Nakama Japanese Steakhouse

My boyfriend and I go to Nakama about every 2 weeks. The food is excellent (especially the filet) and our chef has always been friendly and entertaining. The atmosphere is really modern and lively. My friends and I always gather there for birthday's too. I love going there and would recommend it to anyone!!!

Pros: great food!!!

Cons: a little crowded at times

Posted 09/18/06

Had dinner there for a group of 8 about a month ago; what a great experience from the servie to the food choices and quality. Will be back many times.

Posted 09/18/06

I've been a loyal customer at Nakama for several years now, and I don't think there's a better place in the city to entertain friends or family. Always a "happening" spot on the weekends...but never too busy to accomodate if you plan your reservations at least a day or 2 in advance. I've even got a favorite chef, Luke...but all the chefs are very experienced and very entertaining. Steak & veggies are great, but flying trick steak & veggies are better. I never leave without eating some filet mignon and spicy tuna roll. You might even run into a few Steelers if you stop in for lunch during the week.

Posted 09/18/06

Nakama has been a favorite of my family and co-workers over the last year. We have visited for lunch, and special dinners. The wait-staff has been courteous and accomodating to adults and children in the party. Our chef, except on 2 out of 10 occassions was energetic, funny and entertaining making the dining experience worthy of frequent encores. We will opt to return whenever possible!!!

Pros: the fun atmosphere

Cons: a couple of cooks seem tired and not attentive to the audience

Posted 09/18/06

Recently one of my friends was celebrating their 30th birthday. To start the evening off right, we headed to Nakama. After spending quite some time at the bar, we move to a table where we had the best service and the best chef. The evening was lively and fun. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a great time.

Posted 09/18/06

I absolutely love this place! I went with a huge group of people for my birthday and everyone had a great time. Food was amazing and so fresh. I would recommend the tempora to everyone!

Posted 09/18/06

I have been to Nakama once with a group and had a fun experience. The food was decent, and the chef was entertaining. The server, although somewhat neglectful, was pleasant enough. I had planned on returning again soon and would have recommended Nakama to anyone until I also received the email offering $10 for a positive review. I have 10 years of serving experience and am extremely displeased that a restaurant that is so "high end" and "upscale" has resorted to buying customers' fake reviews. $10 won't buy you much at Nakama, and it definitely won't buy my vote. To Ms. Becky Gomes (Nakama's owner) who sends the Nakama e-mails and obviously reads these reviews, thank you for opening my eyes and turning a definite repeat customer into a disgusted customer who surely won't be returning to your "fine" establishment. I encourage everyone to take their business elsewhere, as Nakama has literally resorted to buying their customers and reviews.

Pros: group events/celebrations

Cons: parking, restaurant owners

Posted 09/18/06

From the time we arrived until we left, we were amazed at the energetic atmosphere, the entertaining chef, and the very helpful staff. I never knew that dinner could be so fun. We will go back for the great food and wonderful feeling this place gives off. The cost was very fair and maybe even a little low as for the value we got. You definitely have to try this place, as I know you will be hooked as we are.

Posted 09/18/06

Everytime I go to Nakama, my friends and I have the best time! We love the atmosphere and the food is phenomonal! Our favorite appitizer is the Yakitori and we love the hot waiters too! If you're looking for great food in Pittsburgh, this is where you should go!

Pros: Atmosphere

Cons: Price

Posted 09/18/06

Nakama is the best Hot spot in town to meet people and enjoy great dining!! The atmosphere is wonderful - the food superb - the location perfect - it really has it all!!! It is a must try for all Pittsburgher's and a great place to bring out of town visitors to showcase our great city!!!

Posted 09/18/06

I've been dinning at Nakama since their opening and it just keeps getting better! The atmosphere is great, the wait staff is helpful, the chefs are entertaining and the food is always wonderful! I recommend it all my friends!

Posted 09/18/06

whenever i go to nakama, i have a wonderful experience. the chefs are entertaining, you get a variety of items along with the meal, and the overall setting is perfect for a celebration or jsut a nice, casual dinner.

Posted 09/18/06

I have been to Nakama several times and have always had great service. Everyone is really friendly. The food is great for the price. The atmosphere is very unique and I love the dim lighting. It makes for a really great romantic evening. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to enjoy great food. It's especially a great place to go on a date.

