Nakama Japanese Steakhouse

I have been to many "top" restaurants and none can compare with Nakama. The food is great, the service is great and there is a nice atmosphere. I drive 35 miles to get there and its worth it!

Posted 09/17/06

I've eaten at Nakama a few times and every time is great. I am entertained ever time I go there. It is a great place to go for a romantic dinner, out with friends, or a business dinner. Overall, Nakama is a great dining experience and I recommend it to everyone.

Pros: Everything was great

Posted 09/17/06

My family and I (9 adults and 5 children)visited on a Sunday evening following a Steeler game and were very pleased. The waitstaff and chef were extremly firndly and family oriented. The food was outstanding and the prices were very reasonable.

I would definitely recommend this establishment to anyone looking for EXCELLENT meal and a GREAT time.

Pros: Ambience, Service

Cons: NO CONS!!!!!!!!!

Posted 09/17/06

This is one of the best places in Pittsburgh to go celebrate a birthday or any special occasion. Nakama has wonderful food and atmosphere. I have been there at least 10 times and it is one of our favorite places to go have fun, drink and eat.

Posted 09/17/06

Nakama is by far the best Japanese Steakhouse I have ever been to. The food is excellent and the service is friendly and quick! This is the resturant I pick on special occasions like birthdays and anniversarys!! I promise if you go to Nakama you will NOT be disappointed!!

Pros: Great food and service

Cons: NONE!

Posted 09/17/06

Nakama is my absolute favorite place to eat. The service is great. The chefs are very personable and entertaining!!! Most of all, the food is incredible!!! Always a pleasurable experience. Always looking forward to going back!!!!!

Posted 09/17/06

Fresh, quality food and the best service in Pittsburgh. Every time I go to Nakama I buy sushi and a dinner entree, but I end up with delicious leftovers that go to work with me the next day. While my co-workers are chewing on hot pockets and lean cuisines, I'm feasting on sesame chicken with sides of fried rice, mushrooms and vegetables. The staff has been friendly and helpful on every visit. Must do's: Sign up for the VIP rewards program; check your mail for valuable coupons; get valet parking; teach your friends how to use chop sticks. ENJOY!

Pros: Food, service, entertainment

Cons: Parking...get valet!

Posted 09/17/06

Nakama's environment is very friendly. The customer service is excellent. From waitresses to chefs, we were treated like royalty.
The food is also always served perfectly to order specifications. The chefs are well trained and it shows in the way that they pay attention to your requests. They aim to please and my wife and I are always pleased.

Posted 09/17/06

I have been to Nakama's many times, enjoyed everything about being there. Good food,great tricks,the service. The employees were very helpful in whatever we needed. I never waited for "another beer" and that is a real plus!! The bathrooms were very clean and the attendant was very pleasant and caring. I recommend Nakama's highly, It's the best around!!!!

Pros: Location, parking, service

Cons: None

Posted 09/17/06

Nakama is an excellent resteraunt I have never had a bad meal there. Definetly the best sushi in Pittsburgh

Posted 09/17/06

We had never been to Nakama and I made reservations online for my husbands birthday. We arrived 45 minutes early and were seated right away. After our salad, the chef came over to cook and the grill was not ready to cook our table's order. The waiter took it upon himself to talk to the manager and we were given a discount on our bill for only waiting an extra 10 minutes. We then in turn gave the waiter our discount for the excellent service we had recieved. I can't wait to return and take our kids. LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pros: SERVICE, ambience, friendly personnel

Posted 09/17/06

This restaurant is my favorite when I travel into the city. If you want to eat there on the weekends (or on a busy week night), be sure to have a reservation. There's a wide selection of hibachi and sushi. They have food for every kind of eater. Parking is always hard to find on the South Side, so be prepared to drive around a bit (if the valet is full).

Posted 09/17/06

I've eaten at every Japanese Steakhouse in Pittsburgh. Nakama is the Best. Their food is consistent and their chefs are always very skilled and entertaining. The wait staff caters to your every need throughout the meal (this is where most other Japanese Steak Houses fall flat, they usually meat you, seat you, and after providing your beverage choices, you scarcely see them until they present you with the check!) Nakama is always my family's FIRST CHOICE.

