Nakama Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar

We have been to Nakama three times now and love it. The tuna and scallops are the best I've ever had. It can be VERY busy on the weekends after about 7:00 so we go early. We also try to get Mike as he is very entertaining. Pros: fresh food cooked well Cons: can be busy and noisy more

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 more

I got the email too about getting a $10 certificate, but I decided to be honest instead. The last time I was there was in December for my friend's birthday. She had a reservation, and it was an hour and a half after her reservation that we were even seated. It was extremely crowded in the little waiting area, very uncomfortable, and the wait staff was extremely rude to us. I was late to a Christmas party because the whole ordeal took almost three hours. If we didn't have a reservation, I could completely understand that, but an hour and a half WITH a reservation is quite ridiculous. Like I said, the wait staff didn't help our moods, either. I'm sure they were stressed, but they still need to act professional. The food is great, but I've had no desire to go there since. Pros: delicious food Cons: long waits, rude wait staff more

I recently ate at Nakama, and the service was outstanding. The sushi was to die for and I will definately be returning soon! Pros: Ambience and Food more

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.\r 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.\r Enjoy ! more

This restaurant has great hibachi and a sushi bar with lots of variety. Come here on an empty stomach and you will be very pleased. more

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 more

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 more

I really do not even know where to begin - I guess in the order that it always happens. The hostess is always very nice, even though you might have to wait for your table sometimes (the time they tell you always is more then the time we actually wait which is always good), it is WELL worth it. The atmosphere is trendy and Nakama is THE place to be on the South Side. I don't know of another place in the 'Burgh that is like this. The servers are always very knowledgeable and helpful. Now on to the best part the GREAT FOOD. I will list my favorite things- for appetizer go with the Spicy Tuna or Chicken Egg Rolls(these are not at all tasteless and nasty like the neighborhood takeout)- For Sushi I would always go with the Spicy Tuna Roll or Shrimp Tempura Roll, but there are so many. For Dinner I go with either the Kobe Beef Tips or the Bobs Triple Combo(Especially on Tuesdays), but there are so many other things that are amazing. The sides are wonderful; the salad and THE DRESSING is out of this world. The soup is delicious, the mushroom or shrimp appetizer that is included with the meal is great, The vegitables and rice are good as well. I mean everything is top notch and the value for the price you get so MUCH food. The Chef is always very entertaining and a great part of the atmosphere. \r \r Simple said Nakama is an AWESOME EXPERIENCE, you will go home absolutely stuffed and thinking man when am I going to be back. \r \r Oh yeah and always use the valet, it might not be the quickest on the busy nights but its the best thing to do. \r Pros: EVERYTHING more

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!!!!! more

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! more

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. more

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. more

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. more

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 more

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 more

I just wanted to say how wonderful your restaurant is. I have only been there once and can not wait to dine there again. I was very impressed with your food. Also the cooks were wonderful and entertaining. Your sauces that you make are absolutley divine. \r It has been the first time in a long time that I had a steak and didn't need to use A1 sauce because the flavoring was exquisite.\r I can't wait to bring my oldest son in. I think he would be very entertained and would really enjoy himself and the food.\r \r Thank you\r Kelly Bartello more

Nakama has a great atmosphere and fabulous food. The upscale bar offers a great spot for happy hour drinks, while the restaurant offers the traditional steak house experience. Either way Nakama is a place worth checking out! more

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!\r Thanks Nakama! Pros: Great music, staff, food and unique drinks! Cons: Got fairly hot in the reastaurant in the summer. Unbearably one night. more

Look, quite simply, this is a top place to eat in Pittsburgh. Our server was outstanding. I had so many questions and she was right there to help with each one despite being very busy. The show was fascinating to watch and the food was just incredible. I thought I wasn't big on this style, but my shrimp was delicious, my steak was perfect and the rice was flawless. We also got an appetizer on our visit which was the perfect size for two. My girlfriend and I chose Nakama after our 3 hour drive to town and we didn't regret one bit of it! In fact, Nakama is now the place we PLAN on going every time we're in Pittsburgh. I think if you don't like this place, you're missing the point of great food and great atmosphere. \r \r To end, I had a few more questions after I left about tipping and such and I had the friendliest, most helpful email response I've received from anyone. This place works hard to be great and they are just that: great. Pros: Food, show, fantastic service Cons: southside traffic at night more