Pros: Parking, Service, Friendliness

Posted 09/18/06

My friends and I will find any excuse we can to go to Nakama (seriously, for a while we were there 2-3 times a week earlier this year - we couldn't get enough of the shrimp sauce on fried rice). I continue to go at least once a month. The food is always excellent, our chef is always entertaining and the lemon-tinis are the greatest. I've taken my parents, friends from out of state, as well as friends from out of the country to Nakama and they've all raved about how good the food was and how much they enjoyed going there. It's always a highlight for everyone. If you go later in the evening reservations are a must as it's usually pretty busy. I suggest using the valet parking, otherwise you'll drive around for a good 15 minutes just looking for a parking spot on the South Side.

As for the people complaining about the $10 offer for posting a review - they're morons, if people didn't truly like Nakama they wouldn't post a good review. It's that simple. People who haven't liked it don't post a good review. As anyone can see most people clearly enjoy going there. And the people complaining about the cost - yeah, hello, perhaps they should have checked on the prices before going there to eat. It's like any happening place - you pay for the food and atmosphere. If you don't want to pay more then stick to Eat & Park or something of that caliber.

Pros: Excellent food, great for groups, can be dressy or casual

Cons: Parking (if the valet is full, but the entire South Side is difficult for parking)

Posted 09/18/06

Before reading my email today I was planning on celebrating my birthday at Nakama next month. I actually started making plans with friends this weekend. However, you will see that 261 emails were posted today prior to mine. 4 were just as displeased as I however, 257 Pittsburghers have sold their vote for a mere $10. The owner sent an email asking for a good vote and in return she would send a $10 check. Prior to today there were 18 reviews and 3 of them were Not Recommended and 1 was just average. That is 22% of the ratings. However, the comment on 8/26/2006 prompted the owner to send an email out asking to buy votes. That is disgusting and a horrible use of this website. I use this website all the time for recommendations. I will always think of this email now and will refuse to support this restaurant. Seriously folks, is $10 really a savings? People should feel they can post their not so positive feedback to a restaurant and not have this happen. This is America and we are allowed to express our opinions. And to the owners the customer is always right. 1 person tells at least 10 people of their displeasure. I personally and going to share this recommendation and your email with every media outlet I can.

Cons: Owners brive you with $10 gift certificate

Posted 09/18/06

I have always enjoyed my visits to Nakama. The food is very reasonably priced- meals, appetizers, and sushi; and Nakama continously gives out freebies for mother's/father's day, birthday's etc... plus the points reward card to get free meals are just that--free meals. I have no problem abiding by their rules on how I use the point gift. cert. since they are free! It is not authentic but it doesn't try to be and your a goofball if you go thinking it might. The target audience are those who like 'Americanized Japanese food'. There are however, some cons to being a self-proclaimed "hot spot". Each time I go the service gets worse and the atmosphere gets more annoying. On a weekday, the service is fine but on the weekends they definitely do not have enough servers in the dining room or at the bar. I don't mind going to a club or bar and being pushed and squished and knocked into but if I am spending $$$ then I want a nice relaxed experience and whether you are in the dining room, bar or sushi bar, it is just not comfortable and very very loud. In the dining room, the bad service drags the meal out 3-4 hours and the atomosphere does not make that 3-4 hours enjoyable. Going on a weekend is pointless. The wait is too long and even with reservations you are waiting (example: on a Friday night my party was sat at a Habachi for 1 1/2 hours before the cook came out and the server was slow with the drinks! on a Thursday at 8:30 p.m. 3 of us waited 1 hour to get seats at the sushi bar and were almost knocked out of our seat the whole time). Plus, if it was NYC or LA then maybe it would be worth it to go to a trendy hotspot but this is Pittsburgh! I love Pittsburgh but come on. Lastly, the cook performers are not really fun but they are competent and I have NEVER gotten sick from the food. Early in the week makes a great time as does lunch (which is also extremely reasonably priced).

Pros: Menu Selection, Price and Portions, Weekday and Lunch Dining

Cons: Ambience and Service Thursday-Sunday

Posted 09/18/06

First off, the bar at Nakama has one of the best vibes around. I love to stop in with my sweetie and have a fabulous martini and soak up the atmosphere. It is an excellent place to stop after work or kick off your weekend. On the occasions we've stayed for dinner, we've had wonderful service and scrumptious food--like a Benihana experience with a touch more class and sophistication. Add to that their sushi...and it is a match made in heaven. My husband doesn't do sushi, so being able to order it for an appetizer is a plus in my book!

Highly recommended!

Posted 09/18/06

I've been to Nakama several times and have yet to have a bad experience. The food is fresh and flavorful. The Sushi is delicious and aesthetically pleasing. The staff was courteous and prompt.