Pros: Great food! Great service!

Cons: On street parking is the only drawback.

Posted 09/17/06

Wonderful restuarants. Splendid atmosphere with food being cooked in front of you. Waiters are excellent and food is incredibly delicious.

Pros: wonderful place to dine and unwind

Posted 09/17/06

I have lived in Pittsburgh my entire life, and even though it is still relatively new, Nakama has surpassed everywhere else I have ever eaten and is most definitely my favorite. Whether I go for sushi or hibatchi, everything is always spectacular. The staff is always friendly and VERY knowledgable about everything on the menu. They have gone so far as to alter ingredients in a meal because I was allergic to what was supposed to be in it! Also, as far as the sushi is concerned, it is the best sushi I have ever eaten. I have had sushi in New York City and Los Angeles, but the sushi at Nakama is by far THE BEST. And the staff is always asking if everything is ok, and if it just so happens that you end-up not liking something, they will do anything and everything they can to make sure you end-up leaving happy and having eaten way too much. It is one of the few places I have ever been where the owners truly care about everything. Happiness, quality, safety, atmosphere, reputation....etc..... And, for the quality of food and service, it is VERY affordable. There are items on the menu even college students can afford. Point blank: I love it, and always will. You'll even find me there on my birthday. :-)

Pros: Literally everything.

Posted 09/17/06

I enjoyed watching the chef prepare my meal, along with the interaction between the chef and the customers.

Posted 09/17/06

My family and I love Japanese Restaurants! When we heard Nakama was coming to South Side we were so excited. As soon as it opened we made reservations to go and, I must say, Nakama exceeded our expectations by far. The food is execellent and the service was wonderful! For every special occasion my 10-year old son picks Nakama to celebrate. (Birthdays, good report cards, or just to have some quality parent/child time.) Quite frankly, there are plenty of times where we just look for a good excuse to celebrate so we can go to Nakama! And the specials that they are constantly offering, it makes it very affordable for working-class people to enjoy.

Posted 09/17/06

I used to live across the street from Nakama, and became totally addicted to the great drinks, great food, and awesome service. I've never been in the dining room, but the bar is a great place to eat, chat & people-watch. That being said, it's really hard to get in there at conventional happy-hour/evening times. Best times are in the afternoons for weekends; you get better/quicker service, can actually chat with the bartenders & waitstaff who will improvise drinks & condiments for you, and you don't get pushed around or have to yell to be heard. One more thing - Nakama is expensive! To get your fill of sushi & drinks (martinis, not beer), it's always over $100 for two people. There are other options on the south side that are more relaxing, have more authentic asian food (and not limited to strictly japanese), where you can dine for about half the price of Nakama, though the drinks aren't as good. Still, Nakama points are worth racking up, and the experience is fun. Definitely try at least once.

Pros: Drinks, Sushi, Service

Cons: Noise, crowds, price

Posted 09/17/06

My husband and I treat ourselves to Nakama anytime we want to celebrate. The sushi and appetizers are excellent and the service is great. Nakama is a nice stop for Happy Hour on a summer evening and a cozy setting for a snowy winter night. It's one of our favorite places to eat in Pittsburgh!

Pros: Hawaiian Roll

Cons: Parking

Posted 09/17/06

I've eaten in the most exclusive and exquisite sushi bars from LA to NY. Upon moving to the Southside, I shuttered at the thought of sushi in Pittsburgh! And then came Nakama. Thank goodness. The wonderful fresh scallops and sweet shrimp...the perfection and artistry of the chefs. Yum yum! They make a rose from my tuna and fancy my crab with it. But the freshness and taste doesn't have to be dressed-up. Although I have had different sushi, I have never had better. Also, my favorite chef makes my seaweed salad quite delectable for me (I'm not telling)! I love that the sushi bar is at the front door so you can slide in and slide out without dressing up for a night out. I've always felt like it was my corner diner. I'm sure I should try the rest of the menu, but I am hooked on the sushi, sashimi and sake and eat alone quite a bit. I've been to Shadyside and they have nothing "Um" Nakama!

