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Golden Gai, Pittsburgh, PA

Golden Gai

4.8 (161)
$50 and over
Japanese
116 Bakery Square Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 19 times today

About this restaurant

  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Good for special occasions
  • Innovative
Welcome to Golden Gai, a hidden gem nestled in the vibrant heart of Pittsburgh’s East End, conveniently located in Bakery Square. Step inside and embark on a culinary journey to the bustling streets of Japan with our Izakaya-style dining experience.

As you enter Golden Gai, you’re greeted by the warm ambiance of traditional Japanese decor fused with modern touches, creating an inviting atmosphere that is both chic and cozy. The soft glow of our stunning light fixtures over the intimate dining space, where the wooden bar top that spans the length of the space, and slate accents evoke the charm of Tokyo’s iconic Golden Gai district.

At the helm of our kitchen is Executive Chef Michael Taylor, a master of Japanese cuisine renowned for his innovative approach to flavor and presentation. With a background honed at the esteemed Gi-Jin, Chef Taylor brings his passion for culinary excellence to every dish, infusing each bite with creativity and precision.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Japanese, Izakaya, Creative Japanese
  • Hours of operation
    Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (412) 844-6688
  • Website
    https://goldengaipgh.com/
  • Dress code
    Business Casual

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Menu

Golden Gai's menu was last updated on 9/30/2024.

Starters

  • Edamame

    lime / sea salt

    • Spicy Edamame

      lime / togarashi

      • House Salad

        ginger dressing / pickled carrot

        • Cucumber

          rayu / soy / sesame

          • Miso Soup

            tofu / wakame / scallion

            Bowls

            • Chirashi

              sushi rice / salmon / tuna / yellowtail / ikura / scallop / chive / aonori / daikon

              • Miso Tuna

                sushi rice / sweet miso dressing / cucumber / avocado / furikake / scallion / wakame

                • BBQ Eel

                  sushi rice / avocado / pickled cucumber / sesame / fried scalliosn / Bulldog sauce

                  Nigiri / Sashimi

                  2 pieces nigiri or 2 pieces sashimi

                  • Salmon / Sake

                    • Tuna / Maguro

                      • Eel / Unagi

                        • Yellowtail / Hamachi

                          • Scallop / Hotate

                            • Fatty Tuna / Toro

                              • Salmon Roe / Ikura

                                Maki

                                • Spicy Tuna

                                  • Salmon Avocado

                                    • Yellowtail Scallion

                                      • California

                                        • Spicy Scallop

                                          • Eel Avocado

                                            • Tuna Cucumber

                                              • Toro

                                                Omakase, Maki, & Sashimi Boxes

                                                • Nigiri & Maki Box

                                                  chef's choice: 8 pieces nigiri / 1 maki / 1 sashimi / edamame / ginger / wasabi

                                                  • Maki Box

                                                    chef's choice: 3 maki rolls / 1 sashimi / ginger / wasabi / edamame

                                                    • Nigiri Box

                                                      chef's choice: 10 nigiri / 1 sashimi / edamame / ginger / wasabi

                                                      • Sashimi Box

                                                        Chef's choice: 10 sashimi / edamame / ginger / wasabi

                                                        Last updated: September 30, 2024

                                                        What 161 people are saying

                                                        Golden Gai reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

                                                        Overall ratings and reviews

                                                        Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                        4.8
                                                        4.8 based on recent ratings
                                                        • 4.8Food
                                                        • 4.7Service
                                                        • 4.8Ambience
                                                        • 4.4Value

                                                        Noise • Moderate

                                                        Loved For

                                                        • Pittsburgh / Western PA

                                                          Best Ambiance

                                                        • Pittsburgh / Western PA

                                                          Innovative

                                                        • Pittsburgh / Western PA

                                                          Hot spot

                                                        • Pittsburgh / Western PA

                                                          Most Booked 1000-Point Tables

                                                        • Pittsburgh

                                                          Best Food

                                                        • Pittsburgh

                                                          Best Ambiance

                                                        • Pittsburgh

                                                          Innovative

                                                        • Pittsburgh

                                                          Hot spot

                                                        • Pittsburgh

                                                          Most Booked 1000-Point Tables

                                                        Review summary

                                                        AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                        Golden Gai offers an "excellent Izakaya experience" with "incredible food" and "creative cocktails." Guests love the "beautiful decor" and "intimate setting." Although some service issues arise, many find the staff "very friendly" and "attentive." The "fantastic" sushi, standout shrimp tempura, and imaginative dishes make it a "must-try" in Pittsburgh.
                                                        161 Reviews

                                                        1. Marla

                                                          Indiana1 review

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined 3 days ago

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 4
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          Food was excellent. It took ten minutes for anyone to come over and introduce us as our server and take our drink order, and at that point we had already decided on drinks and food. There were one or two times when dishes were set on the high ledge in front of us and it was unclear whether they were ours, since no one said anything to us; the restaurant is not loud so surely we would hear them. We had to ask to clarify if it was meant for us or for a server to take to someone else. Maybe that's obvious to the employees but not to first-timers!

