Thanks to the newest song of the summer from Harry Styles, “Music for a Sushi Restaurant,” we’ve been craving sushi – and a fun place to enjoy it! On a warm summer day, there’s really nothing better than a plate full of tasty, fresh sushi (with some wasabi to kick up the heat, of course). If you’re craving sushi too, you’ve got to check out some of our favorite places to order sushi – and typically a ton of other staples of delicious Asian cuisine – here in Pittsburgh:
Mola
East Liberty
Mola is a passion project of Alex Tang and Mimi Lee, whose dream of opening a restaurant that shares “authentic, delicious Asian foods” is happily a dream come true! At Mola, you can enjoy small plates, bao, and rice bowls along with an extensive sushi menu that includes nigiri, sashimi, hand rolls, and cut rolls. They also have a tasty beverage menu with cocktails, wine, and beer along with non-alcoholic teas and boba – and don’t forget dessert!
Umami
Lawrenceville
Tucked away on top of Round Corner Cantina in Lawrenceville is Umami, an izakaya – or Japanese pub – that is dedicated to the delicious umami flavors found throughout their modern Asian menu. Pick from a wide range of sushi, ramen, robatayaki (charcoal-grilled skewers), and other tasty snacks like gyoza and takoyaki (AKA fried octopus balls). They also feature an extensive sake menu to enjoy with your meal!
Andy’s Sushi Bar
Strip District
Andy’s Sushi Bar is a hidden gem inside Wholey’s Market in the Strip, and true sushi fans need to pay a visit to Andy to get their hands on some of the best in the ‘Burgh! With tons of a la carte options as well as combos and traditional appetizers, you can find some of the best variety in the city – and some of the best prices, too! Plus, you know it’s some of the highest-quality fish you can procure in Pittsburgh because it’s straight from Wholey’s.
No. 1 Sushi Sushi
Downtown
Downtown lunch, dinner, and catering spot No. 1 Sushi Sushi is a popular spot in the city for fresh, flavorful sushi – whether you want a standard favorite or a unique house special! It’s a tiny spot, but it’s well-known among sushi lovers for great quality, reasonable prices, and a straightforward menu that focuses on the classics, along with some memorable specialties. Stop by for a quick lunch or pick up a catering order for the ultimate sushi party!
Umi
Shadyside
Trendy, tucked-away Shadyside spot Umi is the perfect spot for a date night – especially if your date is a sushi lover! Though decorated with traditional Japanese art, at Umi you can expect contemporary service and modern Asian cuisine that incorporates classic sushi with eye-catching fusion dishes. Guests can choose between a family-style dinner for two or either a seven- or eleven-course omakase, and if you’re still hungry (which would be impressive!), you can order extra plates a la carte.
Sushi Bomb
Robinson
Listen: obviously quality is of the utmost importance when it comes to sushi. However, if you’re looking for quality and quantity, there’s no place better than Sushi Bomb – an all-you-can-eat sushi joint! While you certainly can order a la carte and even to go, most of Sushi Bomb’s fans come for the unlimited sushi, salad, sides, appetizers, and even desserts!
Nakama
South Side and Wexford
You probably already know Nakama for being one of the best hibachi restaurants in Pittsburgh, but make sure you don’t sleep on their sushi menu! For the tastiest balance of hot and cold, pair your hibachi-style meal with a delicious roll (or two) and enjoy all that Nakama has to offer. Pro tip: check out their happy hour for deals on cocktails and $5 sushi rolls!
Atarashi
Oakland, UPMC Presby, North Fayette and South Hills
You may remember Sushi Fuku, but the now-named Atarashi restaurants (which is “an ode to the Japanese word for new and up-to-date”) offer some of the biggest variety of sushi in the ‘Burgh, including the ability to custom design your own rolls! Just pick your fillings and watch as Atarashi’s sushi experts wrap up sushi or prepare a custom poke bowl or bento box with the exact flavors you’re craving.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.
Thank you for posting this list. My wife & daughter, & I are big fans and order in or go out for sushi at least once every other week. However, I respectfully disagree with your choice of Nakama in Wexford. We’re eaten there a few times. Its ok. We prefer Yama Sushi in Seven Fields. It’s a little further north, but has what my family & I feel is superior sushi. The fish is always fresh and of the highest quality. I recommend trying it.