This upscale Downtown sushi restaurant most reminds me of Jiro's quest from the film I mentioned above. Fish and rice is a deceptively complex game, and the expert sushi chefs at Gi-Jin are elevating the ingredients, the presentation and entire experience to make this stop stand out. Here, the nigiri is topped with bluefin caviar and goldleaf, the sashimi made from the finest A5 Miyazaki wagyu from Japan and every roll is heightened.

From the Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group, responsible for modernizing much of the Pittsburgh food scene since 2011, comes Gi-Jin — elevating downtown hand rolls since 2021. Its stellar gin collection gets a lot of press, but the whiskey and sake bench goes just as deep. With an interior decked out in rib cage-like wooden panels, you'll feel like you're tucked into your own little bento box, floating in the belly of a whale.

There was a time when Gi-Jin was the buzziest new restaurant in town. The sort of place you namedrop in conversations, where reservations were flexes and the low light (and high design) made every night feel like an event. After more than four years, it has settled into something better: a restaurant that knows exactly what it’s doing and does it exceptionally well.

Gi-Jin focuses on sushi, hand rolls, and gin with a dedication to Japanese ingredients, tradition, and techniques. Located downtown, their menu features inventive creations like tuna pizza and dynamite crab combined with classic dishes. There’s something for everyone here, and don’t forget about the drinks!

Located in Downtown Pittsburgh, this exquisite restaurant focuses SOLELY on sushi, hand-rolls, and gin. According to their website, "Our approach is a balance of respect for Japanese technique, tradition, ingredients, and self-restraint, infused with childhood memories and experiences.

It provides guests with total immersion and a cultural experience that enhances dining. The sushi is fresh, flavorful, and prepared precisely by the chef. If there are family members who don’t like sushi, the restaurant also offers traditional Japanese hibachi and other dishes.

There’s a lot of thought that goes into creating the perfect sushi and handrolls. But Gi-Jin managed to find the balance between traditional and non-traditional sushi. It’s all thanks to taking into account Japanese traditions and ingredients.

This upscale Japanese restaurant is among the best Pittsburgh restaurants specializing in sushi, hand rolls and gin. Gi-Jin provides a unique dining experience through the blends of international ingredients with authentic Japanese flavors.

Teppanyaki Kyoto in Pittsburgh, PA, offers a unique dining experience with their interactive teppanyaki grills, where skilled chefs entertain guests while preparing delicious Japanese cuisine right before their eyes.

This modern Japanese spot in Downtown Pittsburgh offers a menu of sushi, sashimi, and small plates. The atmosphere is sleek and modern with a respect for Japanese tradition. @gi_jinpgh on Instagram

- Rating: 4.5/5 (178 reviews)- Price level: $$$$- Address: 208 6th St. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Categories: Sushi Bars, Japanese, Bars- Read more on Yelp

Gi-Jin – A fourth restaurant by Richard DeShantz all about sashimi, handrolls, and gin. A stellar spot if you can get a reservation.