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Kaya

4.7
4.7
2205 Reviews
$30 and under
Caribbean
Top Tags:
Kaya's outdoor courtyard is now open!
There are 3 ways to order: Online, by phone or in person. Join us for a fun, casual outdoor experience. Mon - Thursday 4pm - 9pm or Fri -Sun from 12pm - 9pm.

Once you place an order, you will be notified by text when it is ready to pick-up from our walk-up window on 20th Street. You can choose to sit and relax at one of our colorful outdoor tables, or take it with you. We can't wait to see you!

Located in the heart of Pittsburgh's Strip District, Kaya's cuisine is inspired by the sea and sun, melding fresh, high quality ingredients with bold flavor and alluring preparation.

Executive Chef Marty Sons incorporates the culinary customs of the Caribbean Islands, South America, the Pacific and beyond.

The varied and complex menu and festive tropical drinks have made Kaya an award-winning dining destination for more than a decade.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 33 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Caribbean, Latin American, Jamaican

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri–Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (412) 261-6565

  • Website

    http://kaya.menu/

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Marty Sons

  • Location

    2000 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

  • Neighborhood

    Downtown

  • Cross street

    20th Street

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

What 2,205 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

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  1. O

    Onlynordies

    Pittsburgh

    49 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    49 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always so good! Sitting outside w beautiful weather & incredible food. Loved our waitress!! Can’t remember her name but she was fabulous friendly & so sweet! 8/13 11am brunette. 🤗🤗
  2. GC

    GayleC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server was amazing and knowledgeable of the menu. He had many great recommendations. Everything was delicious.
  3. SS

    SanjaSmalls

    Pittsburgh

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a great place to eat.
  4. JH

    JamesH

    Pittsburgh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Every single food was excellent -- including the carrot and cauliflower paella, the Cuban sandwich, and the beignets as an appetizer -- and the outdoor dining was lovely, the service impeccable.
  5. C

    Cindy

    Pittsburgh

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Kaya has consistently great food. The salads are always fresh and the cocktails are incredible.
  6. TS

    TimS

    Pittsburgh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service were both excellent. A tad noisy and a tad pricey. 100% would visit again.
  7. KM

    KimM

    Pittsburgh

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 2, 2022

    overall3food2service3ambience3
    The kitchen seemed to be having an off day, because dishes we've previously ordered came out pretty lackluster this time. Great drinks though!
  8. MF

    MarkF

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Kaya was an amazing experience! Everything we ordered was delicious and the service was impeccable. The only (minor) issue was that the chips served with the bean dip were a bit soft, likely caused by the humidity (we ate them anyway since the flavors were spot-on).
  9. M

    Mnqqq

    Columbus

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was great. A little bit of a wait but worth it!
  10. TK

    TraffordKathy

    Pittsburgh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Paella was great. Even better next day. Great service. Maybe a little too loud but that’s because we’re old.
  11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Pittsburgh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Elijah was wonderful. He was attentive, pleasant, and had a smile on his face the entire time. The food and drink was wonderful as usual.
  12. NH

    NormanH

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent atmosphere, food and service, Remi was very personable and helpful with suggestions. Food was very fresh, tasty and nice presentation. The only reason for not giving all 5's was the cocktails were quite small for the price. But, will definitely be back.
  13. W

    Whitney

    Pittsburgh

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 17, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    First time. A friend told us her experience was not very good last summer, but we thought we’d give it a try regardless. Our waitress for attentive and friendly. We got the chorizo queso and the conch fritters to start. Both were good. For entrees we got jerked chicken and shrimp pelau both were nothing to rave about. My husband said the jerk chicken had no spice. The blood orange hibiscus cosmo was delicious though. All in all we probably won’t be back.
  14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Pittsburgh

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 15, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    It was pretty good. I would go back. It’s definitely not authentic Caribbean food but it’s ok enough to go back. I was a little surprised at the portion size. I think i was expecting more chicken with the menu saying half chicken.
  15. DD

    DowntownDrew

    Pittsburgh

    216 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    216 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Kaya is place to go for their excellent Tropical Paella. The Crispy Tofu is quite good too. Our server Victoria was friendly & attentive.
  16. H

    Henry

    Pittsburgh

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on July 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    You wouldn't think that transporting yourself to the Caribbean would necessarily be a good idea until you go to Kaya. It's just fantastic, everything about it is pure Caribbean fantasy from the decor to the fabulous Tiki bar drinks. I can't wait to go again.
  17. PR

    PaulaR

    Pittsburgh

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on July 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Our server Pete was great. We each ha paella. My husband had traditional. I had the new shrimp Paleau dish. It was fantastic. The meal came out quickly and was hot. We love taking advantage of the birthday coupons. I used mine. This was the first birthday dinner out in over 2 years. It didn’t disappoint. We will be back soon,
  18. KP

    KristineP

    Pittsburgh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Paella entree was delicious! Mojitos and margaritas are also great!
  19. JM

    JeanetteM

    Pittsburgh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nice atmosphere. Conch fritters the best in this area
  20. RD

