Address: | 325 Mt Lebanon Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15234, USA |
Phone: | +1 412-892-8602 |
Rating: | 4.7 |
Working: | 11AM–9:30PM 11AM–9:30PM 11AM–9:30PM 11AM–9:30PM 11AM–9:30PM 11AM–9:30PM 11AM–9:30PM |
CA
Caitlyn Cawley
The dining room is small, cozy, traditional, and almost unnervingly quiet for the Saturday lunch shift. Our waiter was well & meaning but nervous, even too attentive, and it made my husband and I both a little uncomfortable. I try not to let the mistakes of one server condemn a whole restaurant to a bad review, though. And to his credit, I probably should have taken his recommendation: "Is this your first time here? The Korean food is really good." They had an impressive Korean selection, priced much lower than average in some cases, but we had come for sushi. We ordered the "Chefs Special" for 3, and it came out a BEAUTIFUL array of sashimi. All sashimi cuts, no rice! And the presentation was really gorgeous, we were thrilled. The first bite of ahi tuna tasted a little off. Then my husband picked up a dense, white-fleshed cut and asked if it looked funny. By our second piece, the three of us had all figured out that virtually every piece of fish on this platter was still completely frozen. We were chewing into ice crystals and it was so inpalatable I had to spit mine into my napkin. We called the waiter back over, and he gave an awkward, puzzling excuse that the chef was "extremely traditional." We didnt know what to do -- this had been a very expensive menu selection, we knew it had taken the chef some time to put it together, but we couldnt eat it like this and we couldnt wait ninety minutes for it to come to room temperature, and for a beat we thought that was what we were going to be told to do. Our waiter didnt know how to respond, but "take it back" clearly have occurred to him. "I just think we would like to know what our options are..." I began hesitantly, and he disappeared to find out. When he came back, the chef had offered to "cut it thinner." Sure, but... We were hungry now, and it would still take time for even the thinner pieces to thaw. I mentioned this, and that maybe a tempura roll for the table to share in the meantime would be appropriate. The tempura roll was good, but not spectacular. None of us were unhappy with it, though; we ate and also enjoyed a very good house salad (I particularly enjoyed the dressing, which was creamy and mustard-y, rather than strong ginger), wakame salad, and mushroom condiment. Those items were all very nice. But when the sushi came back out, it was marginally less frozen but still frozen. And by that point we just had the feeling that that was the best we were going to get. We didnt want to complain again, so we struggled through it, begrudgingly paid our $60 + tip, and left feeling the most disappointed we had ever been after a meal. I have not had the Korean at Oya, and its entirely possible that sushi on a dinner shift is fine, but we came at lunch and were served frozen, inedible fish. The chef had to slice every piece by have and surely would have known about its condition, but served it anyway, leaving the burden on us to try and negotiate a solution -- instead of suggesting we try another option, we were left uncomfortably, with our hands out because the general feeling here that they wouldnt have taken care of us otherwise. They were perfectly happy to take our money and if we didnt complain, great! We wanted to really like this place. We wanted another option to Little Tokyo. We didnt expect them to be better than Little Tokyo, but had it even been decent we would have been more than happy to being our business here again. And while the Korean food may be good, Ill never know and cant speak to that recommendation. I would have loved to try the bibimbap one day. But this was such a disappointing experience that I do not think we will be back for that opportunity. Im not saying dont try Oya. Just, maybe order cooked fare early in the day.
BL
Blaine Christian
Absolutely loved it, cant wait to go back. Despite the name Oya Sushi, the Korean menu really caught my attention. I went with the Galbi Bento and the gyoza. In reverse order, it might be the best gyoza Ive ever had. Hard to say really. Despite it being a Japanese take on a Chinese dish, its also a close cousin to the Korean mandu. Oya Sushis version is perfectly crispy and crunchy with no greasy aftertaste. The filling was fresh and firm and just delicious. With that out of the way I was super excited for my main course. While waiting I could smell something smokey and amazing being cooked and hoped it would be my food. It was. The meat was slightly sweet, perfectly seasoned, tender with just the right amount of charring. Totally satisfying. The sides were tasty as well, but that beef could raise the dead. While not cheap at $15, there was a good amount of meat in the dish. Certainly a steaks worth. Theres no question a lot of skill and love went into the meal. All told, could very well be the best Korean food in Pittsburgh. Certainly better than The Green Pepper in Squirrel Hill and at least on par with The Golden Pig in Cecil.
CH
Chris H
I was a little hesitant to even go inside when walking up to the front door - but I am very glad I did. This isnt a tablecloth and linen napkin kind of place... Its a small operation with a close-knit crew (might be a family) that does a fantastic job. Youll seat yourself, the server is the cashier and the food is out of this world delicious! This place is a gem. Oh the missing star? Well... its not the Four Seasons, but I think if they keep up the good work that 5th star will eventually come.
JA
Jared VanMeter
This is a cozy establishment. My first experience here was very positive. I ordered a sushi roll and a bowl of ramen. The roll came out in a timely manner, and was very good. The ramen came out soon after and was also amazing. Our waitress was very helpful and courteous. She even brought my friend freshly prepared broth to add to her plain white rice. I will definately be coming back here again.
MA
Max Swartwout
A great, friendly, family owned restaurant. They serve freshly prepared Japanese and Korean cuisine. The food tastes very authentic, and the owners are nice, personable people. If you visit frequently they will remember your name and food preferences. The only downside of OYA is the lack of seating, however the takeout is just as delicious as eating in. I would highly recommend the bento boxes!
LY
Lyndsey Baer
Super casual and super yummy! I eat Oya almost weekly. The service is always great, the food is steaming hot, and the sushi is fresh. First time eating Korean food and it sets high expectations. The beef ramen is AMAZING. Also, get the summer roll... you wont regret it.
MA
Mark Ferraco
New place thought I would stop. Been back two more times. Very friendly staff that will explain the things you dont know. Nice portions and the sushi is delicious. Not to comfortable sitting on the bar stools but worth your first visit.... eat in or take out.
41
412fish0828
Looks like your typical take-out place, but the food is great. Sushi was very fresh and the Korean bbq was great. Prices were also very fair. Its boyb, and the is a beer shop right next door.
DA
David Zaleski
Most authentic feeling atmosphere, tasting food, and most attentive staff/owners Ive found in the entire city. I cant imagine anyone not enjoying the entire experience.