Pros: Food, service

Cons: Can be loud

Posted 09/18/06

Ever since I came to Nakama one night for dinner almost a year ago, I've been in love. The food, atmosphere, and experiences (and unfortunately the pounds get added in as well), I gain everytime I come to Nakama I wouldn't trade for anything!!
Mondays are my special days... Every Monday I walk in the door and am pleasantly greeted by name by whomever is at the front desk. They know I love Rae as a server so they seat me at her table. Before she even greets us, she comes walking over with a tray of waters and hot tea (my usual) and asks if I want to start with the Hanalaei Roll, which I do. The rest of my afternoon is filled with great food, great service and great fun as Rae, Chef Luke, and the rest of the Nakama staff take care of me and the guests I bring. It may sound trivial to some, but I so much look forward to my visits!!! And when I don't make it, the following week everyone asks where I've been! I work at a restaurant in South Side and I always suggest to my guests who are in town for the week to get to Nakama. For as many times as I've been there, I have maybe had 2 or 3 not so great experiences. However, all I had to do was say something about it and Nakama accomodated me the best they could. My favorite place of all time. I was there last Monday and once again Saturday for my mothers birthday! Recommended for all ages and food cravings, and any and all occassions! My advise is to try and make it during lunch hour. They offer phenominal lunch prices that you can't beat for the value!!

Pros: Lunch menu, dining between 4 and 6, Nakama Rewards Card :)

Cons: Not getting Luke or Colin as my Chef!!!

Posted 09/18/06

A great place for sushi. I sat in the bar area and Stephanie, the bartender, took excellent care of us. I met some friends for lunch, it was busy but not crowded. The appetizers were great and the sashimi platter was top notch. Very fresh and very yummy. I recommend Nakama to all of my friends.

Pros: Excellent service

Posted 09/18/06

I've eaten at Nakama several times and the only problem I've ever experienced was not being able to go enough! The food was absolutely delicious. I especially recommend the seafood diablo. It's my favorite. The food is well priced and the portions are large. Every chef I've had has been friendly and entertaining, and the waitresses were always polite and courteous. The service was fast and accurate as well. Overall, no complaints, but make sure to make reservations, because a lot of other people love it too!

Pros: food, ambience, service

Cons: wait, parking

Posted 09/18/06

I had my first sushi experience at Nakama and I was pleasantly surprised. The waitress was kind enough to recommend the items she felt would give be perfert for my first taste. The dinner was very good and the portions were more generous than other Japanese restaurants that I've been too. What I liked most was the mix of crowd there. There were families, people on dates and groups of friends. I loved it and can't wait to go again.

Posted 09/18/06

I went to Nakama recently with a group of 10 people to celebrate a birthday. I didn't even make it halfway home without having to pull over. EVERY SINGLE ONE of us got HORRIBLE food poi'son'ing. I called the restaurant the next day and they told me they didn't know what we were talking about, that this never happened before. They barely apologized only after I made it very clear how sick ALL of us were ...for days! I got a $20 giftcard in the mail WEEKS later...and our bill was several hundred dollars! To make matters worse...I talked to my friend a few days later and she told me that the same thing happened to her. Since then I've heard several more stories, all about food pois'on'ing from there. The worst part of all, we all had something different to eat, so we couldn't really pinpoint it on one item. Obviously something isn't being prepared properly. I work in the restaurant industry and let me tell you, it takes a LOT of mishandling and lack of care and dirtiness to get sick from food. It's really not that difficult to store and prepare food properly. My advice is to stay away, there are plenty of other places you can eat at that actually CARE and won't make you horribly sick!

Cons: sick from food, bad service, lack of care

Posted 09/18/06

Everyone I have ever taken there loves it. I recently tried Yokusa at the waterfront. The place was empty and they told us a 45 minute wait. After we tried to leave they sat us at the sushi bar. We sat there for over 20 minutes without a menu or drink, and we finally left. We are sticking to Nakama from now on!

Posted 09/18/06

I am a frequent visitor to Nakama for both personal and work functions... when I got pregnant, I thought no more of those great martinis and no more sushi.... Why go to Nakama now? .. BUT, I still love it --- The atmosphere, the non-raw items of sushi, and the non-alcoholic fruity drinks make up for all of it.... I can't wait to have Sushi and a martini again ( In fact, I am bribing my friends to bring me sushi once I give birth!) -- My little guy will learn how to choose chopsticks at Nakama when he is ready.....

Posted 09/18/06

I have always had a great experience at Nakama...my friends and I usually eat at the bar or sushi bar, buy a bottle of wine and enjoy the food. The prices are reasonable and the bartenders know us on a first name basis....a definite good time!!! We love the shrimp tempura and the dipping sauce....

