/06
This restaurant is wonderful!! Both times we've gone I've taken home enough for a VERY filling lunch the next day. It is delicious! We love it.
Pros: Fabulous food
Posted 09/23/06
In my family, someone having a birthday gets to choose any restaurant for dinner. The last two have been Nakama, both chosen by my teenaged sons. Mine's next, and it well could be three in a row! They love the filet mignon, me the tuna. My only objection is the noise level in the restaurant, but the quality (and amount!) of the food allows me to overlook that. I have a Japanese friend who tells me "nakama" means more than just friend, but a group of friends coming together. This restaurant has brought my family together several times and will do so again in the future.
Pros: great for special occasions; prompt seating with a reservation
Cons: parking is always a problem on the South Side but they have valet parking
Posted 09/23/06
I kid you not, Nakama's is the best place to eat in or near Pittsburgh. I have 2 children under 8 years old and they too love Nakama's. I also recently had a business meeting with 5 colleagues here. Several colleagues were from New York City and to say they were impressed with my restaraunt selection is an under-statement! The food is always fantastic. Service is always efficient and friendly, never intrusive. The food is always fresh and in large portions. We always get much more than we pay for. They have something for everyone, even if you don't like seafood or traditional Japanese food. Reservations are recommended for weekend or evening visits but not always needed. This is without a doubt the best Japanese Steakhouse I have ever been too and is my favorite restaraunt- bar none!
Pros: excellent food, entertainment, value
Cons: none!
Posted 09/23/06
Everything is good -- food, drinks, service -- and some things are truly great, such as the appetizer of Green Noodles (make sure you have breath freshener -- LOTS of fresh garlic!) and people watching (always draws an interesting crowd). The only bad thing is trying to find parking on the South Side, but Nakama even makes that easy with their valet service.
Pros: FOOD, drinks, service
Cons: Parking, prices
Posted 09/23/06
We ate at Nakama, the interior is very unique and enjoyable. The service was good. The chef was extremely nice to us and had a great personality. The food was of course excellent. This is the best Japanese restaurant in the Pittsburgh area, believe me, we've been to all of the! Definitely go here for a good time and great food!
Pros: great food!!
Cons: Parking
Posted 09/22/06
I've been here a few times, and even when they are busy, the service is very very fast! The sushi is awesome, too. It's also a great place to stop and have a drink. While the steakhouse prices are expensive, the sushi is reasonable and excellent.
Pros: Fun, fast pace environment, great food
Cons: Parking can be a problem, and it can get quite noisy sometimes
Posted 09/22/06
I love this place.... It has the best Martini's, best sushi, and best place to be seen no matter what day of the week it is!
Posted 09/22/06
THIS IS A REALLY GREAT RESTAURANT. I AM ORIGINALLY FROM PHILADELPHIA WHERE THERE ARE PLENTY OF AMAZING PLACES TO EAT AND THIS RANKS RIGHT UP THERE WITH THE BEST SUSHI PLACES I HAVE EVER BEEN TO. THE DRINK MENU IS PRETTY GOOD TOO. THE ATMOSPHERE IS REALLY UNIQUE AND THERE IS SOMETHING ALWAYS GOING ON THERE........PEOPLE ARE IN AND OUT TO EAT AND DRINK WHICH MAKES IT A VERY TRENDY AND UPBEAT PLACE. THE SUSHI IS GREAT AND THE SERVICE IS ALSO A BIG PLUS. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS PLACE TO ANYONE INTEREST IN GOOD FOOD A GOOD TIME.
Pros: FOOD, PRICE, ATOMPSHERE
Cons: PARKING
Posted 09/22/06
Nakama is a really fun place to eat. The food is great, the chefs are entertaining, and the atmosphere is comfortable. The convenient valet parking helps with the tight parking situation in the South Side. Highly recommended!
Pros: great for large groups, delicious food, great service
Cons: parking, noisy
Posted 09/22/06
Great food, great atmosphere. Fast service, good prices. LOVE IT! I would not recommend anywhere else in Pittsburgh for sushi...This place is hands down the best in the city.
Posted 09/22/06
This place has the best sushi i've ever had. Hibachi food is excellent also. But we keep returning for the fabulous sushi. so fresh and yummy. Great bar scene for night life.
