Kiku Japanese Restaurant
Categories:
Catering Companies, Restaurants, Sushi Restaurants, Japanese Restaurants, Asian Restaurants
Details:
$$$, Romantic Dining
Editorial by Citysearch
The SceneKiku's decor is based on that essential Japanese design of wood and paper. Lighting is dim enough without being too dark. Available tables are limited and packed tightly, so lower your voices, please.
The Food
This isn't Chinese food, and that's a good thing. Kiku's entrees highlight the subtle uniqueness of Japanese cuisine--it'll surprise you in its accessibility and deliciousness. First-timers should try the Tonkatsu ($14); served with a thick brown sauce, it's like a juicy barbecue pork chop. If you've got more daring tastes, attempt the Sashimi plate: $22 worth of delicate, melt-in-your-mouth fish served raw. There's also a pretty full sushi menu (2 pieces = $3-$6), but let it be an appetizer, the entrees are too good to pass up.
With Friends?
For the perfect group dinner, try the Shabu Shabu ($17 per person). With meat, lettuce, vegetables and noodles tossed in boiling broth, it's like a filling and thrilling Japanese fondue.
The Inside Scoop
- When in Rome - Ordering a domestic beer at Kiku is cheating. If you like light beers, try the Asahi. If you don't like beer at all, sake and plum wine are available.
- Half the Fun - Go for the chopsticks: they're easy once you get the hang of it, and nothing is better for punctuating conversation.
Insider Pages Reviews for Kiku Japanese Restaurant
Consistently good and a cut above other Japanese restaurants. Unique selections, especially the maki are superb. A restaurant to go back to again and again.
Posted 09/09/09 | Report Abuse
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Latest reviews from Citysearch.
Overpriced Japanese Restaurant
by outtamyzone
The atmosphere of Kiku is really nice, very authentic Japanese. The miso soup was really tasty. The regular maki sushi rolls are REALLY small and not filling at all. They are pretty average tasting. The inside out maki rolls are the restaurant's speciality, and they are quite good, but they are really overpriced. They have some cool combinations and the presentation is nice. Overall, I'd say this restaurant is pretty average for the price charged. I'd rather go to Sushi Kim anyday over Kiku. Better sushi, for much better prices.
Pros: Creative sushi choices, nice atmosphere
Cons: Overpriced, regular make rolls are really small
Posted 01/09/09
Why go to Japan when you can go to KIKU!!!!!
by ronphlf
Kiku is the only authentic Japanese restaurant in Pittsburgh. Don't be fooled by others who serve sushi and other Japanese dishes that have been altered for the "least common" taste. Kiku is the real deal. To find quality of this kind would require you to travel to New York, or as far as Japan. The decor is traditional, sedate and again follows the seriousness the staff puts on maintaining an authentic and traditional Japanese dining experience. The food is absolutely authentic and top-notch. From Chicken Teriyaki, Uniju, to their Sushi, Kiku provides you with the most authentic taste to be found in Pittsburgh. If your adventurous, you can ask for the "Japanese" menu, a menu that has dishes that are traditionally reserved for the Japanese palet. Its all absolutely mouth watering. Sitting at the Sushi bar, you find yourself immersed in the true Japanese experience. They are professional, organized, clean, and efficient. Fish is immaculately prepared in concordance with hundreds of years of tradition passed down through sushi masters from Japan. Cleanliness is paramount. Attention to detail is incredible. They even make their own soy sauce. This place can be a little bit pricey, but like mother always told us, you get what you pay for. I would highly recommend this place for anyone interested in a culinary experience that promises to bring you back again and again. I save my money to eat here.
Pros: Authentic, Immaculate, Precise, Delicious. YUM!!!!
Cons: Well, it's pricey. . . we would always like less expensive....but I go there anyway!!!!!
Posted 06/01/07
Great, fresh sushi
by alrah
My spouse and I absolutely love the food at Kiku. My spouse is a newbie to Sushi and after our first experience there wanted to go back almost every weekend! The presenstation in wonderful and we have yet to have a bad experience with the food itself. Friendly but slow service. Actually, it is usually quite slow but once we get our food we forget that it took forever and that the server isn't that quick to refill our beverages. We have never had a problem being sat quickly and the atmosphere is nice. A welcome change from the hibachi style Japanese resturants planted around the city.
Pros: suchi
Cons: price and service
Posted 03/07/07
Only one word describes this authentic japanese restaurant... AMAZING!
by rscarlett8
We are regulars at Kiku whether dining in or taking out. Kiku is the best sushi restaurant the pittsburgh has to offer... and there is some stiff competition. It is our old standby.If we go out to eat at a new restaurant that we absolutely hate, we will leave early and go to Kiku knowing that we will love it. The house salad with ginger dressing is amazing. The eel and fish is ALWAYS fresh and the service is always accomodating. We always like to bring friends there and if they are not willing to try raw fish, the menu offers a variety of japanese dishes that are quite delectable. So go, enjoy the saki, sushi and salad, oh and don't forget the coconut ice cream, it is out of the world! Even the presentation is fabulous!
