Togyu Asian Barbecue and Bar in Cranberry eyes June opening.

Togyu Asian Barbecue and Bar, coming soon to the Cranberry Mall spot formerly occupied by Lumberjaxes Axe Throwing (map), is aiming for a June opening. Ownership has recently opened an online survey to help inform the Togyu loyalty program.

Togyu is Pittsburgh’s newest destination for premium Korean and Japanese barbecue.

We’re opening this June, and as we prepare to launch, we’re building a loyalty program inspired by the spirit of community, ritual, and discovery — and we want your input.  

Share your thoughts below to help us create rewards, challenges, and experiences that you’ll actually be excited about.

Your feedback will directly influence the Togyu Scroll and the Togyu Warrior journey🔥(Only takes 5 minutes!)

Bonus: One lucky respondent will win a free appetizer and early access invite during our opening month!

8 Star Cuisine opening May 1 in Gibsonia, with Japanese, Chinese, sushi, and buffet menu options.

Images via ownership.

8 Star Cuisine is planning to open soon in Gibsonia's Richland Mall on Route 8 (map). The menu includes Japanese, Chinese, and Asian staples, in addition to sushi, sashimi, and rolls. It also offers an all-you-can-eat sushi and seafood buffet. Owners are aiming for a soft open on April 28 and a Grand Opening on May 1.

New sushi restaurant Sushi I delays soft opening until April 28.

Sushi I, a new sushi place coming soon to downtown Pittsburgh from the Hong Kong Dim Sum, has pushed its soft opening from April 25 to April 28. It will be located at 245 4th Ave., a short distance from Market Square in the former Harris Grill (map).

Cranberry's Kyuramen and TBaar soft opened on April 22.

Kyuramen, the national ramen chain, announced its Grand Opening set for April 25, but quickly followed with a soft opening announcement yesterday, April 22.

🚨 Cranberry Township, we’re officially soft opening now! 🚨
KYURAMEN is ready to serve you with delicious Japanese ramen, fluffy Omurice, mouthwatering appetizers, refreshing drinks, and sweet desserts! 🍜✨
Come visit us at our cozy, welcoming space—perfect for hangouts, celebrations, or a solo treat! ❤️
We're open and excited to welcome you! Stay tuned for more updates as we get ready for our grand opening! 🎉

Kyuramen, also stylized as KYURAMEN and Kyu Ramen, opened its first Pittsburgh location in East Liberty in December. Both spots are also paired with TBaar, a chain of bubble tea places. The Cranberry location was first announced in September 2024, and is located at 20430 Route 19, Suite 105, in the "Streets of Cranberry" development, between Condado Tacos and Rally House (map).

Kyuramen is one of several large national and international Asian chains to come to Pittsburgh in recent years---in addition to Paris Baguette, Tous Les Jours, Fresh International Market, Yi Fang, Kura Revolving Sushi, among many others---and though some may look askance at chains, it also represents the growth of Pittsburgh's food landscape that companies that ignored Pittsburgh for the last decade or two are recognizing its appetites.

Cranberry's Kyuramen and TBaar to open April 25.

Kyuramen will open its second Pittsburgh-area restaurant later this week when the Cranberry location holds its Grand Opening on April 25.

The wait is finally over!!
Kyuramen Grand Opening in Cranberry Twp, PA, is on April 25th! Come experience our modern interior, innovative ramen flavors, fluffy omurice, and much more🍜🍳✨Bring your friends and family to savor delicious food and create unforgettable memories together!🥢❤️

Kyuramen, a national chain of ramen restaurants also stylized as KYURAMEN and Kyu Ramen, opened its first Pittsburgh location in East Liberty in December. Both spots are also paired with TBaar, a chain of bubble tea places. The Cranberry location was first announced in September 2024, and is located at 20430 Route 19, Suite 105, in the "Streets of Cranberry" development, between Condado Tacos and Rally House (map).

Kyuramen is one of several large national and international Asian chains to come to Pittsburgh in recent years---in addition to Paris Baguette, Tous Les Jours, Fresh International Market, Yi Fang, Kura Revolving Sushi, among many others---and though some may look askance at chains, it also represents the growth of Pittsburgh's food landscape that companies that ignored Pittsburgh for the last decade or two are recognizing its appetites.

New sushi restaurant Sushi I aims to open downtown on April 25.

[Update, 4/23/2025: Soft opening delayed until Monday, April 28.]

