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Best Japanese Restaurants in Waterfront

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8 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Golden Gai restaurant
1. Golden Gai
4.8
Exceptional(92)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Point Breeze
Booked 17 times today
Golden Gai, located in Bakery Square, Pittsburgh, offers an unparalleled Izakaya experience that transports diners straight to the heart of Japan. Executive Chef Michael Taylor skillfully crafts dishes with an innovative flair, ensuring every bite is a "culinary revelation." The restaurant's ambiance, described as "intimate and inviting," perfectly complements the expertly curated menu. Guests rave about the "unbelievable quality" of sushi and the "artfully designed" space. The creative cocktails and extensive sake selection add to the allure, making Golden Gai a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic Izakaya cuisine. With glowing accolades from patrons, this hidden gem promises a memorable dining adventure.
A photo of SOBA Lounge restaurant
2. SOBA Lounge
4.7
Exceptional(2896)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Shadyside
Booked 30 times today
Nestled in the heart of Shadyside, Pittsburgh, SOBA Lounge offers an unparalleled Asian dining experience, capturing the essence of China, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand with "creative and delicious" dishes. Guests rave about the "flavorful, fresh food" and the "excellent service" that accompanies every meal, making it a favorite for both locals and out-of-town foodies alike. The ambiance, enhanced by its cascading water wall and artistic decor, sets the stage for a memorable culinary journey. With standout dishes like crispy tofu, Korean-style red snapper, and delectable crab cake egg rolls, SOBA indeed "lives up to the hype."
A photo of Gi-Jin restaurant
3. Gi-Jin
4.8
Exceptional(903)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown
Booked 18 times today
Gi-Jin, nestled in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh, offers an unparalleled sushi experience that is both authentic and innovative. This intimate reservation-only gem serves sushi that "melts in your mouth," with creative and fresh nigiri that has diners raving. Patrons consistently describe it as the "best sushi in Pittsburgh," highlighting its high-quality, artfully prepared dishes that even impress those from coastal regions. The dining experience is enhanced by knowledgeable and personable staff who guide guests through a menu filled with vibrant flavors and unique combinations. For sushi aficionados seeking an unforgettable culinary adventure, Gi-Jin is a must-visit destination.
A photo of Social House 7 restaurant
4. Social House 7
4.0
Excellent(1051)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Downtown
Booked 2 times today
Social House 7 in Downtown Pittsburgh offers a top-tier Asian dining experience, celebrated for its "creatively crafted izakaya-style menu" and exquisite sushi bar. This restaurant shines with its authentic Asian fusion that includes an exquisite robata grill, impressing diners with its "fantastic food" and "super fresh sushi." Guests rave about the "exceptional service" and the vibrant, sophisticated ambiance, which features "off the hook" decor and a lively atmosphere. The lychee martini is a standout cocktail that adds to the allure. It's the perfect spot for sharing a variety of dishes, making it a must-visit for Asian cuisine enthusiasts.
A photo of Nakama Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar - South Side restaurant
5. Nakama Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar - South Side
3.9
Excellent(1431)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Downtown
Booked 9 times today
Nakama Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar - South Side is the pinnacle of Teppanyaki cuisine in Pittsburgh, offering an exceptional dining experience with its award-winning flair. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown, Nakama has consistently been hailed as the "Best Japanese/Sushi Restaurant" by Pittsburgh Magazine for an impressive stretch from 2005 through 2018. Guests are treated to a “superb” cooking presentation by talented, knife-wielding chefs who ensure each dish of hibachi grilled steak, chicken, and seafood is “prepared to perfection.” With a lively atmosphere and attentive service, Nakama promises an unforgettable Teppanyaki experience that keeps diners returning year after year.
A photo of Umi Japanese Restaurant restaurant
6. Umi Japanese Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(721)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Shadyside
Booked 6 times today
Umi Japanese Restaurant in Shadyside, Pittsburgh offers an unparalleled Sushi dining experience that combines authenticity with modern flair. Guests rave about its "best sushi in the world" and the "creatively prepared" dishes that are "seasoned to perfection." The restaurant's omakase menus are a standout, providing an exquisite journey through Japanese flavors that rival even high-end Tokyo establishments. Umi's "superb service" and "thoughtfully executed" presentation elevate each meal into a memorable occasion, making it a top destination for sushi enthusiasts. Whether celebrating a special event or simply seeking extraordinary Sushi, Umi promises an evening of delightful culinary adventures.
A photo of OTARU restaurant
7. OTARU
4.8
Exceptional(266)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Mt. Washington
Booked 13 times today
OTARU, nestled in Pittsburgh’s Mt. Washington neighborhood, offers an exceptional Kyoto-style dining experience that captivates the senses. Renowned for its “beautiful preparation” and “high-quality ingredients,” this restaurant brings the authentic flavors of Kyoto to life. Diners rave about the “magnificent meal” and the “fresh, delicious sushi,” which provide a taste of traditional Japanese culinary art. OTARU’s minimalist elegance creates the perfect backdrop for enjoying dishes like the “OTARU course and OTARU experience,” showcasing the depth and richness of Kyoto cuisine. With stunning city views and impeccable service, OTARU promises a memorable journey into the heart of Japan’s gastronomic excellence.
A photo of Benihana - Pittsburgh, PA restaurant
8. Benihana - Pittsburgh, PA
3.9
Excellent(1586)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Downtown
Booked 23 times today
Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Nate
    Pittsburgh •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Food was amazing! The waitress recommended the eel hand roll and it was our favorite. Every dish was delicious and full of flavors. The drinks were very good as well. They gave us a free edamame appetizer for having to wait but it was all well worth it. Very cozy and intimate setting. Best seafood and sushi I’ve had in the city. Highly recommend.
    More info
    Gi-JinPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese• Downtown
    •
    4.8
  • SallyVIP
    Pittsburgh •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Valentine’s Day dinner. The food was yummy as always. I was impressed by the service. It was a very busy night but we had a very typical wait times for drinks, the hibachi etc. Our sever kept up with drink refills, to-go container requests etc. A pleasant experience and nice start to the rest of our evening.
    More info
    Nakama Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar - South SidePrice: Moderate• Japanese• Downtown
    •
    3.9
  • Ryan
    Virginia •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We went for the Valentine’s Day dinner. The food was thoughtful, the drinks were creative, the service was attentive, and the ambience was electric as a result.
    More info
    Golden GaiPrice: Very Expensive• Japanese• Point Breeze
    •
    4.8
  • MauriceVIP
    Pittsburgh •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    I went to Soba for my birthday celebration. The service was warm and welcoming. The absolutely delicious, high quality food was served in ample portions. The cocktails were wonderful and creative. We tried things from every section of the menu and everything was a success. Soba has landed high on my "Return to" list.
    More info
    SOBA LoungePrice: Expensive• Pan-Asian• Shadyside
    •
    4.7
  • Joe
    Pittsburgh •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 24 Jan 2025
    Great drinks and menu options. Spice levels were high, but appreciated!
    More info
    Social House 7Price: Moderate• Asian• Downtown
    •
    4

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