Pros: Sushi
Cons: nothing
Posted 09/22/06
I'm not a big fan of sushi but I absolutely love the hibachi. The presentation is excellent and everyone os very friendly. The food is awesome too. I never finish a meal anywhere but I always clean my plate here. The sesame chicken is my fav!
Pros: atmosphere, food, service
Cons: no parking
Posted 09/22/06
Everything at this resturant is marvelous. The presentation of the preparation of the food is entertaining. The food is great also.
Posted 09/22/06
Nakama is the best restaurant in Pittsburgh. The staff is great, and the food is fantastic. I was never a sushi fan until I had tuna there. My friends and I also love the happy hour. The appetizers are great and at a great price!!
Posted 09/21/06
I think they should open one in DC!!! I went to school in Pittsburgh, but now reside in the DC area and try to get to Nakama any time I'm in PA! The atmosphere is fun, great drinks, appetizers, and entrees! I especially love your eel rol....mmmmm!!! I took my mother there for her birthday and she is not apt to try new foods, but the ambiance changed all that! Fabulous chefs, food, and waitstaff!!
Posted 09/21/06
The atmosphere, the food, and the service are all excelent. Whenever friends come to town to visit we make sure that Nakama is one of our stops. Also the bar has fabulous drinks and the menu prices are very reasonable with large portions.
Posted 09/21/06
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. The food is better than any other japanese in pittsburgh! A DONT MISS!!!
Posted 09/21/06
amazing service, great food, fun atmosphere......i would reccomend to anyone.....call aheadd for reservations
Posted 09/21/06
Whether you are in the mood for sushi or a few drinks Nakama is a posh place to go with a great reputation! No matter what time of day I go there I never seem to wait any longer than any other popular restraunt in town! Definately try their spicy tuna app.
Pros: upbeat, young, posh
Cons: southside parking (can't be advoided, but it's worth it)
Posted 09/21/06
I LOVE THIS PLACE!! It is very busy . . . it seems like all the time (and there is good reason for this)! Make a reservation and you will be seated near instantaneously. The sushi is fabulous and the entertainment (tableside chef) is always spetacular! This is my favorite place to eat and the prime corner location just adds to the experience! I have been to several Japanese Steakhouses (both in and outside of Pittsburgh) and this is by far my favorite. Thank you! ** My favorite is Seafood Diablo . . . it's a little spicey and quite delicious!
Cons: Ambience, food
Posted 09/21/06
Nakama is one of my favorite places to go in Pittsburgh. They have great sushi and a wonderful atmosphere. I always have a great experience either eating or just going for drinks there.
Posted 09/21/06
Always have a great time when we visit Pittsburgh from Altoona. Love the Strip and always catch a ball game or two with our Pittsburgh friends. We would never think of returning home without a stop at Nakama for a belly full of great sushi. We really like the spicy tuna. We've never been disappointed, ever!
Posted 09/21/06
One of the best place to visit in the Southside. Excellent customer service. Fun place to eat or just stop for a drink. Love it! I go at least once a week
Posted 09/21/06
I've gone to Nakama many, many times and whether it's for sushi or habachi, it's always been excellent!! The servers are always efficient, and the chefs are amazing!!!! It's always more than just a dinner when we go there. I love the fact that they have a rewards program as well. Ever since I signed up I've recieved awesome coupons every few months, which just gives us one more reason to keep coming back! Definitely sign up for it the next time you go there! As for the menu, if you go to the sushi bar get the HAWAIIAN rolls..... i get them almost everytime and they are sooooooo good!!!!!!
Posted 09/21/06
I recently went to Nalama for the first time with a groups of friends...it was the greatest atmosphere and greatest food that I have had in a long time! The staff was wonderful and so was the ENTIRE experience...highy recommend for anyone!!!!
Pros: ambience, food
Cons: parking
Posted 09/21/06
Nakama offers a wonderful atmosphere as well as quick and friendly service. The food is always wonderful and perfectly prepared! The chefs are entertaining and make your meal an event to remember!
