Nakama Japanese Steakhouse

I've been a VIP member of Nakama since they opened; my husband and I shared the best dinner there the night we were engaged; it's our favorite place to hang out when "you gotta get out of the house".
The reason Nakama has so many loyal customers and a BUSY, SUCCESSFUL restaurant is because they have great food, great service and GREAT MARKETING. Don't be disenchanted by a few bad reviews; the restaurant wouldn't be loud and crowded if people didn't love it!

Nakama rewards its repeat customers with generous discounts, coupons, benefits and promotions. Competing restaurants in Pittsburgh MIGHT stand a fair chance if they even attempted to offer the same thing, but unfortunately, they don't really care if they get a bad review, as long as there's cheeks in the seats. Nakama's owners are different; they value each customer's opinion and make sure to respond to these opinions.
I think what keeps me coming back again and again is that Nakama is always giving back (to the community) again and again-- remember the Cystic Fibrosis drive? The Celebrity Chef Cook-Off? When was the last time you went to Benihana (ick) or Sapporo (double ick) and knew that the owners cared about the community and supported charitable causes????

I commend Nakama on taking the initiative to inspire those who have enjoyed GREAT MEALS to take the time and log in to write a review. All too often, we share our bad experiences without sharing the good. I hope that you all are inspired to remember how much this restaurant gives back to the community and enjoy a great dinner in the future!

Pros: entertaining food show, great quality of food, great service and just plain FUN!

Posted 09/19/06

Nakama is theplace to go if you're craving sushi and want a nice place to go on the South
Side. Contrasted by all the smokey bars and rowdy college places, Nakama is a classy, open place to enjoy a meal.

Posted 09/19/06

Nakama is a great place for anyone that is interested in trying sashimi/sushi for the first time, and veterans can enjoy themselves too. I have bad experiences with sashimi (raw fish) in the past, and was unwilling to give it another shot. After much convincing from my dining companion, we were off to Nakama. I was DEFINITELY impressed, and so glad I gave 'raw fish' another chance..it was SO fresh here, and the wasabi and soy sauce provided were the perfect compliment...absolutely tantalizing. Nakama also offers a wide variety of other choices for those not into eating raw fish, including amazing steaks and an assortment of delicious appetizers that can satisfy anyone's needs. Nakama does get a bit crowded on weekends, but what else can you expect from Southside? Everywhere is crowded, the weekends in Southside have always been touristy. If you like big crowds go on a weekend, for a more discreet dining experience, head down on a weekday before happy hour, you will not regret it! Nakama is 4 stars in my book!

Posted 09/19/06

If your looking for great food, great service, and a great location, there isn't any place better than Nakama's on the South Side. My girlfriend and I love it, its by far our favorite place in Pittsburgh. The chefs are amazing and you won't find food this good prepared right before you anywhere else!

Posted 09/19/06

Nakama is awesome!!! I absolutely dream of their Hawaiian rolls. A must try! Wonderful atmosphere. Great food. Highly recommended.

Pros: Sushi

Posted 09/19/06

I tried Nakama at the suggestion of a friend and was pleased to be overwhelmingly satisfied with the food and atmosphere. In the heart of Southside, Nakama offered a sense of style with my dinner. My date and I opted for the Sushi bar. I would have to rate Nakama as one of the best in town when it comes to sushi. I would definately dine there again.

Pros: Food, ambience

Posted 09/19/06

The reason I am writing this review is because I was prompted to by the owner of Nakama---however I cannot be "bought" as many of the previous reviewers have mentioned concerning the $10 gift certificate offered for a good review. I will not be looking for any type of monetary "reward" or certificate. I believe that reviews cannot be all good---just like the Steelers can't win every game!
However, after we "discovered" Nakama over a year ago, we have been back a few times. Every time we have been there with a small group or a large birthday party....we were never disappointed. The waitstaff, chefs, atmosphere and food we really good. The hostesses---well, never as warm as they should be, in fact seem more distracted and bothered by anyone entering (that goes for any local restaurant as far as that goes). In fact we enjoy it so much that if it wasn't soooo expensive---we would go more often!!!

Pros: Great atmosphere, good food

Cons: Pricey!!!

Posted 09/19/06

I've been going to Nakama since it opened. I love everything about it. The sushi is the best I've ever had. Very fresh and inventive. The Habachi is very flavorful no matter what you order. The environment is trendy and hip. Whenever I have a chance I take friends from out of town or someone from the Pittsburgh area who has never been there. I also enjoy the rewards program they offer. It let's you aquire points for gift certificates. I just enjoyed my FREE dinner for four last weekend!

