Nakama, a Teppanyaki grill in the heart of Pittsburgh

Was asked to post this a time or two, so here we go. Nakama is a Japanese steakhouse in the south side of Pittsburgh, commonly referred to as Hibachi. Technically a teppanyaki grill that the meal is served on, was made popular by the large chain Benihana and many places have tried to follow in the footsteps of this legendary chain. When you emulate the best, you better be ready to be compared to them. The restaurant was mixed in amid the chaos of the Southside neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Walking in on a relaxed Sunday, the restaurant stands out as an upscale environment where one may be able to enjoy sushi as well as dinner and a show at the hot tables. After being seated the group decided to start with a round of Sake bombs to warm the engines for a great meal ahead. We then placed dinner orders, which is when I ordered a combination plate of shrimp and steak. I would recommend just getting the steak as my good friend did because you still have the choice of shrimp or mushrooms with the steak meal. After a few more sake bombs the chef arrived at the table wheeling a cart stacked with seasonings, meats, vegetables, everything need for the great meal to be had ahead. The cooking display was nice but the onion volcano was less of a volcano and more of a ball of fire. Not a ton of theatrics were done and the salads were forgotten but with most hibachi restaurants it was a great time with friends being served Asian flavored food. The steak and rice were seasoned well, the mushrooms and vegetables were scrumptious, and a sodium filled soup that tasted good was served. After the meal, our friend said he could put his hand on the cooled down grill for twenty seconds, his hand was taken off swiftly with a time nowhere near twenty seconds. The place is good, not the best hibachi I have had but for the price and location, I would recommend going in for a bite to eat.

All I knew leaving the restaurant was that my stomach was full and I was ready for our weekly house movie night where we went and watched the movie hot summer nights.