Chaya Japanese Cuisine

02/11/2008 Posted by Nozamaya

I would suggest getting there early, or you will wait for a table. Authentic Japanese cuisine and atmosphere, but at authentic Japanese (Tokyo metro area) prices. The sushi and sashimi are as good as any inland restaurant can be. Overall, I would recommend this place over any other Japanese restaurant in western PA.

Pros: Authentic Japanese cuisine

Cons: Wait for table, a bit pricey

10/19/2007 Posted by pppow

The sushi is great, but other regular japanese food is way to overpriced for its taste. And the waitress is really rude. Avoid going at peak times, you will have to wait for at least an hour to get seating since the place is real tiny.

Pros: Good sushi

Cons: Price and service

04/10/2007 Posted by hrankta

One of the problems with Japanese places in Pittsburgh is that so few have staff that actually speaks Japanese. Chaya is NOT one of these. If you are trying to pick up Japanese and want to try it out on people who 'wakarimasu,' this is your place. Aside from that, the food is excellent. They have an amazing selection of sushi, including the extremely hard to find Toro (fatty tuna). Their dinners offer a lot of food. The only negative I'd say is that the price for Sushi is a bit high for this area, but if you are looking for quality over quantity, Chaya wins hands down.

Pros: Food Quality, Selection, Authenticity, Friendliness of Staff

Cons: Parking, Limited Hours

03/13/2006 Posted by joszwei

Surprised by the 1st (&only) negative review of Chaya, thought I should respond-it's rated so high because it's excellent! Just returned this evening & again were not disappointed. Sure, the proportions aren't what you'll find in Kyoto, but are certainly par for American restaurant standards. The quality, however, is 2nd to none in the area. Also, it's the only place in Pgh that makes their wasabi in house-fresh off the root! Go & decide for yourself.

Pros: wasabi, atmosphere, quality

Cons: oversized miso spoons, ^_^

09/06/2005 Posted by skahn111

We just ate at this place for the first time based on the city search rating. It was awful. Everything. Here is a list of what we ordered: edamame, miso soup, chicken teriyaki, spicy tuna roll, dynamite roll, tuna nigiri, salmon nigiri, and ama ebi. Nothing tasted good, the rolls were real scroungy, the nigiri was thinly cut, and the chicken had an awful consistency. Basically I dont know who rated this place so high but it was awful and we will never be returning.

Pros: Good Parking, Small Restaurant

Cons: Bad Food, Expensive, Bad Food

08/21/2005 Posted by robyogi

I travel a lot for my job, and we go to many great restaurants while we travel. This place is right at the top of my lists of favorite sushi places in the US. I put it at the top of my list, up there with Nobu. It is no-nonsense, unpretentious, incredibly delicious sushi. I have no idea where he gets fish like this in Pittsburgh.

06/08/2005 Posted by yoshikama

Very good oysters and sushi -- much better than most Japanese restaurants in Pittsburgh. Atmosphere is excellent -- room is well-lit and peaceful.

06/25/2004 Posted by marysze

Twice now, I have taken Japanese visitors to Chaya for dinner -- in both cases, the food, ambience, and staff have made them feel at home, and both visitors actually made that comment. I usually go early to avoid waiting, but even when I have had to wait for a table, it has been well worth it! Some of the Japanese traditional dishes Yasu makes are things I've eaten in Tokyo but have rarely seen in the US. Chaya is way more than sushi! One thing I really appreciate is that Yasu won't serve items that are not fresh enough/ripe enough to make the perfect dish - I know few chefs that are that meticulous!

Pros: Great Value, BYOB, Extensive Menu

05/11/2004 Posted by drmoose

Very small place, very little waiting room. Weekends can have long waits; they do not take reservations. Sushi is excellent and the Japanese food is tasty too. Can be very expensive, but it is worth the money.