Togyu Asian Barbecue and Bar in Cranberry eyes late-June soft-opening, early-July grand opening.

Togyu Asian Barbecue and Bar, coming soon to the Cranberry Mall spot formerly occupied by Lumberjaxes Axe Throwing (map), is aiming for a late-June soft opening, with a grand opening tentatively scheduled for the first week of July. 

Numerous all-you-can-eat Korean-style BBQ places were announced for the Pittsburgh area in 2023 and 2024, and after a series of delays, several have started to open this month, including Top Pot Hotpot in Southside Works and Shabu Shabu Hotpot & Grill in Robinson.

Dancing Crab Thai opens East Liberty location.

Dancing Crab has recently opened an East Liberty location to go along with its Dormont restaurant and its Dancing Crab Noodlehouse on the Southside.

Authentic Thai cuisine features a complex interplay of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, often incorporating fresh herbs and spices.

It is located at 6018 Broad St. in what was formerly The Bridge (map). A menu is available online.

Enson Market, previously known as Fresh International Market, and Ineffable Cà Phe soft opening today, June 7.

Enson Market and Ineffable Cà Phê will soft open in Point Breeze's Rockwell Park today, June 7. Previously going by its parent company name Fresh International Market, Enson Market "will bring fresh groceries, prepared foods, and Asian-inspired dishes to the heart of Point Breeze North," according to the latest press release.

Located inside the historic Apollo building at 7511 Thomas Blvd, the 40,000 square foot space has been fully restored and reimagined as a modern grocery and café destination. It’s a big moment for the neighborhood—and for anyone looking for quality ingredients, ready-to-eat meals, and something a little different for dinner.

. . .

Enson Market will offer a wide selection of fresh produce, meats, and seafood, along with everyday grocery items and unique international finds. You’ll find snacks, sauces, and prepared foods that introduce new flavors, while still being able to shop for your regular weekly staples—all in one place.

With a fresh bakery, hot food counter, and grab-and-go meals like sushi and spring rolls, the store is set up for convenience, discovery, and everyday use.‍

Just beyond the grocery aisles, Ineffable Cà Phê adds another layer to the experience. Known for its original Lawrenceville location, the café will serve Vietnamese coffee, bánh mì, phở, rice bowls, and weekend brunch. It’s a place to grab breakfast, meet a friend, or wind down with a beer or glass of wine.

The release did not give an explanation for the new name, which had been used in recent weeks on job advertisements for the store. The Pittsburgh branch of this US-based chain of Asian grocery stores was first announced for Pittsburgh in March 2023 with a Summer 2024 target, and will be among the largest Asian groceries in the region. It had previously announced openings for February, April, May, and June 6. It will be located at 7511 Thomas Blvd. (map), and the cafe will be open today 8:00 am to 3:00 pm (the grocery store did not provide its hours).

Top Pot Hotpot & Korean BBQ eyes Monday, June 9, opening.

Top Pot Hotpot & Korean BBQ is aiming to open on Monday, June 9, in the Southside Works. Top Pot 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.

The Monday opening will follow private tasting events this weekend. It is located 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 for lovers of Asian food.

Chow's Kitchen coming to Squirrel Hill.

A new Chinese restaurant, Chow's Kitchen, is coming to Squirrel Hill. It will be located at 5825 Forbes Ave. (map) in what was most recently Dagu Rice Noodle and, previously, The Magic Noodle and Sun Penang. The business paperwork is connected to the ownership team of Everyday Noodles on the same block, and the new restaurant is currently hiring staff and management. Chow's Kitchen did not respond to inquiries about the menu or opening date yet, so updates will be forthcoming.

Shabu Shabu Hot Pot & Grill in Robinson aiming for June 8 opening.

Photos courtesy of reader Sarah Ung. 

Shabu Shabu Hot Pot & Grill in Robinson is aiming for a June 8 opening. First announced for the area in March 2024, Shabu Shabu Hot Pot and Grill was one of the numerous hot pot places set to arrive to the Pittsburgh area in 2023 and 2024. If all goes according to plan, it will be the second such places to open in the area, after Hong BBQ & Hot Pot on McKnight Road. Work still inches along at the Shabu Shabu Hot Pot & Grill location in the North Hills, coming soon to McCandless Crossing since July 2023.
It will be located at The Point in Robinson, in the former Party City storefront (map).

Enson Market, previously known as Fresh International Market, now aims to soft open its Pittsburgh location on June 6.

After a couple of years of delays and false starts, Enson Market will soft open in Point Breeze's Rockwell Park on June 6. Previously going by its parent company name Fresh International Market, Enson Market and Ineffable Cà Phê "will bring fresh groceries, prepared foods, and Asian-inspired dishes to the heart of Point Breeze North," according to the latest press release.

Located inside the historic Apollo building at 7511 Thomas Blvd, the 40,000 square foot space has been fully restored and reimagined as a modern grocery and café destination. It’s a big moment for the neighborhood—and for anyone looking for quality ingredients, ready-to-eat meals, and something a little different for dinner.

. . .

Enson Market will offer a wide selection of fresh produce, meats, and seafood, along with everyday grocery items and unique international finds. You’ll find snacks, sauces, and prepared foods that introduce new flavors, while still being able to shop for your regular weekly staples—all in one place.

With a fresh bakery, hot food counter, and grab-and-go meals like sushi and spring rolls, the store is set up for convenience, discovery, and everyday use.‍

Just beyond the grocery aisles, Ineffable Cà Phê adds another layer to the experience. Known for its original Lawrenceville location, the café will serve Vietnamese coffee, bánh mì, phở, rice bowls, and weekend brunch. It’s a place to grab breakfast, meet a friend, or wind down with a beer or glass of wine.