    RayD

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 10, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Food and service met all expectation for this visit. All meals were well prepared and fresh. Drink were pricy. However, overall good value
  21. T

    Traveler

    Pittsburgh

    95 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    95 reviews

    Dined on July 10, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience1
    The restaurant was out of their catch of the day. Nothing was substituted. Our waiter was efficient and answered all questions. Food was plentiful and tasty. Kaya was a winner for casual dining.
  22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service!
  23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 10, 2022

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    Have not been back since covid. Great food and friendly experience. Staff was very attentive
  24. HD

    HappyDiner

    Pittsburgh

    106 reviews

    5.0

    106 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ate outside - extremely nice. Food and service was extremely good.
  25. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waiter was so nice and attentive & the food and drinks were amazing- per usual!
  26. S

    Steph

    Pittsburgh

    10 reviews

    2.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 5, 2022

    overall2food5service2ambience4
    Went to Kaya for a late birthday lunch. Food was amazing as always, but the service wasn’t great. Got there at 4 when they opened.. promptly ordered drinks, an app, and entrees. Waited over an hour for our entrees… the server only said that “she didn’t know what was taking so long”.. but we received our drinks and app very quickly. I dine at Kaya regularly, so this was just a one-off experience.. I normally have zero issues with service
  27. v

    vhinpgh

    Pittsburgh

    135 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    135 reviews

    Dined on July 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We eat at Kaya often and never tire of it because the menu is so diverse. Sometimes we get salad and tacos but this time we got two main dishes, seafood paella and salmon, and both were delicious. I notice that grilled fish tacos are sometimes on the menu but sometimes they have only crispy. Not sure why but we love the grilled fish tacos when they have them. And the beers on draft are delicious.
  28. f

    fiji87

    Pittsburgh

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 3, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    Conch fritters were the hit of the table. Everyone's meals were fresh and attractive to the eye. Rainbow salad was very good. I would strongly encourage a reservation for a Sunday. Every table was filled for our whole stay.
  29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 2, 2022

    overall2food2service4ambience4
    I ordered the tropical paella and it had mussels that had clearly turned. They tasted like what a rotting garbage can smells like. It pretty much killed the experience. The meal was immediately swapped out, but the taste of the mussels hung out through dessert. Everything else was pretty great.
  30. GX

    GXOR

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 30, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Ordered a round of drinks, conch fritter app, tropical paella, and fish tacos. An hour later, zero food. Server lies to us saying fried foods take longer. Really? Asked for check on drinks after this ridiculous and horrible experience and walked out. Never having gotten food. Never again, all Big Burrito restaurants are dead to me.
  31. JL

    JanetL

    Pittsburgh

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 28, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    My food was delicious. I was able to order from a full selection of Gluten-free options. The service was excellent. They had a high chair and booster seat for my grandchildren. It was a little too loud for nice table conversation at a table for 7. The music was loud and the restaurant was very full. I will definitely be returning.
  32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Pittsburgh

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 27, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Fantastic service, food was great. Would probably order a different meal if I went back but the salsa was so good and the margarita was strong
  33. RM

    RandyM

    Pittsburgh

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 26, 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience3
    I had the grilled fish tacos, very messy, good taste although a bit hotter than I was expecting. Had the pineapple tomatillo salsa for an appetizer. It was also good, not great, the bean dip would have been better. I think it's time to try a different Big Burrito restaurant. Been to Mad Mex a lot, never had a bad meal there, but the others
  34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Pittsburgh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    2nd time there, experience and dining was still a wonderful time I have been telling all my friends about this place and have plans to go back in a few weeks.
  35. JS

    JohnS

    Pittsburgh

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on June 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Kaya has been a fixture of Pittsburgh's Strip District for some time. We love it--the Caribbean fusion is always thoughtful and tasty and our recent meal was no exception. Seasonal menus and cocktails also shake things up while old standards remain. Service was attentive and responsive. It isn't a quiet space, but we weren't seeking that!
  36. CS

    CarlaS

    Pittsburgh

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on June 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Father’s Day.
  37. ML

    MichaelL

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Staff was great, food was really good, and while there was some noise between the music and conversations of other diners, it didn't detract from my experience
  38. B

    Bethd

    Pittsburgh

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a winner. Great vegan options. Great drinks and appetizers too. Staff always friendly.
  39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Pittsburgh

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Found delicious vegan and plant based options. Great food, exceptional service. Will be back!!
  40. KD

    KellyD

    Pittsburgh

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    There's a reason that Kaya has been around this long. It's excellent. The husband and I went here for our 16th wedding anniversary date, and have gone here for many other special occasions for 22 years. We had the banana rum old fashioned, the corn and lentil beignets, tuna ceviche, jerk chicken, adobo flank steak, and fanguito. Everything was outstanding, fresh, and special.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff temperature check required

FAQs

Kaya does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Kaya also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (412) 261-6565.

Kaya is rated 4.7 stars by 2205 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 33 times today
Google Map for Kaya

2000 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Additional information

  • Cross street

    20th Street

  • Neighborhood

    Downtown

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Mon–Thu 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri–Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Caribbean, Latin American, Jamaican

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Marty Sons

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

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