Posted 09/19/06

Nakama is worth the trip! It dishes out some of the best food in the city and the happy hour scene is hot AND affordable! I contstantly recommend it to out of town friends, vendors, and consultants that our visiting Pittsburgh. If you've never been you don't know what you're missing and you need to stop by immediately. Don't forget to call ahead for reservations.

Posted 09/19/06

This place is definately my favorite place in Pittsburgh to eat. I recommend it to all of my friends.

Posted 09/19/06

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 09/19/06

Trying to buy positive reviews buy offering customers a $10 gift certificate is LAME. Shouldn't good food, good service speak for themselves? There are plenty of other great sushi houses in town. I think i'll go to one today and leave an extra $10 for the waiter/waitress. Sorry Nakama, but you lost me.

Posted 09/19/06

The sushi is fantastic. The atmosphere is very cool. And if you go to the habachi for dinner, you will be entertained as your chef cooks delicious food.

Posted 09/19/06

Nakama is the best japanese steakhouse we've ever dined at! The food is fresh & delicious!!! The atmosphere there is fun and inviting for both social and romantic dinners. We are regulars there and have never been dissatisfied-ever! If you haven't tried it, I encourage you to!

Pros: Excellent atmosphere & food!

Cons: Very popular & sometimes crowded.

Posted 09/19/06

Nakama has excellent food, great service, and the cooks are wonderful! They provide entertainment to the table, and my friends and I try to visit Nakama as much as we can whether it is for drinks, dinner, or just a great time!

Posted 09/19/06

If you are a sushi fan, this it without question the place for you. Great food, drink and atmosphere. If you havent tried Nakama yet, make plans asap!!!!

Posted 09/19/06

I'm from Ohio and was visiting Pittsburgh and heard about this restaurant so I decided to check it out. Not only was the food amazing, but the atmosphere and location were perfect: right in the heart of the south side. Our chef was very entertaining and the service was very good. It's definitely not your every day restaurant so if you're ever in the area you definitely need to give it a shot!

Posted 09/19/06

My wife and I loved Nakama. The atmosphere is realy nice there including the people and especially the friendly servers. Their tempura shrimp rolls are delicious. I will be back soon to try some thing different on the menu.

Posted 09/19/06

I have been going to Nakama with friends and business associates for awhile now. I usually enjoy my experience. The sushi is wonderful, and they have a different selection than most sushi places. It is a great place to go if you are up for a fun night out on the town. WOuld not reccomend it if you are looking for a quiet evening of sushi with friends. There are other places for that. Way too loud on Thursdays and the weekends. Overall, I love Nakama. THe staff is very friendly and it is always fun to go there.

Pros: Great sushi, Fun Drinks

Cons: Very Loud

Posted 09/19/06

I am being totally honest - Nakama is the best Japanese in Pittsburgh. It's one of the hottest spots on the South Side. If you're looking for great food, excellent service and a sophisticated vibe, Nakama is it.

Posted 09/19/06

I absolutely love eating at Nakama! It is a wonderful place for special occasions because they accommodate large groups and the customer service is amazing as well as entertaining! I go there every year for my birthday, my boyfriend's birthday and our anniversary! I had signed up for the Nakama online newsletter and receive coupons thru my email account! The food is always fresh and even when it is busy the customer service is top notch! I recommend this restaurant every time I meet a visitor to the Pittsburgh area and I would recommend it to anyone, even if you don't like sushi because they have plenty of other fantastic dinners to choose from.

Pros: Wonderful fresh, reasonably priced food, entertaining service and customer service oriented wait staff.

Cons: Can be busy on weekends but more than willing to accommodate you, parking can be difficult due to area but they do have valet.

Posted 09/19/06

I love the different varieties of sushi offered, the best i've had in quite awhile. The hibachi experience is also very enjoyalbe and great for an evening out with a group of friends. The atmosphere is unique and aestetically pleasing. I would suggest Nakama to anyone looking for a good place to dine.

Posted 09/19/06

The service is absolutely great along with the food. Fresh sushi and amazing filet mignon! It is one of my favorite restaurants in Pittsburgh!

Posted 09/19/06

I also received the email offering $10 for a positive review. I'm really appalled by how many people allowed themselves to be bought by this email and ruined the spirit of this website. I've been to Nakama three times. My honest opinion? It's just ok, and very over priced for food that is just ok. I've been to hibachis in Philadelphia and NYC. The food here doesn't compare to there. The rice is tasteless (and burnt). I love Japanese food for the great flavor; there just isn't any flavor in this food.