The release did not give an explanation for the new name, which had been used in recent weeks on job advertisements for the store. The Pittsburgh branch of this US-based chain of Asian grocery stores was first announced for Pittsburgh in March 2023 with a Summer 2024 target, and will be among the largest Asian groceries in the region. It had previously announced openings for February, April, and May 2025. It will be located at 7511 Thomas Blvd. (map).

Fresh International Market and Ineffable Cà Phê aiming for May 30 soft opening in Point Breeze.

Photo via Ineffable Cà Phê. 

Fresh International Market and Ineffable Cà Phê are aiming for a May 30 soft opening, if all goes according to the latest plan. Fresh International Market, a US-based chain of Asian grocery stores, was first announced for Pittsburgh in March 2023 with a Summer 2024 target, and the 23,000 square foot store would be among the largest Asian groceries in the region. The Vietnamese coffee shop Ineffable Cà Phê, which currently has a spot in Lawrenceville, was later linked to the site, as Fresh International Market locations often have a bakery---such as Paris Baguette, in other spots---inside. From a February 2025 Pittsburgh Magazine article ahead of its latest potential opening date earlier this year:

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.

Both Fresh International Market (see here) and Ineffable Cà Phê (see here) are hiring.

New signage up for Taiwanese chain Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea (一芳台灣水果茶) in Squirrel Hill.

New signage is up in Squirrel Hill for Taiwanese chain Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea (一芳台灣水果茶), coming soon to Murray Ave. The US-based Taiwanese fruit tea chain put up window signage at 5825 Forbes Ave (map) in October, in what has been empty for a couple years but what was most recently Classic Lines bookstore. Paperwork and planning for the new tea spot---which will join Mango Mango, Tiger Sugar, Tsaaoca, and Meetcha on the same block---started back in April. Yi Fang currently has locations throughout California, the East Coast, and elsewhere in North America.

Let's Sushi, offering "unlimited Japanese fusion," coming to Wexford.

Signage is up for Let's Sushi in Wexford Plaza in the North Hills (map). The restaurant offering "unlimited Japanese fusion," according to a sign in the window, will be located in the spot formerly occupied by Nakama. Paperwork indicates Let's Sushi is owned by the properietor behind other Asian buffets that used to operate in the area: Misaki, Yamato Hibachi Grill, and Old Town Buffet.

Vietnam 9 Vietnam now open in Oakland.

New Vietnamese restaurant Vietnam 9 Vietnam has recently opened in Oakland. Signage went up for the new place in February at 338 S. Bouquet St. (map), in what was most recently Beta Bytes. Vietnam 9 Vietnam, also stylized Vietnam Vietnam 9, has online ordering set up, and its menu features an assortment of pho, banh mi, bun bo hue, com dia, bun, chao, heo kho, and bo kho.

Kpot now coming to Pittsburgh . . . never.

The "coming soon" sign has come down from the former Eat n' Park in Squirrel Hill, where the highly-anticipated Kpot was supposed to open a while ago. It has been replaced by a For Lease sign. I actually had a post set to publish on May 28 to mark the second anniversary of "coming soon" signage with absolutely no updates or movement, so I've needed to modify that now.

While driving to work on May 28, 2023 I passed by workers putting up a "Kpot Coming Soon" sign on the old Eat n' Park in Squirrel Hill. (You may have seen the photo when other local news sites lifted it without attribution.) Over the last two years, however, almost no activity has taken place in the large Murray Avenue restaurant space, which led most people to doubt whether Kpot would ever open at all.

The "Pittsburg" location was long listed as "coming soon" on the website as well, but all my inquiries to Kpot always received the same response:

At this time we do not have a definitive date as to when this location will be open. All new location openings will be announced on our FB and IG, stay tuned!

In 2023 and 2024, a number of all-you-can-eat Hot Pot and Korean BBQ places were announced with great fanfare: besides Kpot there was Hong Hot Pot & BBQ on McKnight Road, Korean BBQ in Oakland, Top Pot Hotpot & Korean BBQ on the South Side, Running Dish at the Waterfront, and Shabu Shabu Hot Pot and Grill in McCandless and Robinson, plus a couple others announced this year. Hong Hot Pot & BBQ is the only one to open so far, while the others remain in various stages of (in)completion, months and sometimes years after initial target opening dates. To editorialize for a moment, I have to wonder if the growing costs of construction and ingredients---which will only continue to climb under Trump---paired with adminsitrative delays have made owners second guess the feasibility of these restaurant concepts. While Korean BBQ is of course popular throughout the US, one of the appeals to these places in Korea is how cheap and ubiquitous they are; families may bristle at spending $150-$200 for a night out, particularly as we enter an economic recession or depression.

HK Dim Sum holds Grand Opening in Oakland today, May 8.

HK Dim Sum, also stylized Hong Kong Dim Sum, has officially grand opened today in North Oakland. It soft opened back on April 15 and is located at 4520 Centre Ave. in North Oakland's One on Centre complex (map). The menu features a variety of dumpling, dim sum, and dessert dishes in addition to more commonly-found rice and noodle entrees, and the space features a large dining room plus three private rooms for events. Announced back in September 2023, HK Dim Sum was aiming to help fill in one of the remaining gaps in Pittsburgh's Asian food scene. Its hours are currently 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Top Pot Hotpot & Korean BBQ prepares to open soon in South Side.

Top Pot Hotpot & Korean BBQ is preparing to open soon in the Southside Works, according to management. Top Pot 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 for lovers of Asian food.

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!

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.