Ginza Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Pittsburgh

When one finds himself free from the trivialities of life and on the wandering path, one must eat. Like flicking the arrowed spinner on a child's game, one may expect to find Italian, American, or some mix of fusion in the realms of Pittsburgh.

On this given night, I found myself at Ginza having walked past the shop on the way to my parked vehicle. I doubled back...its quiet allure, a single part of 6 males chatting it up and a lone receptionist taking a call. It was type of situation that comes once in a lifetime where the stars align for good food, service, and perhaps one' s own company at a reasonable price.

I was seated quickly and asked for my preference in drink. I opted for green tea. They brought me a menu with an extensive selection of sushi rolls and something that would likely please just about any appetite. I opted for the Strongman Rolls: Soft Shell crab, shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, avocado, fish roe, lettuce...

They served the rolls on a long plate with a few slices of ginger and a pod of wasabi. Soy sauce is on the table and they hand you a small mixing plate with chop sticks and a fork.

The soft shell crab was fried to perfection and the soy sauce achieved the perfect balance of sweet and bitter soy and the wasabi was hot enough to singe the nose hairs but deep enough to know when to quiet its argumentative fervor and and let your taste buds enjoy the meal. God, these rolls were so delicious they would be on my top three dishes for my final meal before a death battle in the nether realm.

The atmosphere is quite neo-soul/alternative. Think soothing soulful instrumentals and Gorillaz. The receptionist took a few calls and maintained her professional demeanor despite the callers not quite understanding how to order while a Door Dash Driver came in and picked up an order while waiting for another to finish. Yet, this venue remained calm and serene.

I ordered the fried cheesecake and Japanese tea ice cream causing my waiter to send back the check he had brought me prematurely. Their green tea ice cream is of the darker variety but nails the flavor on the match mix green teas flavor with the slight hint of sweetness. I didn't even know that fried cheesecake was a thing. They delivered it with a spot of whip cream and magical chocolate and strawberry spotted drizzle.

So delicious...so yummy....

A party of 8 arrived as I exited and it made me wonder how many know about this quiet gem? Well, now you do so the only question is what's...

This is not food related but hospitality related. My boyfriend and I were walking down the street and I needed to sit just for a few minutes for I am 6 months pregnant and I just needed a breather for it is muggy out. We weren't even sitting a minture before a gentleman came out and made us leave. Now I understand that business is business but all we needed was just a few minutes. Their restaurant was not busy and neither were the streets. It's warm and muggy and it looks as if it is going to downpour, no one was going to be eating outside in these conditions anyway. I could understand if we were sitting down for more than 5 minutes or they were busy. However, neither of these were the case. The guy was nice about making us leave, however we will not return...

Ginza is a must try sushi place. The price is right and the rolls are fresh. Not sure where they get sweet, fresh mango in Pennsylvania in the winter but I'm glad they do. All the bases are hit the miso is yummy edamama is salty and the seaweed salad is wonderful. Parking is all on street but that has never been a problem. My favorites are the namesake ginza roll, with the mango savory and a touch of sweetness, and the aloha roll, a touch spicy with fresh jalapeno. The ponzu sauce is also great it comes with the Naruto roll but can be ordered as a side. Give ginza a try I'm sure it will hit the sushi hunger pans and have you...