Also, the staff is inattentive. I was asked if I wanted another drink, and I responded "yes". He completely forgot, and brought our check instead. The chefs aren't even entertaining. I recommend the Japanese place on the Water Front, it's not as noisy and the food is much better. I also haven't seen them trying to buy reviews.

One more point - I thought that the negative review that inspired the restaurant owner to drop 3-4k on $10 gift certificates was quite constructive. Perhaps the owner might want to actually think about some of the suggestions as I found most of them to be valid.

Cons: had reservations and still waited an hour for a table.

Posted 09/19/06

I absolutely loved everything about Nakama. I took my girlfriend there for dinner, and she loved it almost as much as myself. The sushi was fresh, the cook was entertaining, service was prompt, and the atmosphere was lively yet quiet enough to be romantic. The food and service recieved at Nakama was overall excellent, and I would highly reccommend it to anyone, whether you are looking for entertainment, good food, or just a nice atmosphere.

Pros: Ambience, food, service

Cons: none

Posted 09/19/06

I loved everything about the restaurant. The real live grill with lots of fire. The Sushi was to die for. I love eel and as soon as i took a bite of it i thought i was gonna melt.

Posted 09/19/06

I've only been to Nakama once for lunch and it was my first time at a restaurant like this. The food was very good and it was an enjoyable experience. I'm taking my husband there for his birthday this weekend!!

Posted 09/19/06

I have visited Nakama's several times and have never been disappointed. The service was always prompt and friendly. The chef's were entertaining and the food was excellent.
The scallops were outstanding as well as the steak dishes.
After the first time I went there, I returned several times with different companions. Everyone was impressed and also returned with other people at other times. The menu covers something for everyone.

Posted 09/19/06

I absolutely love Nakama! It is the best place in the area. It's fun to watch the chefs cook the food and it's a wonderful environment to spend with one person or many! Highly recommended.

Posted 09/19/06

I have to eat there once a week, it is so good. I recommend the shrimp and chicken. The chefs are the best.

Posted 09/19/06

Great food-great parking-Clean Most other Hibachi restaurants have a baked in old oil smell to them & their food tastes like old oil no matter how tender the steak is-but after 2yrs of me and friends coming to Nakama-still No old oil smell or taste! Love that!!!

Pros: Quick Service

Posted 09/19/06

Nakama is not only trendy, but the appetizers are delicious, the staff is ultra-friendly, the drinks yummy! You cannot go wrong stopping here to start your night, or to spend the entire night with friends or a date. Wonderful!

Posted 09/19/06

i've been a loyal nakama customer for years now. and, i keep going back for one reason - i love it there. the food is top quality and the atmosphere is fun and sophisticated. sure, sometimes the service has been a little slow - but, come on now, people, their food is made fresh to order. . . the way sushi should be served. if you want to score some sushi on the quick, then go and get the stuff at giant eagle that has been sitting around, pre-rolled, for god only knows how many hours. i'll take mine fresh and pleasantly plated any day!

and, shame on all those folks who say nakama is "buying" positive reviews. offering an "incentive" to patrons is commonplace in the restraunt business. nakama regularly sends out e-mails to patrons in their VIP club and offers many other great incentives such as holiday specials, contests, and VIP points that can earn you free meals. their recent email is just another positive customer outreach. and, look how many people have replied positively - that's saying something. that's saying they want to eat at nakama.

i highly recommend nakama and believe, with or without a ten dollar gift certificate coming my way, that it is the best japanese place in the 'burgh, both for sushi dishes and habachi meals. so, if you haven't given it a try, i recommend you check it out and see what you think of it for yourself.

Posted 09/19/06

I work in the South side and any time i get a chance i come here to eat. Never have i had bad service, there is always prompt seating and the waitstaff is excellent. They give you a ton of food that is always very good and priced great. I strongly recommend Nakama!

Posted 09/19/06

I have gotten my sister and husband hooked on nakama and they live in Sterling VA so I am here to tell you their food and prices are kickin. I could eat this everyday but I have to work too. This is always a request when my sister is in town.....

Pros: clean and friendly always willing to satisfy the customer

Posted 09/19/06

My girlfriend introduced me to Nakama last October and it has since become our favorite place for "girls night out". We go out once a month and always say we won't be late but end up staying for hours! I highly recommend the Appletinni. It is the best I have had anywhere. The staff is very helpful and friendly and the chef's are out of this world! We will continue to be monthly Nakama visitors for years to come.

Pros: Sign up for a Nakama card and you always get a deal!

