Nakama Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar

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! more

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

Ever since Nakama and the big orange fish atop it's roof were introduced on Carson Street, South Side Pittsburgh, it has been a frequent stop of mine. Whether the occasion be a birthday, date, or group outing with friends, Nakama has always lived up to its outstanding reputation. Although I have been to other Japanese Steakhouses, Nakama offers a comfortable atmosphere with a wealth of food and drink options other Sushi Bar's don't. I have recently started attending lunches at Nakama, and I have fallen in love with the awesome portions! For lunch Nakama presents its customers with the same great food, but with a much smaller check! Great place to bring out-of-towners! Cons: Parking, Reservations more

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! more

Who cares about a $ 10 reward for saying what we feel -- Noone is going to write something we don't absolutely feel is true. Why would we stay on the Nakama email list ?? We love the food and service -- that's why ,,,The gift is just a promotional reminder to do the right thing. Pros: servers are great Cons: parking tough to find if go late -- friday night is to crowded. more

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

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. \r \r We cant say enough about Nakama. We highly recommend trying Nakama today!!!! Pros: FOOD, SERVICE, AMBIENCE Cons: I can't say one bad thing!! more

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! \r 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!!! more

From excellent hibachi to superior sushi, Nakama is one of the best places to eat or drink on the Southside. Nakama is sure to fulfill your appetite. Pros: Excellent food, Excellent Sushi Cons: Eating here my cause you not to eat anywhere else. more

I love everything about Nakama. I love the steak, the appetizers and I love the way that a large party can sit at the same table! Pros: everything else Cons: Parking, cost more

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! more

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! more

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 more

Nakama is by far the most fun, friendly, and delicious restaurant in Pitt. The staff is always friendly, the food is great, and even when it gets crowded, they always find room and have awesome service. I highly recommend. more

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 more

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!!!! more

Recently I celebrated my 30th birthday @ Nakama. Nakama was able to accommodate a table for 20 of us. I can't tell you anywhere else in town that can pull that off at one large table. It was a crowd pleaser for several other reasons. First is the obvious, the chefs are fun to interact with. Second and more import is the food. My girlfriend is real picky, so she went the chicken route. Several others just had sushi. I had sushi and a steak. The food is great and can be appropriate for the pickiest eaters and adventurist a like. Great time at a great place! more

I went to Nakama a little while ago to celebrate my boyfriend's brother's birthday. The atmosphere was fun and suiting for large parties! My boyfriend hasn't stopped talking about it since! We will actually be going for his brithday next month! Sure it's dark, and a little noisey, but what restaurants aren't any more. It didn't bother me in the least! I actually enjoyed the fact that it was a little loud - It made me feel like everyone there was really having a good time!\r \r Everyone really enjoyed the food, the chef, and especially the drinks! I will be expecting a similiar experience next month!\r \r All and all, Nakama's a great place to get dressed-up a little, enjoy a fun atmosphere and great food! Pros: Fun atmosphere, great entertainment, great food and good service! Cons: Parking is hard to come by & food is expensive but well worth it! more

Best place around and its great for the kids. the food is excellent and the service is outstanding.I wish I could eat there all the time. Tim Zola Pros: food service Cons: parking more

Nakama is by far is the best restaurant in Pittsburgh!! This restaurant has a trendy atmosphere, has professional and friendly servers/hosts and the chefs are not only very entertaining, but take the time to educate you about the food and their craft. More importantly, the food is DELICIOUS!! I frequent Nakama and have had a WONDERFUL experience every single time I have been there and will continue to visit this restaurant. HIGHLY RECOMMEDED!!! more