Sushi I, a new sushi place coming soon to downtown Pittsburgh from the Hong Kong Dim Sum, aims to open on April 25 according to the ownership team. It will be located at 245 4th Ave., a short distance from Market Square in the former Harris Grill (map). The development team sent a few photos earlier this month:

Hong Kong Dim Sum in Oakland eyes April 15 soft opening.

Hong Kong Dim Sum management confirms it is working on some finishing touches and aiming for an April 15 soft opening. It will be located at 4520 Centre Ave. in North Oakland's One on Centre complex (map). The space features a large dining room plus three private rooms for events. Announced back in September 2023, Hong Kong Dim Sum was to help fill in one of the remaining gaps in Pittsburgh's Asian food scene, though dim sum offerings have expanded around town since then.

The management team shared a few additional photos of dishes and sauces its working on.

Gold Ladle in Greenfield temporarily closed due to fire.

A printed sign recently went up at Gold Ladle (金汤勺·蜀道香) in Greenfield to announce its temporary closure.

To our valued customers:

We regret to inform you that Gold Ladle will be temporarily closed for renovations due to a recent fire incident at our location. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the damage requires immediate attention to ensure the safety and comfort of our staff and guests.

Our team is already hard at work to restore and improve the space, and we plan to reopen as soon as we can.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and deeply appreciate your patience, support, and understanding during this time. We can't wait to welcome you back with a refreshed space and the same delicious food you love.

Stay tuned for updates and thank you for being part of the Gold Ladle family.

Warm regards,
The Gold Ladle Team

Gold Ladle is located at 4219 Murray Ave. in Greenfield (map), across from the Giant Eagle. It opened in October after a few months of Wai Wai, which took over that spot after China Star was shut down in February 2024 due to repeated health violations.

Sushi I coming soon to downtown Pittsburgh, from team behind forthcoming Hong Kong Dim Sum.

Work is nearly complete on Sushi I, a new sushi place coming soon to downtown Pittsburgh from the Hong Kong Dim Sum. It will be located at 245 4th Ave., a short distance from Market Square in the former Harris Grill (map). Sushi I anticipates an opening date roughly around April 18 through 23, after finishing touches to hiring and inventory. The development team sends a few photos:

New photos from Hong Kong Dim Sum, set to open in Oakland in the next two weeks.

The development team shares new photos from inside Hong Kong Dim Sum, aiming to open in the next two weeks in Oakland.


It will be located at 4520 Centre Ave. in North Oakland's One on Centre complex (map). The space features a large dining room plus three private rooms for events. Announced back in September 2023, Hong Kong Dim Sum was to help fill in one of the remaining gaps in Pittsburgh's Asian food scene, though dim sum offerings have expanded around town since then.

HK Dim Sum is hiring ahead of its planned opening, and is recruiting server/waitstaff, host, dishwasher, busser, and line/prep cook positions. Those interested may text 917-618-7307 or 718-415-0546 to apply.

Work continues on Pittsburgh's Fresh International Market past latest target opening date.

Photo taken the morning of April 2.

Work continues on the eagerly-awaited Fresh International Market coming soon to Pittsburgh in Point Breeze's Rockwell Park development. The US-based chain of Asian grocery stores was first announced for Pittsburgh in March 2023, and the 23,000 square foot store would be among the largest Asian groceries in the region. It was initially aiming for a Summer 2024 opening, then announced a February 2025 opening, then April 1. From a February 2025 Pittsburgh Magazine article:

Known for its unique selection of international ingredients and authentic Asian cuisine, Fresh International Market imports products from more than 28 countries. This will be the 10th location, with stores located in Illinois, Nebraska, Texas, Michigan, Indiana, North Carolina and Florida. The first store was founded in Lansing, Michigan in 2011 by Bowen Kou; the company is now headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Also opening at Rockwell is the second location of Ineffable CaPhe, a Lawrenceville coffee shop offering a variety of Asian items such as bubble tea, banh mi sandwiches and rice bowls, Al Lardo, Rockwell Park’s principal, said in an interview. It will operate out of the grocery store rather than being a separate tenant at Rockwell.

He noted his family’s roots are in Wilkinsburg, where his wife’s family had a business for 80 years and his father owned rental properties. He told the Business Times that he looks forward to the new opportunity that the store will bring to residents in Wilkinsburg as well as Homewood to be able to buy healthy and fresh foods that are affordably priced.

