Nakama Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar

Nakama was such a wonderful experience, I had been a bit reserved about going, because I didn't like Japanese food, but a trip to Nakama is now my absolute favorite meal! I've gotten the Kobe beef every time, and have never been disappointed. The staff is both professional and entertaining, and the restaurant is beautiful and welcoming, a great place for an exciting sit down meal, or just for drinks at the bar. I have no complaints and can't wait to go back again! more

My boyfriend was in town and he is a huge seafood/sushi fan. I've heard about this resturant from some friends who raved about their grill tables and suggested it to me. Unfortunately, I called too close the to time we wanted reservations (they wouldn't be able to get us a grill side table until 10), but luckily we were still able to get a bar side table. Even though they were very busy, the waiter was extremely friendly, and even took the time to explain some of the different choices. Our dinner was amazing! We ordered a sushi platter and Red Tobiko (which I highly recommend). My boyfriend already said that the next time we are in town, he definitely wants to go back, and if it is up to his standards, then I know it is good. \r I have no complaints about this resturant, everything was excellent; just if you plan on going, make sure you make reservations ahead of time--it's not a secret that this is the best japanese resturant in town! Pros: Service, Selection, Great Food more

Nakama on the South Side of Pittsburgh is the best sushi place. Their unique and tasty appetizer salad is to die for. I can't wait to go back to Nakama and devour their Hawaiian rolls again. They are amazing! Pros: Ambience more

I have been to Nakama twice both times were for a birthday celebration. I loved it the food is great the people were very friendly. My children loved it my husband said it was one of his best birthdays. more

Just love this place. We choose it for all special events. One of our favorite places for sushi. We go at least once a month. Pros: Food more

Ive been to Japanese restaurants all over the country and Nakama takes a back seat to none of them! Outstanding sushi, terrific entrees prepared in an entertaining fashion, and fabulous drinks. great place to take your children, as well. Love Nakama! Pros: Food is always great. Cons: Crowded if you go at the wrong time more

we go to your restaurant a few times a month. although all of your food is exceptional, we especially enjoy your sushi bar. The sushi is always fresh and the chefs are very friendly. The atmosphere is always good, with plenty of people to talk with and just hang out. Pros: atmosphere and sushi Cons: crowded on weekends. no sushi bar seating more

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. \r \r 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 more

Before I moved to Pittsburgh, a friend took me to Nakama. While there, I signed up for their VIP club or whatever they call it. After spending considerable amounts of money there in the sushi bar, they sent me a $20 gift certificate for my birthday. When I tried to use the gift certificate in the sushi bar, the waitress would not honor it. She told me that it was only good for ""dinner,"" and ""dinner"" was only served in the ""dining room."" I was shocked. When I eat sushi in a ""sushi room"" after 6 pm and pay way too much for it, I call it dinner. The waitress, seeing how angry I was, gave me $10 of the $20. When I complained to the manager, she agreed that it was not ""dinner"" and refused to honor the other $10. She told me that they have a lot of customers and they don't complain. I took this to mean that, as they have so many people coming through the door, my concerns did not matter. I have not gone back to Nakama. (Tonight I plan on spending at least $150 at Chaya on Murray Ave.) Since then, my friend got two cases of fd. p'ing. after eating sushi at Nakama, and everyone I've talked to agrees that the food quality has really slipped. The management (who are not Japanese, no one who works there is Japanese unless they hide them all in the kitchen) seems more concerned with attracting people who don't know their Japanese food and think that valet parking and a bathroom attendent give them some degree of social status. Keep paying for those over-priced rail drinks, people, because I predict word will get out. All in all, I've gotten better sushi and better service at a self-described sushi restaurant in Iowa. more

Nakama is for the 21-41 crowd looking to ""mingle"" and to see and be seen. If it is an appetite that you are looking to satisfy, then Nakama has a pretty extensive menu. Whether it be sushi or the habachi grill there is something for everyone--and if you pay attention, you can find some good deals i.e. Bobs special for $19 on Tuesdays (I think that's the right night). For me, I get sick everytime I eat the grill items--so I stick to sushi. My husband on-the-other-hand, never has a 'problem' and always enjoys his meal. We love their tuna appetizer and for the two of us it's a fun dinner experience. We have gone with parties of 4, 6 and 8 and it is too hard to carry a conversation with so many people due to all of the noise of the surrounding tables and the sizzle, flame and clang of your own. Depending on the chef, the preparation of your meal can be really entertaining or a tad disappointing if they just stare at the grill the whole time. If you do go--sign up for the frequent diner card, they actually do some really good promos and the points keep building. We've gotten some great freebies. Key point: if you have a sensitive stomach, use caution--either way, you might want to hang out for about 1/2 an hour to make sure everything 'agrees' with you. Pros: Good sushi Cons: Very noisy more