Posted 09/18/06

I am a vegetarian, and LOVE LOVE LOVE it there - they went out of their way to make sure my tofu didn't touch any meat - even though i didn't ask them to do that! they make everything quickly, the food is amazing - everyone needs to try this place, they will love it.

Pros: food, service, quality of food

Posted 09/18/06

My fiance raves about sushi, but I had never tried it. We went to Nakama on the South Side and now I am a sushi fan! I tried a couple different dishes and was blown away. Everything was so fresh and the presentation was beautiful. The service was wonderful and the atmosphere was clean, zen-like, and relaxing. I've been back several times since my first sushi experience and have never been disappointed. I highly recommend Nakama for long-time sushi lovers and those who want to try it for the first time!

Pros: Ambience, Great food, service

Cons: Parking

Posted 09/18/06

Nakama is one of the most trendy restaurants on the South Side. Nakama is very versatile as it is a great atmosphere for many occasions. It has a perfect atmosphere for a cocktail after work, and the best sushi bar I've experienced. In addition, it is a great place to celebrate special occasions, just be sure to reserve the private room because the main dining room is a bit loud for a large group to talk together. I go to Nakama for the Hawaiian roll because it is my favorite!

Posted 09/18/06

Nakama is the best Hibachi restaurant I have ever been to. I have tried several in the Pittsburgh area, but Nakama tops them all. The service is great and it is definitley kid freindly. I would reccommend it to everyone...

Pros: valet parking, sushi, customer service

Posted 09/18/06

My girls and I had an awesome time at Nakama this last visit, just like all the others. I'm not a big fan of sushi and that type of food, but I definately loved what I got. My friends shared with me and now I may actually like it, because I tried it. Excellent food, excellent service, can't wait to go back!

Pros: Awesome service

Cons: little bit loud, but thats the atmosphere!

Posted 09/18/06

We have been to Nakama on a number of occasions and have always had a great time! It is a great place to go with a group of people. The service is excellent! They have a very friendly wait staff and great chefs! Plus, after dinner you can hang out at the bar. I will definitely be back.

Pros: waitstaff

Posted 09/18/06

My husband and I eat at Nakama frequently, and I have never had a bad experience there. The food is all very good (especially the filet!), and the sushi is excellent. There is usually a long wait, and not always enough room to comfortably wait in the bar or sushi bar, so try to go during off hours or make reservations pretty far in advance. It is also somewhat loud, so maybe not the place for a quiet, intimate romantic dinner, but great for groups and happy hour gatherings.
Pros: Very good food/sushi, pretty good service considering how busy they usually are, and, unlike some of the other older Japanese restaurants, you don't go home smelling like the grill--it's much less smoky w/better ventilation.
Cons: Long wait without reservations, loud during the dinner hours

Posted 09/18/06

Fantastic food and drinks! We live in the South Hills and frequent Hibachi Japan in McMurray. This is sooooooooooooo much better. It is a little dark and loud, but hey that gives it flavor! We drive 35 minutes just to eat here!

Posted 09/18/06

4 of my coworkers/friends headed to Nakama after work to have a drink and dinner. When we arrived we were informed that from 4 - 6 they had a happy hour and we were SO impressed with the discounts! They had drinks, appitizers, soups and salads all half price! We ordered various dishes of sushi and had a such a great time sampling the appitizers and drinks! We ended up staying much longer then intended and the staff could not have been nicer! Everything was delicious and we had a great time! We plan to do this every week from now on!
Thanks Nakama!

Pros: Great music, staff, food and unique drinks!

Cons: Got fairly hot in the reastaurant in the summer. Unbearably one night.

Posted 09/18/06

I love this place -- it is difficult to choose appetizers as they are all fabulous - freshly made and arrive HOT ! Servers remember me and as I always ask for extra " pink sauce " - they remember that too. Try the Seafood Tempura - portion is so large you need to take some home or share it. Sushi is fabulous - first rate and I know my sushi.

One extra plus - after a long day at work & feeling like I deserve a special treat --I feel comfortable sitting down at the bar window seat alone -- the servers are that welcoming and friendly.

Pros: food, service

Cons: parking

Posted 09/18/06

My boyfriend and I are avid Nakama goers! We love the food and the atmosphere. If you go a lot be sure to join the VIP club. It's free and rewarding! Nakama is a must for sushi lovers! Also, you can't beat the lunch specials!

Pros: sushi, atmosphere, entertainment

Posted 09/18/06

Nakama has the best food and customer expirience on the southside. Not only will you have great food for lunch or dinner, but you will have a great time watching it be prepared. Prices are also reasonable and portions are large. Don't miss an opportunity to eat at Nakama.

