OTARU

Q: Does OTARU offer gift cards?

OTARU does offer gift cards which you can purchase here .

4.8

327 Reviews

$50 and over

Creative Japanese

1200 Grandview Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15211-1239

Make a reservation

2 people

Apr 20, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 17 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Great for scenic views
Good for special occasions
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, Japanese Speciality, 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
Neighborhood
Mt. Washington
Parking details
Street Parking
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
$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

BAR-ONLY Happy Hour
Multiple dates available
Sun - Wed - 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Join us every Sunday through Thursday from 4:00 to 6:00pm for the BAR-ONLY Happy Hour! Enjoy 50% for all cocktails, glass wine and beers. Bring your friends and make the most of your evenings with us!

What 327 people are saying

OTARU reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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
4.8Service
4.8Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

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

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Otaru offers an exceptional dining experience with "amazing views" of Pittsburgh's skyline and "outstanding food" that includes fresh sushi and unique Japanese dishes. Patrons rave about the "impeccable service" from knowledgeable staff like Angela and Garrett, making it a top choice for special occasions. While prices reflect the premium experience, the "Otaru Experience" and "Thursday Omakase" are highly recommended for culinary adventurers.

327 Reviews

R
Rob
Unspecified1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My son, his girlfriend and I had a delicious meal with a great view of Pittsburgh. Brynn was a wonderful server, so sweet, attentive and knowledgeable. The bar and hostess staff were charming and answered all our questions. It was a fantastic first visit. We’ll be back soon!
OTARUResponded 1 day ago
Thank you so much for your lovely message! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a wonderful experience with us! Brynn will be so touched to know she helped make your celebration memorable – we'll be sure to pass along your kind words to her, as well as to our bar and hostess staff. As for the figurines by the front door – we’re delighted they caught your eye! We'd be more than happy to send you a photo so you can replicate them in wood for such a thoughtful and meaningful graduation gift. We’ll get a picture to you shortly. Thank you again for spending your evening with us. We can’t wait to welcome you back soon!
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J
Jenn
Washington DC4 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 12, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Our experience at Otaru was exceptional. The sushi was fresh and delicious. The view is amazing and Angela , our server, was fantastic. We highly recommend this restaurant for a special night out.
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C
Christiana VIP
Tampa2 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 11, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
10/10 from the food to the views. By far the best Japanese spot I’ve found in Pittsburgh. The food was so fresh and they had multiple unique dishes. I’m already planning the next time I can go.
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L
Logan
Unspecified1 review
5.0
Dined on April 10, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Lauren took excellent care of us at Otaru on an anniversary dinner. Prompt, thorough, unobtrusive service. Well-made cocktails and some truly amazing bites. A top-tier view. Will happily be back.
OTARUResponded on April 11, 2025
Thank you so much for celebrating your anniversary with us at Otaru! We're delighted to hear that Lauren took excellent care of you—she’ll be thrilled to hear your kind words. We can’t wait to welcome you back for another memorable night!
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H
Holly VIP
Pittsburgh63 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 9, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Otaru is the kind of place you go to for a special occasion. The views are to die for, the wait staff is solicitous, and the food is excellent. All of this comes with a steep price tag ($22 cocktails, $9 for a single nigiri) so most of us won't be regulars here. But for a special night out, the experience of dining at Otaru is well worth it.
OTARUResponded on April 11, 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words and thoughtful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you chose Otaru for a special occasion and that the views, service, and food made it a memorable experience. We understand that we’re more of a “treat yourself” kind of place, and we’re honored to be part of those special moments. We hope to welcome you back again whenever you’re ready for another unforgettable night out!
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R
Ron
Pittsburgh3 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 6, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Took my partner there for his bday; great view looking over the Pittsburgh city skyline, excellent Japanese cuisine & experience…. TOTALLY WORTH IT!
OTARUResponded on April 9, 2025
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you and your partner had such a memorable experience with us, especially for such a special occasion. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for more amazing moments in the future! Wishing your partner a belated happy birthday, and we look forward to serving you both again soon!
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M
Mary VIP
Pittsburgh5 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 6, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Are five stars enough for an evening at Otaru? A beautiful restaurant on Mt. Washington with, of course, a stunning view of Pittsburgh. Exquisite sashimi in the "Treasure Box" is an awesome presentation of nine fishes. Attention to detail rules throughout. Garrett, our attentive server extraordinaire, guided us through the menu and insured that we had not just a meal but an experience.
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T
Thomas VIP
Pittsburgh3 reviews
4.0
Dined on April 4, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We enjoyed our time at Otaru. Great food, well located with a view on Pittsburgh. We would highly recommend.
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d
diana VIP
Pittsburgh1 review
5.0
Dined on April 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful service from Ava! Preperstion of food was excellent. On the hot food proteins on the small side for price. Over all it was a pleasant dinner. Thank you.
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C
Christopher
Pittsburgh1 review
5.0
Dined on April 3, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is the spot Pittsburgh. Knowledgeable staff, CLEAN,intimate, with a wonderful vantage point of the city.
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FAQs

OTARU is rated 4.8 stars by 327 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.