Nakama Japanese Steakhouse did not honor our reservation in a timely fashion on June 10, 2006. We had to wait 35 minutes past our arrival at 7 pm. Even with that delay, we had to continially request to be seated. The food was slightly above average. Our waiter and chef were helpful to special diet needs (low sodium). The management and hosts were unhelpful and surly. While waiting to be seated we had to beg for someone to take a drink order. Needless to say, we won't be dining there again!\r Pros: Tasty, above average food; chef was a good entertainer. Cons: Ambiance, way too dark & noisy, smoky more

I have travelled all over Asia and I love Asian cuisine. Nakama is more of a fusion of Japanese food with a little bit of American touch. The food is wonderful, the hibachi sometimes is great other times is above average... Some chefs are great, some are so/so. The price you pay is a bit high for the quality of food you get. Again its great but if you are used to eating good Japanese food (LA, NYC, Chicago, etc...) then this will seem average to you. Consider Sushi Tomo on McKnight for great Japanese food and great prices. more

Nakama is a great addition to the South Side. With the bar in the front and Hibachi tables in the back, it provides a complete dining experience. As soon as you walk in you are greeted by a fantastic island bar that is chalk full of beautiful people. The chef for our table was less than exciting, but I believe he was in training. Also, the place is a bit loud to have conversation with anyone beyond the people sitting directly next to you. However, the food was delicious and everyone had a great time. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for an exciting dining experience. Pros: Food, Beautiful People, Restaurant layout Cons: Loud, Hit or miss on Chefs more

This Japanese steak house and sushi will delight you. The habachi cooked meals are prepared before you eyes. The experienced chefs make it a fun evening. Start out with some delicious sushi and you will have a great meal. more

Nakama has good food and an even better atmosphere, located right in the Southside. Sushi is good, but the restaurant really specializes in hibachi. Waitstaff is quick and friendly. more

After spending $130.00 for two people, I left Nakama wondering what all the fuss was about. As I was rudely informed by the Maitre D', Nakama is the ""hottest place in the South Side"". I guess this will always cause me a bit of confusion. Do yourself a favor, if you're looking for great sushi, there's a restaurant also on Carson St that will deliver in their promise of great food and great atmosphere. Cons: parking, too loud, disappointing more

From seasoned sushi veterans to hibachi novices, there is no better place than Nakama. Their Happy Hour special include half-off appetizers, sushi rolls and drinks! I would particularly reccomend their Catarpillar Roll, the Calimari Steak Tips and their delicious Chocolate Martinis. PROS: Beautiful environment and great service. CONS: A little on the expensive side, but worth it. more

I have never had a bad experience. We use nakama for all of our family and friend get togethers! Not only is the food great but the service is always prompt and friendly. I highly recommend Nakama to anyone interested in a great meal and a great time! more

I have eaten at Japanese steakhouses all over. Nakama was one of the best meals. The sushi was fresh and perfect. The chef was entertaining, friendly and professional. He cooked a perfect medium rare steak for one of our party as well as my scallops and shrimp being ""just done"". I was only disappointed with the fact that we had to wait for the table to fill before we proceeded. Parking was hard to find. Dinner for three was pretty pricey. This is a special occasion treat. Pros: fun chef, great food, good waiter Cons: crowded area, too smoky, expensive more

My husband and I chose Nakama from the internet! We drove from Ellwood City to go there & it was well worth the drive! The Cook was exciting and funny to watch and the waiter made us all feel welcome even those of us who had to save a few weeks to afford the night out! Drink prices were normal for the City and They got us in quite fast! After going to their competion and getting snubbed and waiting 1 1/2 hours to be seated this was a godsend! Thanks Nakama for making my anniversary even more special! I will bring my kids the next time! Pros: valet parking, Entertaining Cooks, good food Cons: Drink prices, Food Prices, Location more