Pros: Salad, spacious even when crowded, fresh fish, other options, owners, and the bar tender
Cons: no cons
Posted 02/09/07
okay- bad service, nice settings
by stkbrkr
A decent place for sushi. Yes, Beertram, it IS authentic, although cheap cuts to others posting their thoughts is immature and childish. Wasabi is in every roll and NO, it is not mentioned anywhere, so if you don't like it, heads up. I personally wish Kiku offered brown rice in the rolls (guess once a New Yorker always a New Yorker, right Pommie23?). The service was slow and the staff was hard to understand at times, but the quiet ambiance was very relax. Overall, not a bad place.
Posted 10/05/06
Bad review from an idiot must mean it's good
by beertram
I have never been to Kiku, but after reading pommie23's "bad" review I plan on trying it out... as any good authentic Sushi place puts wasabi on the sushi, doesn't serve brown rice, and would never serve the sushi on warm rice. Pommie, I suggest going back to NYC and eating the so-called pizza there... and if you are allergic to oregano too... I'd suggest mentioning it before ordering the pizza.
Posted 10/04/06
immature comeback
by pommie23
I'm not sure who posted the last message, but after hearing your "snobbish" response that a person ask to remove oregano from pizza, you seriously need to get a life and not post comebacks to people you don't even know. I'm Italian and if you like oregano and thick pizza, which is not "authentic" I wouldn't hold it against you and would allow you to write your comments with no ciritique afterwards. How would a person know that wasabi is in the sushi rolls at Kiku if they don't even mention it? And maybe some people enjoy brown rice- it may not be "authentic" but it's HUGE with many people. NYC has better sushi and nicer people, hands down :)
Posted 08/18/06
Great Restauant
by bonsai_tree16
I have been going to KIKU with my Grandma and Mother for about four years. I have always enjoyed coming here and find it very relaxing. The atmosphere is romantic but I think if you really want your child to experience the taste of Japenese food made right, you should bring them; if your child is around 12. The waiters and waitresses are very nice and easy to talk to, especially around dinner.
Posted 03/19/06
True authenticity with a smile--10 yr customer
by ebruceii
My first hint that Kiku was authentic was that Japanese people eat there. What other sushi place in our city can make that claim? Prices are somewhat lofty, but worth every penny. Leave the kids at home. This atmosphere suits a more intimate, relaxing experience.
They have many delicious entrees like teriyaki chicken to choose from. I have never had anything that was less than top-notch quality and freshness. The maguro(tuna) and hamachi(yellowtail) are to die for!!
The staff always greets you with a smile and works hard to ensure a pleasurable experience. The sushi chefs also greet you with a traditional bow upon arrival and when you leave. Tip them well.
In summary, if you are looking for an authentic Japanese dining experience in Pittsburgh, Kiku is THE place, hands down. It's not some loud, trendy, "Americanized" experience you might get elsewhere. Ten years of fantastic experiences speaks volumes!
Pros: authentic experience, friendly staff, quiet atmosphere
Cons: lofty prices
Posted 02/06/06
User review by scleo
by scleo
Not only the sushi but also you will enjoy the flower arrangement.
Posted 04/27/05
simply the best
by seaurchin1
If you're looking for a serious, authentic Japanese cuisine from sushi that melt in your mouth, to cook-it-yourself shabu-shabu, don't waste your time looking anywhere else.
This place is without peers; where Japanese can be heard spoken by staff and customers. Kampai!
Pros: Easy Parking, All you can eat, Downtown view
Cons: No free parking, Crowded, limited space
Posted 03/07/05
Delicious food, but expensive
by miriya52
This is a great place to go as a group and if you want an expensive classy delicious japanese food experience. We got the japanese-style hotpot, and it was oishii (delicious). Having it as part of a mall is a bit strange, though that was the reason why we even decided to try it. For the money, I think it's worth it, since you get great food and great service
Pros: Great food, Great service, Great atmosphere
Cons: , in a mall
Posted 11/24/04
Awesome!
by gibs
This restruant is THE BEST PLACE FOR SUSHI I HAVE EVER BEEN! The food is beyond words, the service is great, and the employees are extremely nice. Also, THE FRIED ICE CREAM IS TO DIE FOR!!!
Pros: Great food, great service, friendly
Posted 06/02/04
jboogie
by icpunx77
If you know sushi, kiku is it without a doubt the best in Pittsburgh. There is always a wide variety of very fresh fish to chose from. In addition, there is close 20 kinds of rolled sushi to choose from. I would recommend ordering a la carte, and sampling the toro, hamachi, and uni. I would also recommend ordering a roll or two to try, I like negi hamachi. There is also a wide variety of appetizers from the sushi bar too. Just ask the server, or one of the chefs to recommend something. Kiku also offers traditional cooked dishes as well. I would recommend tempura, and teriyaki. Personally, I would just order throughout dinner. Just keep a menu with you. The staff is very knowledgeable and will provide a pleasant, traditional Japanese dining experience.
Pros: Menu, Service, Parking Validation
Cons: Inconsistent service, close seating, Parking
Posted 03/01/03
Pittsburgh's best Sushi
by ajeep8u
Fresh as you will find in this part of the country. Prompt, curtious service. For those who dream of Seattle or LA Sushi... keep dreaming but go here and take heart that you've found the best around. Stick with the common sushi, tuna, salmon, mackerel, eel, whitefish, you will be pleasently surprised.
Pros: Menu Selection, Polite Service, Location & Hours
Cons: Cold Edamame, We're not in Cali, It's in a mall?
Posted 11/15/02