Posted 09/17/06

Nakama is awsome! My whole entire family and all of my friends enjoy eating here. We mainly go for the sushi, I've even taken my boyfriend who hates sushi to try to persuade him otherwise, and it worked! We've been coming here for the past couple years and will continue to do so. It has a wonderful atmosphere which is great for hanging out with friends on the weekend or celebrating with family. Thanks for all the great food and great service Nakama!

Posted 09/17/06

Nakama has the best social scene in the 'Burgh as evidenced by the long line of people waiting to be seated not only during the weekend but the weekdays as well. The Hibachi grill is excellent. The diver scallops are tender and reasonably priced. My husband, who is usually very picky about trying new places, loves the food as well as the atmosphere. I have to say that the bartenders make the best dirty vodka martini I've ever tasted (they use an imported White Diamond Vodka and i'm sad b/c I can't buy it at the local state store). I've always had impeccable service while dining and I would suggest Nakama for a perfect date night in Pittsburgh.

Posted 09/17/06

Nakama is the best Japanese Steakhouse that I have ever been to. The environment is great and so is the food and service. Everytime I have been to Nakama the experience has been absolutely wonderful.

Pros: Food, Service, Drinks

Posted 09/17/06

Every time I go to Nakama, I enjoy it more and more each time. The food is awesome... I seem to always take some home, the portions are so big. The service is always spectacular and the ambiance is always inviting. Not only do I love eating there, I love drinking there too!! Thursday nights in Pittsburgh belong to NAKAMA!!

Posted 09/17/06

I have eaten at Nakoma a number of times and have hung at the bar area with my friends. The food in unbelievable and it is also fairly reasonably priced for the amount of food you get. The bar area is a nice place to hang out with your friends and drink an assortment of delicious martinis. The atmosphere is great to relax after a hard day at work. Overall I think Nakoma is a great addition to Southside and one of the best places to eat and drink in Pittsburgh.

Posted 09/17/06

Nakama has great prices for japanese food and the quality can't be beat. All of sushi is expensive. I've been to Yokoso in the Waterfront and their prices are even higher. So if you're in the mood for a good price Japanese food Nakama is your best bet. They give out a lot of coupons and incentitives for being a member. Yokoso doesn't do that. The last time I was at Nakama, I forgot my purse. I ran back in about twenty minutes later, and a friendly waiter was waiting for me with it. I was so relieved! Thank you again so much!! I

Pros: Prices, Food Quality. Good ambience, Plenty to do before and after dining

Cons: Resturaunt gives out so many coupons and incentitives they are strict following them

Posted 09/17/06

NOT ONLY DO I FEEL THAT NAKAMA HAS EXCELLENT FOOD, THEIR SERVICE AND WELL AS EMPLOYEES ARE ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL.. SOUTH SIDE HAS IT'S UPS AND DOWNS CAUSE I'VE BEEN HERE LONG ENOUGH BUT NAKAMA IS A PLACE TO BE WHERE THERE ARE NO WORRIES ABOUT THE FOOD OR SERVICE. I GO EVERY TUESDAY AND SOMETIMES TWICE A WEEK. I CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF NAKAMA!!!!!!

Pros: GREAT FOOD, ATMOSPHERE, AND SERVICE

Cons: OH SORRRY, JUST ONE.. ALL THE POP AND SODA THAT COMES FROM THE BAR EVEN THE WATER TASTE REALLY REALLY WEIRD AND NO ONE KNOWS WHY.. ASK MARK

Posted 09/17/06

I've been eating at Nakama since the first day the doors opened. It's the best sushi in Pittsburgh -- I've tried them all. Not only is the food great, but the service is terrific too!

It's a great place to hang out and people watch. There's alway a crowd at Nakama --- they must be doing something right!!