Posted 09/21/06
Nakama's is the nice place to be whehter tou want to enjoy and nice refreshing drink are you are just trying to meet new people. Sitting at the hibach style table with someone you don't even know is just an expeience in it's self. When you go out to eat you are just so used to sitting with the folks that you came to the resturant with. But here at Nakama's they want everyone to feel as though they know each other. And for the sushi it is great i never ate sushi before I came to Nakama now that is the only place that I will eat it from. And the chefs cooking the food right in front of you is an experience also. They are not just cooking they are also entertaining you at the same time and that is something also. If you are looking for a new place to eat are even some what of a romantic night Nakama's is the place.
Pros: Service
Cons: Parking
Posted 09/21/06
I have been to many places now that have sushi and I have to say that Nakama is the best. They offer so many different things that others do not!! The decor is fabulous as well. The place is always exciting. I have never had a bad time - the chefs always make me laugh when I eat at the tables. And I must say the Nakama Como is my favorite drink ever!!! When I have a bad day nothing makes it better than my sushi rolls !!!
Pros: always a great time - when ever
Cons: it is so good that is packed all the time
Posted 09/21/06
Seriously, I have never tasted tuna like this! I know that sounds silly, but it's true. I have been to Nakama several times, and despite the large selection on the menu, I always order the tuna dinner. I was in Myrtle Beach this summer and went to a fantastic japanese restaurant, Yamato, and while i felt the entertainment provided by the chef was better/livelier, they didn't even have tuna on the menu. As long as you continue to have the tuna, you'll have a faithful patron!! haha : )
p.s. - to those complaining about the parking- hello, it's the southside - who DOES have good parking?? quit putting that as a con! plus, they have valet - well worth the few extra bucks
Posted 09/21/06
Nakama is an all-around great restaurant. In the many times I have been there, I have received nothing less than excellent food and wonderful service. The table-side cooking is fun without being "tourist-y" and the chefs are excellent at what they do. The prices are very reasonable and the food is delicious. In the evenings and weekends, the adult bar crowd is great, but I can take my children there for lunch (and I do - they love it, too). The atmosphere is upbeat and friendly, it's always clean, and the employees are very accomodating. I've never had a bad experience at Nakama!
Pros: Fun, great food, excellent service
Cons: Not the place for a very private meal - but that's what makes it so fun.
Posted 09/21/06
The filet was excellent --- we had a group of 10 adults and 1 baby --- the staff couldn't be nicer to try to keep the baby entertained. They had a big GONG for the birthday celebration and let us bring our own cake. Great night out -- HIGHLY RECOMMEND !!!
Pros: valet parking in South Side is GREAT !
Cons: Low lighting ment hard to read for older folks !
Posted 09/21/06
Nakama's food is awesome. Service is wonderful and entertaining. My children love to go to Nakama's. I often chose Nakama's to celebrate a special occassion, but also great for no occassion at all ! A MUST TRY !
Posted 09/21/06
Nakama has to be the best Japanese Steakhouse in town. I visit Almost every Monday. The staff is friendly and quick. Have yet to have a bad chef! Pricing is very reasonable for the LARGE amount of food you recieve! You will not leave this place without a to go box! If your looking for a fun night out and some great entertainment go to Nakama, you will be happy you went!!! See you Guys on Monday. Get me the Bob's Special!!!!!
Pros: Bob's Special on Monday Night!
Cons: NONE! I LOVE THIS PLACE
Posted 09/21/06
I absolutely love Nakamas! Where else can you be treated like a VIP and even get a card to say it. I've been going to Nakamas for over a year now and must say it is an experience every time I go. I particulary enjoy Thursday nights and Friday happy hour. The atmosphere is upscale, the service five star, and the food incredible. Nakamas goes out of their way to make each customer whether first timer or regular feel like VIP. Check it out if you haven't already!!
Ray
Posted 09/20/06
I have been to Nakama on a number of occasions and each time was a very enjoyable experience. Everything from the food to the clientele to the service is excellent. I would highly recommend it.
Posted 09/20/06
I've been to Nakama a couple of times now and I have always had a wonderful time. I actually don't usually like seafood so you would think I would avoid a restaurant like this, but even I love going to Nakama. For a nice restuarant in Pittsburgh the prices are about right and you get to watch your food being prepared. It's worth going here for the entertainment and it definitely helps that the food tastes great in the end. I totally recommend this place.
Posted 09/20/06
I always suggest Nakama when people want a good dinner. It is my favorite place in the city.
