Diners will soon be able to experience authentic Japanese-inspired cuisine in Bakery Square.
But without the jetlag.
Golden Gai, the 11th and newest eatery in the Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group, is set to open on Oct. 15 in Pittsburgh’s East End neighborhood and reservations are now available via Open Table.
Golden Gai will offer a full-service, izakaya-inspired dining experience, blending Japanese dining with an extensive selection of sake, Japanese whiskies and specialty cocktails. An izakaya (translated in Japanese as dine-in sake shop) is a type of informal Japanese bar typically serving dishes and snacks to pair with alcoholic drinks, similar to an American tavern or pub.
Golden Gai has been open for sushi takeout only since late May while the finishing touches were taking place inside.
A sample menu posted online features dishes with locally sourced ingredients, including ramen bowls, sushi rolls, yakitori skewers, Japanese cabbage pancakes, pan-fried dumplings, Japanese crab croquettes, duck soba, Japanese beef tartare and more.
The decor design offers warm vibes with traditional Japanese decor, fused with modern touches.
A wooden top bar, dramatic light fixtures, and slate accents will pay homage to Tokyo’s Golden Gai district in Shinjuku. This district comprises six alleyways bursting with post-World War II-era restaurants and bars.
Executive Chef Michael Taylor, of the DeShantz Group’s Japanese restaurant Gi-Jin in Downtown, leads the Golden Gai culinary team.
Taylor began his culinary journey at a sushi restaurant when he was a teenager. He was born on Guam, a U.S. island, and was raised in a military family stationed in Hawaii and various cities on the East Coast.
His parents, a Navy father and a Philippine native mother, introduced new foods and ingredients to the family meals and encouraged a love of cooking.