Posted 09/17/06

I recently ate for the first time at Nakama in Pittsburgh's happening South Side...loved it!!! Our chef prepared an excellent meal for us...great atmosphere....sushi was outstanding...and i even enjoyed my beverage with the light-up ice cube! Definately a unique place, well worth it!!!

Pros: great food, especially sushi!!!

Cons: hard to park in the south side...

Posted 09/17/06

WE had a great meal at Nakama. It works out so great because there is such a variety on the menu. So I can have sushi and my boyfriend can eat what ever he likes.

Posted 09/17/06

My daughter adores Japanese food, so I took her and her husband to Nakama for her 34th birthday.......we were VERY pleasantly surprised.
The food was delicious, especially the soup as it was made from REAL beef stock, not colored chicken broth. The gentleman preparing our food was personable and competent.
We had a little wait at the end of the meal waiting for our waitress to bring us change, but as soon as a manager saw we were waiting, he had us taken care of in minutes.
I would HIGHLY recommend this restaurant and intend to go back many, many, times in the future.
Thank you for listening.

Pros: Ambience, Parking, Service

Cons: none

Posted 09/17/06

Nakama has the best sushi that I've had in Pittsburgh. The Hawaiian and Hanalei rolls are to die for. I've had some similar rolls around here but nothing compares to the freshness at Nakama. Nakama also beats some of the best Sushi restaurants in Miami. The sushi chefs are wonderful!!
Five stars!!!

Pros: Great food

Cons: Sometimes hard to get a seat at the sushi bar

Posted 09/17/06

Whenever I have visitors to Pittsburgh I always take them to Nakama. We went last night and had a great time. It was Sunday night and the cook was running behind. To make up for the wait the waitress bought our table a round of drinks on the house. When the chef did arrive he was very friendly and talked with my guests about their trip and impressions of Pittsburgh. Everyone loved the food and can't wait to go back!

Pros: great food and an entertaining show watching them cook

Cons: can be loud so intimate conversation can be difficult

Posted 09/17/06

my friends and I make it a point to eat at nakama as much as we can. The food is great and so is the atmosphere! I must say this is my favorite restaurant around!

Posted 09/17/06

I have been going to Japanese tableside cooking restaurants for years. I have tried all the ones in the area as well as ones while I was traveling. Nakama is my absolute favorite. The food is terrific and the service is great.

I joined the VIP club. I get tons of great discount offers on birthdays and anniversaries.

This is a great restaurant for a special occasions or just a nice dinner.

Our co workers go there for lunches during the week. It's easy to get in and out in a reasonable time period for week day lunches.

Highly recommend!

Posted 09/17/06

I love Nakama! It is a fun place to go with a large group. It is entertaining to watch the delicious food being cooked. Try it ou!

Posted 09/17/06

I have been to Nakama many times, with family, co-workers and friends. The birthday celebrations are great. The service has always been excellent. I have eaten in the dinning room and at the bar. I especially love the beef tips. I would deffinetly recommend this resturant to anyone.

Cons: parking

Posted 09/17/06

Nakama is of the best restaurants I have ever eaten at before. My husband adn i drive over an hour to ome there because its that good!!! Everyone must try it!!!!

Pros: Food is great!

Cons: hard to park on the weekends

Posted 09/17/06

I enjoyed a very nice birthday lunch at Nakama. The service was very prompt, the cook was skilled and entertaining, and the food was very good. It was a nice change of pace from the usual lunch fare. I can't wait to go back with a group of friends!

Posted 09/17/06

Don't trust all the good reviews. Nakama is offering a $10 coupon to anyone who writes a good restaurant review on this site. If that is not out and out bribery, I don't know what is.

That said, I do enjoy the food there but it can get quite crowded, esp. on weekends. Don't even think of showing up unanounced on a Friday or Saturday night unless you are prepared for a 2 hour wait.

Pros: Good food, Lively Bar

Cons: Can be crowded/Noisy at times; Service sometimes spotty

Posted 09/17/06

Wonderful food, service and atmosphere !!!