“The location [of the Fresh International Market] is especially good because of the busway,” Lardo said in an interview. which is just a half-mile walk from Rockwell Park. “There’s a lot of people who don’t have cars in Wilkinsburg.”

The store will open at 7511 Thomas Blvd. (map), located roughly a block from the East End Food Co-op and Construction Junction. While this will be the region's first Fresh International Market, though the chain was loosely linked to Pittsburgh in 2021 as a finalist for the former Hill District Shop n' Save location that was later occupied, and vacated, by Salem's Market. Its proposal was admittedly the weakest of the four for the site, and was reportedly submitted after the deadline, which were among two of the reasons it was not selected to move into Uptown.

Dang Poke & Boba Tea soft opens in Cranberry.

Dang Poke & Boba Tea soft opened yesterday, March 31, in Cranberry. Signage went up for the new spot a few weeks ago at 20018 US-19 Suite 500, in the Oak Tree Plaza next to Jimmy John's (map).

"Proudly family owned and operated since 2025," it has eight varieties of poke bowls, a build-your-own-bowl menu, a selection of Asian appetizers---spring rolls, tempura, edamame, among others---and an assortment of drinks and bubble teas: options generally missing from the food scene north of the city.

Dang Poke & Boba Tea is open 11:00 am to 8:00 pm Monday through Saturday, and 11:00 am to 7:00 pm on Sunday.

Taste of Asia Asian Food Festival, May 11 at Heinz History Center.

The third annual Taste of Asia Asian Food Festival will take place on May 11 at the Heinz History Center. The three-hour festival will feature food from 15 restaurants plus cultural performances and other attractions. The restaurant and vendor line-up includes, so far: Bombay & Burgh, Chengdu Gourmet, Hungry Panda, HK Dim Sum, Kung Fu Chicken 2, Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings, Pho Van, Szechuan Spice House, Sushi Fuku, Tous les Jours, Yujian Bao, and 1:11 Juice Bar, with a few others set to be announced soon.

The event runs from 12:00 to 3:00 pm, and the Heinz History Center is located at 1212 Smallman St. in the Strip District (map).

Dang Poke & Boba Tea opening in Cranberry in April.

via its Facebook page

Dang Poke & Boba Tea will be opening soon in Cranberry. "Proudly family owned and operated since 2025," Dang Poke & Boba Tea will have eight varieties of poke bowls, a build-your-own-bowl menu, a selection of Asian appetizers---spring rolls, tempura, edamame, among others---and an assortment of drinks and bubble teas. It is located at 20018 US-19 Suite 500, in the Oak Tree Plaza next to Jimmy John's (map).

"Cooking With Kimchi Demonstration and Tasting," April 30 at East End Food Co-op.

The East End Food Co-op will host Jeonghee Choi and "Cooking With Kimchi Demonstration and Tasting" on April 30.

Join Jeonghee Choi from YeGa Kimchi for an evening with Korea's most popular fermented side dish! At this event, Jeonghee will demonstrate how to utilize kimchi in various ways, including pancakes and tacos.

Each participant will receive an 8 oz. container of napa cabbage kimchi, and a mini book of tips & recipes put together by Jeonghee. Guests will be able to sample different dishes and ask questions about preparing and using kimchi.

A limited number of tickets are availabvle online, from $35. The East End Food Co-op is located at 7516 Meade St. in Point Breeze (map).

Work progresses on Top Pot Hotpot & Korean BBQ, coming soon to the South Side.

A corner lot on the 2800 block of East Carson Street is outwardly unassuming, with brown paper covering the windows and no new signage at the old J & L Grille Company, but work is progressing on what is one of about seven Hotpot and Korean BBQ places looking to open soon in Pittsburgh. Top Pot Hotpot & Korean BBQ is a chain with nine locations currently open---three in Pennsylvania, two in Ohio, and one each in Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, and Utah---and four under development, including this Pittsburgh spot first announced in December 2023.

Top Pot & K BBQ is an AYCE restaurant franchise that offers a unique and satisfying dining experience with a combination of hot pot and Korean BBQ. The menu features a wide range of ingredients, spices, and sauces to cater to different tastes, with options for meat, seafood, vegetables, and more. Customers can enjoy cooking their food at the table with a simmering pot of soup stock or grilling meat on the table with personalized dipping sauces. The restaurant also offers a well-rounded meal with a lot of delicious small side dishes, which provide a diverse array of flavors and textures. These side dishes, along with the option of both hot pot and Korean BBQ, make for a unique and satisfying dining experience.