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                                                        2. Magee

                                                          Pittsburgh / Western PA2 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined 6 days ago

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          10/10 food was incredible, vibes were immaculate and service top noth. No complaints, will be back

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                                                        3. Janice

                                                          San Francisco Bay Area1 review

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined 6 days ago

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          We had eaten here once before and it was excellent as was this visit. I would have gone with a 4.5 rating if possible for this visit. The Shrimp Tempura was astounding the first tme we ate here. This time the shrimp itself was not as flavorful and was also a bit smaller. I say - raise the price but keep the shrimp quality if that's the case. Started with a spicy cuke dish, followed by sushi, both delish. Then Gyoza - so unique here and fantastic. Saved shrimp to last, because it had been such a showstopper the last time. All-in-all, a great meal and service.

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                                                        4. Jane VIP

                                                          New Orleans / Louisiana30 reviews

                                                          4.0

                                                          Dined 7 days ago

                                                          1. Overall 4
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 3
                                                          great food ... attentive service ... beautiful decor ...

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                                                        5. douglas VIP

                                                          Washington, D.C. Area1 review

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined on July 3, 2025

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          Love this place, not cheap but excellent food and ambiance.

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                                                        6. Edwin

                                                          Atlanta1 review

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined on July 3, 2025

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          It was good overall experience. It’s an intimate setting and staff were very attentive. Solid food and drink selections.

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                                                        7. Betsy VIP

                                                          Pittsburgh / Western PA7 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined on July 2, 2025

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          Wonderful experience. Tried all the special fish offerings and everything was excellent. Very cool decor. Overall a great place.

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                                                        8. Thomas VIP

                                                          Pittsburgh / Western PA37 reviews

                                                          3.0

                                                          Dined on July 1, 2025

                                                          1. Overall 3
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 1
                                                          4. Ambience 3
                                                          Food was excellent. The service was very weak. Not typical for a DeShantz restaurant. Our server appeared discombobulated. It shouldn’t take an hour to broil a piece of black cod. He disappeared for almost 30 minutes until I chased him to see what was taking so long. The remainder of my party already had finished their food long ago. No excuse for a 5:15 reservation when the restaurant was nearly empty. He then presented our check when we wanted dessert. Will likely return but not with the same server.

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                                                        9. Paige

                                                          Pittsburgh / Western PA11 reviews

                                                          4.0

                                                          Dined on June 28, 2025

                                                          1. Overall 4
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 2
                                                          4. Ambience 4
                                                          Service was not great. Server seemed disinterested. First course came out fast and was great waited almost a half hour for main sushi courses. It was like they forgot about us. Server actual asked if someone took our plates away. Like no they never came with the food Not the worst service I’ve ever had. 🤷‍♀️ Food was fantastic. Decor is beautiful it has a great vibe. Would be back all things considered could just be an off night for service.

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                                                        10. Julia

                                                          Philadelphia County12 reviews

                                                          5.0

                                                          Dined on June 28, 2025

                                                          1. Overall 5
                                                          2. Food 5
                                                          3. Service 5
                                                          4. Ambience 5
                                                          We had an amazing dining experience at the counter. Staff was very respectful, amazing ambiance and incredible food. Drinks are great too. We will definitely be back!

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                                                        FAQs

                                                        Golden Gai is rated 4.8 stars by 161 OpenTable diners.

                                                        Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                        1. Home
                                                        2. United States
                                                        3. Pittsburgh / Western PA
                                                        4. Pittsburgh
                                                        5. Point Breeze

                                                        Make a reservation

                                                        2 people
                                                        7:00 PM
                                                        Booked 19 times today
                                                        Google Map for Golden Gai

                                                        116 Bakery Square Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15206

                                                        Dining areas

                                                        Additional information

                                                        • Cross street
                                                          Penn Avenue
                                                        • Neighborhood
                                                          Point Breeze
                                                        • Hours of operation
                                                          Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
                                                        • Price
                                                          $50 and over
                                                        • Cuisines
                                                          Japanese, Izakaya, Creative Japanese
                                                        • Dining style
                                                          Casual Dining
                                                        • Dress code
                                                          Business Casual
                                                        • Parking details
                                                          Public Lot
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