I always have great service. The chefs are amazing and fun. The price is reasonable too!
Posted 09/20/06
I'm a lover of japanese food and what can I say? A girl's gotta love her meat right? Well, I was pleasantly surprised by not only the service here, but by the food. The servers were very informative and on the ball with everything that a server needs to do and the food has never let me down yet. It is slightly pricey, but it's certainly worht it.
Posted 09/20/06
We discovered Nakamas about a year ago. This has become our restaurant of choice on every special event and I personally take all of my buisness clients here for lunch. I have never had an unpleasent experiance. The service is fantastic and the food is to die for. I highly recommend Nakamas.
Pros: fabulous food
Cons: none
Posted 09/20/06
I have never had better Japanese food anywhere else. Ever since I ate at Nakama, I won't even eat the Japanese in the mall because it just doesn't compare. Also, the chefs are amazing and extremely entertaining to watch. What I also enjoy is receiving newsletters and coupons in the mail from Nakama. I highly recommend Nakama to anyone who likes Japanese and wants to have a good time!
Posted 09/20/06
Nakama is one of my most favorite places to eat. The food is always fresh and the atmosphere is great! We love to take guests there for a really fun evening!! I highly recomend it!
Posted 09/20/06
The hibachi steak, shrimp, and chicken are amazing. The mushroom soup is to die for and the fried rice is delicious. Having your food cooked in front of you is all the entertainment you need. From the extraordinary food to the excellent service, Nakama is the spot to be, whether it be lunch or dinner.
Pros: Everything
Cons: Parking
Posted 09/20/06
Nakama is my favorite resturant. I have never had any complaints any time I have been there. The employee are awesome and the food is amazing! I try to eat there at least once a week! I've taking a lot of people from out of town there and they all agree that it is one of the best resutrants there is! The atmosphere is awesome and it is great for the whole family!
Pros: everything
Cons: not enough parking close!
Posted 09/20/06
The restaurant on the south side is an excellent place to go for a Saturday night dinner. A reservation was made online and when we got their we were immediately directed to our table for 8. The service was wonderful and the food was delicious. Also, the pricing is great considering the large amount of food you receive for any item on the menu that is chosen.
Posted 09/20/06
I would have written this review even if there wasn't a $10 gift certificate available.
This is a great restaurant. Good food, resonable price and great atmosphere.
I've been to a lot of Japanese restaurants and this is one of my favorites. I honestly have no complaints about the restuarant. I went on a Friday night with a reservation and got right in. The food was great and the service was fine.
I have recomended this restaurant to a lot of friends and will be returning many times.
Posted 09/20/06
I love the sushi, and the scallops for the hibachi are the best! The food is always fresh, and I always enjoying going there. Service is always good! The portions are huge too!
Anyway, I guess someone posted a negative post- it is a shame that someone had a bad experiance. Not everyone can like everything though...
And for those of you that think these reviews are biased because the owner e-mailed the Nakama mailing list with the incentive of a $10 gift certificate for their feedback- think about it- if someone didn't like Nakama why would they go through the trouble of writing a positive review to get a gift certificate to eat somewhere thay didn't like? So I don't think that these reviews are biased at all. They are simply people's opinions that they had before recieving the $10 incentive which they put into words on this site.
Anyway, if you haven't tried nakama yet- try it for yourself and then you can decide. I bet that you will probably like it!
Pros: Everything!
Cons: tough to park in the southside- but they have valet!
Posted 09/20/06
I have been to Nakama several times for lunch. I have always found the staff to be courteous, prompt and helpful. The food is excellent. I highly recommend.
Posted 09/20/06
I absolutely love Nakama. Great atmosphere for dining and drinks. Always an interesting time. I have never had a negative experience at this restaurant. The food is always delicious. I always leave feeling filled and in a great mood.
Posted 09/20/06
Any group that has anything to celebrate should do it at Nakama! Not only will you get the best Japanese it Pittsburgh, but you'll get quite a show too. A group of us went to Nakama for my bachelorette party and even my most picky friends kept raving about how great the food was. The portion size is very large, the drinks are tasty, and the atmosphere is fun. ...Definitely one of the best restaurants in Pittsburgh - and the best for Japanese.
Pros: Yummy food. Fun atmosphere.
Cons: Make reservations.
Posted 09/20/06