Posted 09/19/06

I absolutely am the most obsessed with sampling sushi and sushimi every where I go. Pittburgh is home base for me and I am so happy there is finally a place right down the road that makes me feel like I am in some amazing foreign place. The atmosphere at Nakama may even rival the fantastic food. Even if you do not like sushi, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out if you are in a 60 mile radius of it. I LOVE NAKAMA!!! PS. Take advantage of the valet service.

Posted 09/19/06

The food here is excellent. The people are great and the prices are just right!!!
I would highly recommend Nakama to anyone who wants great food, atmosphere & prices!!!

Posted 09/19/06

Nakama is great on Weekend and Thursday nights- cool scene, young people, and by far the most delicious Japanese food in Pittsburgh!

Posted 09/19/06

My husband and I have been loyal Nakama customers for over 2 years. The food is incredible, the chefs are great and the ambiance is so modern. We have spent many birthdays, anniversaries and other celebrations there with family and friends.

We cant say enough about Nakama. We highly recommend trying Nakama today!!!!

Pros: FOOD, SERVICE, AMBIENCE

Cons: I can't say one bad thing!!

Posted 09/19/06

Nakama has such a variety that everyone can find something they like. from the delicious sushi to the hot, sizzling hibachi ... what ever you desire you can find here!

Posted 09/19/06

I'm a big fan of nakama. When I first moved to pittsburgh, I couldn't find anywhere to go for some decent sushi until I came across nakama. The food is awesome and the sushi chefs are always sweet. On special occations I eat at the hibatchi tables which are just as good as Benihanna's but more resonably priced. Try the hanalai roll and you'll never go anywhere else!

Pros: sushi, food, atmosphere

Cons: a bit on the pricey side and sometimes the wait staff isn't as attentive as they should be

Posted 09/19/06

lets start with the valet parking. it's great, because i don't have to drive around looking for a parking spot, blocks away. food has always been exceptional. the staff have always been very nice. the only problem we have is when we are just there to eat sushi, all the tables are being used by customers just waiting around to get seated in the dinning room. and that there were bigger tables so that more than 2 people could sit and eat sushi.

Posted 09/18/06

I love this place! It has the best and freshest sushi in the city and if you like spicy tuna, you will love theirs! It's always a tough choice of what to get because everything is good.

The wait staff is always available and quick to make suggestions.

A very good place for a night out!

Pros: The Food - The Spicy Tuna Roll

Cons: It tends to get rather loud and sometimes hard to hear if you sit in the bar area.

Posted 09/18/06

I have eaten numerous times at this restaurant and absolutely loved the food. everything is served warm and fresh. Not only is the food good, but so are the drinks. The weekends are hectic though, so to get the most out of your experience, go at an off time

Posted 09/18/06

I've never had a negative experience at Nakama. The waitpeople are friendly and the crowd is always a good one. You have to try the green noodles appetizer--it's one of the best appetizers I've ever had.

Posted 09/18/06

Nakama has always treated me and my friends with great friendly service. we usually go down for happy hour on friday nights to get some sushi hen head of to diesel for some more drinks. while at nakama we always are treated well and taken care of. people are friendly and out going and remember you when they see you. the food is always great. and never experienced a problem there. use people have the right to voice their opinions but i think but they number of positive reviews nakama has alreay i thik that surpasses the negaive comments. no matter where you go there is always going to be that one person or persons that you just can not make happy. once again i will continue to go to nakama for great food and service

Pros: great good, great presentation, great service

Cons: never had a negative problem

Posted 09/18/06

Ive been to Japanese restaurants all over the country and Nakama takes a back seat to none of them! Outstanding sushi, terrific entrees prepared in an entertaining fashion, and fabulous drinks. great place to take your children, as well. Love Nakama!

Pros: Food is always great.

Cons: Crowded if you go at the wrong time

Posted 09/18/06

Nakama is by far one of the best Japanese steakhouses I have ever been to! The spicy tuna rolls and the Scallops are to die for! I have never had a problem with them honoring reservations, incorrectly placing my order or having to wait for long periods of time. The service is always supurb and the chefs entertaining! I choose Nakama for all of my special occassion dinners and am never disappointed!

Posted 09/18/06

Nakama Japanese Steakhouse is an awesome restuarant for afterwork drinks in preparation for an excellent dinner. They have wonderful chefs which provide plenty of entertainment with your meal along with great customer service. If you are willing to pay the extra money for a wonderful evening in the Southside of Pittsburgh, which is great for taking that special lady, then Nakama is the place to be.

Pros: wonderful atmosphere, great food

Cons: can be crowded

Posted 09/18/06