In addition to the delicious food, Top Pot BBQ is committed to providing quality service at affordable prices. This means that customers can expect to receive not just a great meal, but also attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere. And with the restaurant's focus on using fresh ingredients, customers can be assured that they are eating high-quality food that is both delicious and nourishing.

For those looking for a unique and satisfying dining experience, Top Pot BBQ is the perfect choice. With its combination of hot pot and Korean BBQ, and commitment to quality, service, and affordability, it's sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit and we have something for everyone regardless of your preferences.

It will open at 2829 East Carson St. (map), and will be one of three new-ish Asian chains, along with Kura Sushi and Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao, helping to make Southside Works a dining destination.

Work inches along at Shabu Shabu Hot Pot and Grill in McCandless.

Shabu Shabu Hot Pot and Grill in McCandless was reportedly eying a January 2025 opening, but interior work continues on what aims to be the second all-you-can-eat hot pot and Korean BBQ restaurant in the North Hills. Work has been underway at the spot in McCandless Crossing---across from LaRoche University and in the outparcel shared with Midwest Shooting Center (map)---since July 2023.

Sushi Atarashi's revolving sushi concept in Robinson closes, owner aims to regroup and reopen in a new location.

Sushi Atarashi transformed its Robinson location into revolving sushi restaurant on September 16, but closed a few months later on January 11. Atarashi was the second revovling sushi restaurant in Pittsburgh, after Kura Sushi opened on the Southside in September 2023.

The owner says he hopes to open a new revolving sushi restaurant in a more viable location in the city, though he's still scouting an ideal spot. The revolving concept was originally going to be part of the East End Meridian development under construction in East Liberty on the site of the former Shakespeare Giant Eagle, but ownership confirms space constraints will now limit it to an original Atarashi layout.

Sushi Atarashi is the rebranded outcome of Sushi Fuku, as the two split back in 2015 with the S. Craig St. location in Oakland retaining the original name. Sushi Atarashi---atarashi means "new" in Japanese---has several locations around the Pittsburgh area in addition to the original Oakland Avenue location.

Korean BBQ place Togyu Asian BBQ & Bar coming soon to Cranberry.

via WAY architecture + design

Togyu Asian BBQ & Bar is coming soon to Cranberry Mall, in the spot formerly occupied by Lumberjaxes Axe Throwing (map). In spite of being listed under the "Opening Soon" heading on the Cranberry website, other sources have indicated a potential Summer 2025 opening.

Korean BBQ restaurants were a popular idea over 2023 and 2024, and though several announced their intentions to open in Pittsburgh, but among the seven or eight aiming to come soon so far only Hong BBQ & Hot Pot on McKnight Road has actually opened.

Taiwanese-style chicken restaurant Kung Fu Chicken opens second location, this time in Shadyside.

Kung Fu Chicken, which operates a location in the Novo Asian Food Hall in the Strip District Terminal, opened another location in Shadyside on February 28. It is located at 709 Bellefonte St. in Shadyside (map), the former spot of I Tea Cafe, one of the first bubble tea places in Pittsburgh when it opened in 2013. From its signage:

At Kung Fu Chicken, we bring the authentic taste of Taiwan's bustling street food culture right to your table. Inspired by the vibrant night markets of Taipei, our specialty is the iconic Taiwanese chicken cutlet, known for its mouthwatering flavor, tender texture, and signature crispy coating. Our journey began with a passion for sharing the joy of traditional Taiwanese street food. Each cutlet is carefully crafted using fresh, high-quality ingredients and marinated in a blend of soy sauce, garlic, and secret spices, staying true to time-honored recipes. We pride ourselves on delivering a perfect balance of flavors---crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, with just the right amount of seasoning.

A Taiwanese chicken cutlet, also known as "ji pai" (雞排), is a popular street food in Taiwan. It's a large, boneless chicken breast that is pounded thin to tenderize it, then marinated in a mixture of soysauce, garlic, and spices to infuse it with rich flavor. The chicken is made from sweet potato starch, which gives it a distinctive crispy texture when deep-fried. The cutlet is typically seasoned with a special blend of spices, including white pepper, Chinese five-spice and chili powder for a mildly spicy kick. It's usually served piping hot, sometimes with a sprinkle of additional seasoning on top, and enjoyed as a snack or meal-on-the-go.