This was a great experience. The food could not have been better and the service was great as well. We have been to several other Japanese restaurants and Nakama is by far the best !!! I took my mother in law. Need I say more.

Posted 09/17/06

Regarding the email we received to write a review, I have to say that I can not be bought with $10, so for anyone to think that I would lie in a review to receive $10, give me a break. Nakama does have the best sushi in town in terms of consistency, quality, taste, and freshness. It is fairly priced. The bartenders are some of the best in town. They work their rearends off and always have a great attitude. For those of you who have found otherwise, maybe you should try tipping. Over-all, I am always happy to take friends, family, and customers to this great restaurant. And regarding the use of the VIP coupons, they are very accomodating and allow you to use them anywhere in the restaurant.

Pros: great sushi, service

Cons: wish bar area was bigger

Posted 09/17/06

I have gone to Nakama on 2 occasions with my boyfriend. Both times we were greatly impressed with the service and food. I ate at the Hibachi grill and the food was excellent and the show that the server did made the dining experience that much more enjoyable. Everything is cooked to order right in front of your face which makes Nakama a great place to order steak from. I had other people tell me that Benihana's was better and when I finally went there I thought it was dirty and the food did not compare to Nakamas whatsoever. So if you are looking for a place to take your significant other, or even the family.. I highly recommend Nakama!

Cons: parking is a hassle but they do offer valet.

Posted 09/17/06

Nakama is by far the best spot for sushi that I have found in the city. It has a great atmpsophere for casual city dining. Prompt service, friendly, and reasonably priced!!
Highly recommend the key lime pie martini

Posted 09/17/06

These reviews mean nothing!! They are a result of bribes from the owner. If you write a good review you get a $10 coupon!!!!! The food is not authentic Japanese. It's expensive. The "non-smoking" area is smokey because it's right beside the bar with little separation!!

Posted 09/17/06

I am a big fan of Japanese Restaurants and I have been to everyone in Pittsburgh. Nakama is by far the best. The service is excellent, the cooks put on an incredible show, the portions are huge and the atmosphere is amazing. I try to make it to Nakama at least twice a month, if not more. You will not be disappointed. Everything about Nakama is Wonderful!

Pros: Food, Portion, Value

Cons: Parking

Posted 09/17/06

I like Nakama ok, but I think there are many other similar & tastier places to eat for the money.
The skills at the tables are pretty bland although I like the food ok.

See how many of you are selling yourself out for a bribe of $10?
I got this email from the Nakama mailing list today:

"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.c0m 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.c0m, under Nakama, then email me atinfo@eatatnakama.c0m 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.
Thank you!!! "

Pros: Upbeat Atmosphere

Cons: Very crowded at times, parking

Posted 09/17/06

Nakama is one of the best Japanese restaurants in the city. The service is always great and the price is affordable for how excellent the food is!

Posted 09/17/06

I am a devoted Nakama customer, and I can not say enough about how fabulous this restaurant is. I try to make it there at least once every couple weeks. Not only is the food amazing, but it could feed anyone. I have never seen someone leave this restaurant hungry. This is a great place to go with a bunch of friends and just have fun!! Nakama also has a great rewards program which is always sending you promotions. Not only do I love dinner at Nakama, but Lunch is great too!! No matter how often I go, I always want to go back ASAP!!!

Pros: Food, Parking, Ambience

Posted 09/17/06

I've heard great things about Nakama and passed it frequently on my visits to Pittsburgh. My girlfriend, who now resides in Pittsburgh, wanted to go there one day and I agreed we should give it a shot. It so happened to be April fools day and our Chef got played tricks on by the other chef's (he had his eggs replaced, his bottles were filled with other liquids, etc etc). At the expense of his embarressment, he treated us all to some free shrimp and some additional rice. To say the very least we both had a great time. The food was awesome! The environment was great (we went during lunch time and there weren't many people at the time so we got pretty lucky). I reccommend this to anyone who enjoys good Japanese food, good service, and enjoys to eat in a nice setting.

Pros: Fast Friendly Service; Great Food; Good Value

Cons: N/A

Posted 09/17/06