OTARU

Q: Does OTARU offer gift cards?

OTARU does offer gift cards which you can purchase here .

4.8

245 Reviews

$50 and over

Creative Japanese

Make a booking

2 people

31 Jan 2025

19:00

Booked 36 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Great for scenic views
Romantic

Step into the world of OTARU, an enchanting Japanese dining haven nestled in the heart of Pittsburgh. Immerse yourself in a culinary odyssey that seamlessly blends tradition, innovation, and the exquisite artistry of Japanese gastronomy. Our goal at OTARU is to transport you to the bustling streets of Tokyo, offering an extraordinary dining experience that goes beyond the ordinary.
OTARU is more than just a menu; it is a haven where the warmth of Japanese hospitality converges with contemporary elegance. Thoughtfully designed to reflect the minimalist beauty of Japan, our space invites you to indulge in intimate dinners, lively gatherings, and special occasions. Whether you're a seasoned sushi enthusiast or a newcomer to Japanese cuisine, we extend an invitation to embark on a gastronomic adventure with us—a journey where every bite narrates a tale of dedication, culture, and a profound love for exceptional food. Visit OTARU and uncover the soul of Japan through the art of dining.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Creative Japanese, Kyoto-style, Sushi
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(412) 586-5485
Website
https://www.otarupgh.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual

Location
1200 Grandview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15211-1239
Area
Mt. Washington
Parking details
Private Lot
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking, View, Wine

Gift card

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Experiences

Otaru Omakase
US$168.00 per person
Multiple dates available
In-House reservations only Omakase experience. Join us for an exclusive 16-course omakase journey that showcases the finest of Japanese culinary artistry. Every Thursday, we present a thoughtfully curated selection, from exquisite starters to unforgettable desserts, with only 10 seats available each evening. We source the freshest fish directly from Japan, arriving every Thursday morning, ensuring the highest quality and most authentic flavors. Our chefs delight in featuring rare and unique varieties of fish, some of which are not available on the menu—adding a touch of surprise to each course. This Thursday-only experience is designed for those who seek something truly special. Call us on 412-586-5485 to reserve your night!

Offers

Happy Hour
Multiple dates available
Sun - Wed - 16:00 - 18:00
Join us every Sunday through Thursday from 4:00 to 6:00pm for the best Happy Hour! Enjoy half price for all cocktails, glass wine and beers. Bring your friends and make the most of your evenings with us.

What 245 people are saying

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
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

Pittsburgh / Western PA
Romantic
Pittsburgh / Western PA
Great for scenic views
Pittsburgh
Romantic
Pittsburgh
Great for scenic views

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

OTARU delights with "excellent food" and "amazing views," becoming a standout in Pittsburgh's dining scene. Patrons rave about the "fresh and delicious" sushi, exceptional service—particularly from Angela and Noah—and the restaurant's warm, inviting atmosphere. The exquisite presentation and a diverse menu promise a "wonderful dining experience."

245 Reviews

E
Erica
VIP
Pittsburgh
38 reviews
5.0
38 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great first experience here! Our waiter, Anthony, was very knowledgeable and great service. The food and sushi were top notch!
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A
Amber
VIP
New York City
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing experience! This is the best sushi in Pittsburgh. Our waitress Angela was so knowledgeable of every dish and helped us pick some amazing dishes. We went with the chef’s selection of sushi — and every piece was incredible. Highly recommend upgrading to get the Uni and Toro. This spot also has perhaps one of the best views of downtown Pittsburgh. It was the perfect birthday spot. We’ll be back.
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G
Giovanna
VIP
Philadelphia
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our waited Garrett was SO fun and genuinely hilarious. My second time at Otaru and I absolutely loved it! Can’t wait to go back.
1 person found this helpful
B
Breann
Pittsburgh
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Went to Otaru for my husband's birthday and had a very enjoyable dinner. I'd give it 4.5 stars if I could. Our server was attentive without being intrusive and we were seated at the window providing beautiful views. We ordered the chawanmushi and takoyaki as appetizers. Both were delicious and the most memorable dishes of our meal. For our main meal I ordered the Miso Black Cod and my husband ordered the Seared Scallops. Both were good but nothing mind blowing or something I'd say someone needed to try if they told me they were going. I think the sushi is really overpriced for what it is. Is it good? Sure. But $9 for a single slice of unagi sashimi is not remotely worth it. Overall we had a good meal but I'd stick to the appetizers and hot entrees and skip the sushi altogether.
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p
paula
Pittsburgh
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 23 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food and wine were fantastic. Our server, Angela, was attentive and very helpful. Overall great experience!
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Amoghavarsha
Houston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 23 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food and service. We had the Otaru experience which was quite sumptuous.
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G
Gabriella
Pittsburgh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 22 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our server Angela was lovely. She walked us through the menu and provided excellent suggestions. The view of the city was insane and the food came out very fresh and quick. Would definitely go again!
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T
Tamar
Pittsburgh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 20 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
I came here with my partner on our anniversary and was very impressed. Since our anniversary fell on a Sunday night, our choices were limited but google took me right to OTARU when I looked up “omakase in Pittsburgh” and I was excited to try it. This location is a special occasion / tourist destination overlooking downtown PIttsburgh from Mt. Washington. While they do have a good view, the lighting made the windows very reflective. The snow had something to do with this I’m sure. We started with one of the more expensive bottles of sake seeing a how it was our 21th anniversary. I loved it. We were dinking this slowly throughout our meal journey and it paired very well with everything. The complimentary edamame was a nice touch. We started with the yellowtail and jalapeño - a very delicious amuse Bouche served in a round, light, rice cup. Check out pics online. Treasure Box: I appreciated that they let us customize the selection somewhat. The quality of fish was very impressive. One of the standouts was the salmon sashimi topped with ikura. It’s been a long time since I’ve had salmon this good. The concept is sort of a play on the “chicken with the egg” theme, it was very delicious and a cute idea. The fresh wasabi was a game changer overall. We had 2 of the best uni nigiri we have ever had. The Wagu Set was recommended so we went for it. Chawanmushi was not traditional based in the way I know how to make but it made a good accompaniment. I found the flavor (soy?) to be too strong but the texture was excellent. The Wagu itself is grilled by diners at the table. It was very fatty but tasty. The rice that was served with it grilled well in the fat. The restaurant is a mish-mash of several different Japanese restaurant styles and everything is made very well. If you are a tourist to Pittburgh and/or new to Japanese cuisine this will be a great choice for you. If you want good food, this is the best of the restaurants on Grandview right now in my opinion. Xoxoxo
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J
Julia
Miami
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 19 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is easily the best fish in Pittsburgh. All of our food was excellent. Our drinks were also very good and the service was 10/10. Angela was so prompt and knowledgeable and friendly. Can’t wait to come back.
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A
Abbie
Pittsburgh
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 18 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We went to OTARU for my husband’s birthday and it did not disappoint. We ordered two appetizers: jalepeno yellowtail and the chicken gyoza. Both very delicious! My husband ordered a variety of nigiri and I order the OTARU course. All of the fish was fresh, served quickly, and was explained in detail as it arrived to our table. Our server, Angela, was extremely knowledgeable about the menu, gave great suggestions about our meal, and very personable. The view was lovely and overall the service was wonderful. We will definitely be back to visit again!
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FAQs

OTARU is rated 4.8 stars by 245 OpenTable diners.

OTARU does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

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