Pros: Great Food, atmosphere

Cons: Parking is not free

Posted 09/18/06

Nakama is the restaurant I alway's visit when in Pittsburgh because it is exciting, the sushi is not only delicious but artful, like the Hawaian Roll, and the hibachi dinners are fun. The service is fantastic with attention to detail and smiling faces. I live in Northern Virginia about 40 miles from Washington, D.C. Besides being near the nation's capital, we have fantastic restaurants. Nakama would be very competitive in my neighborhood. That's why I visit Nakama when I'm in Pittsburgh - great food, friendly people, wonderful buzz.

Pros: Great food - especially creative sushi rolls, wonderful buzz always, attentive servers

Posted 09/18/06

I've been to the Nakama several times and each time i am pleasantly surprised with the quality of food which was preceded by service of which you have to experience to believe. Great bartenders which know their drinks and are always very courteous. Parking has never been a problem either, a block away there is a lot of which i never had a problem getting a spot.
Again i truly recommend you at least try the Nakama at least once and i guarantee you will return and you will tell others like i am doing now.
Enjoy !

Posted 09/18/06

I live nearby to Nakama and frequent regularly. The atmosphere, food, and people are top notch! This is the best Japanese Steakhouse in the area, and the food is always cooked perfectly! The filet is amazing, and the sushi is some of the best in Pittsburgh. Make sure to make reservations on a weekend, cuz it's always hopping at Nakama!!!

Pros: Food, Atmosphere, Cooks

Cons: Slightly Pricy, Need for Reservations

Posted 09/18/06

this is a great place to take a date or a just a great place to pregame before you go out to the bars. The food and drinks are great

Posted 09/18/06

We went with about 12 people one night and had a blast. Started out with a couple drinks at the bar, while being entertained by a magician. His card tricks were amazing. We were seated quickly, which was nice because we only had reservations for 7 people, but slowly added more as the night went on. THe check was great. We asked him to do the volcano with an onion and he knew exactly what we were talking about. THe food was sooo good. Better than any other japanese steakhouse I've been too.

Pros: Shrimp, Appetizers, Drinks

Cons: Parking a little difficult if not using valet

Posted 09/18/06

Nakama has a very classy atmosphere with excellent Japanese cuisine. Watching the cooks perform tricks as well as cook is also an extra perk. Service is also great. Nakama is a great place to eat whether you're on a date, or with a group.

Posted 09/18/06

Nakama is one of my favorite Japanese spots in Pittsburgh. Their Halaki Roll is AMAZING and they have great lunches, too!

Posted 09/18/06

Nakama is the best restuarant in Pittsburgh!! I have eaten there several times and have had the best service and food each and every time. The serving staff and cooks are friendly, attentive and informative and the food is out of this world. The menu has something for everyone...even vegetarians! I highly recommend Nakama!

Pros: Sushi and valet parking

Cons: small bar area

Posted 09/18/06

My husband and I had date night every other thursday before our daughter was born. Now we have family date night, we love the sushi and atmosphere ( and the saketinis don't hurt) and our 4 year old loves to eat with chopsticks and watch the chef prepare her dinner. The hibachi is fabulous, the service well timed, the sushi is by far the best in the "burgh" and the fun we have is a family is priceless. Thank you Nakama, we will keep coming back again and again.

Pros: greeat place for people of all ages

Cons: there are no cons

Posted 09/18/06

Best sushi in Pittsburgh! I've been to Nakama a number of times - both for lunch and dinner. Service has been great and sushi is always wonderful! Especially the Hanalei Roll!

Posted 09/18/06

I admit, I am writing this for the $10 gift certificate. However Nakama gets my dinner dollars anyway so I am happy to be able to save a few dollars eating at one of my favorite restaurants. I have never visited this site before, so I am glad to write a review based on my experiences. I am not prone to dining out alot but Nakama is one place that I truly love. I have eaten at the restaurant many times and have had a pleasant dining experience each and every time. I am not an expert on sushi and everytime I order, I always ask the a server for a suggestion and they have never led me a-stray!

One of the best features, which many people may find as a negative, is that the restaurant is always busy, always packed, and to me that means its a great restaurant! I would rather wait to eat at a quality restaurant than be the only person at a "greasy spoon".

If you are looking for great food, great atmosphere, a memorable experience, then NAKAMA is the place to go!

Pros: Best sushi in Pittsburgh

Cons: Can't eat there 7 nights a week...

Posted 09/18/06

I've visited Nakama several times in the past 3 months. They have great service, food, and drinks. I eat sushi a lot, but Nakama has some of the best in the Burgh. I highly recommend visiting this place. They have a very large variety of awesome food at a cheap price!

Posted 09/18/06