Okane Sushi, featuring sushi tacos and omakase, set to open January 2 January 3 January 5 January 7.

Okane Sushi is set to open downtown on January 2 January 3 January 5 January 7, with a menu featuring set and customized sushi tacos on the first floor and a second floor dedicated to omakase (chef's choice of sushi). [Shipping delays have pushed the opening back a couple times, according to ownership.] It will be located at 245 4th Ave. (map), repacing Sushi i, which opened there in April 2025, and is from the team behind several new restaurants including Top Pot Hot Pot, Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings, and the forthcoming Opal Buffet, among others.

Sushi place Shoku Next Door coming soon to Cranberry.

Shoku Next Door is coming soon to Cranberry Mall.

We’re your new neighborhood spot for quality sushi and casual dining. Grab a quick take-out on busy days or relax and dine in with friends — always delicious, always welcoming. Stop by and discover your next favorite sushi place, right next door!

Paperwork lists it as space 103 (map), which is currently occupied by the baby and kids clothing store Carter's.

Okane Sushi, featuring sushi tacos, opening downtown January 2.

Okane Sushi is set to open downtown on January 2, with a menu featuring set and customized sushi tacos. It will be located at 245 4th Ave. (map), repacing Sushi i, which opened there in April, and is from the team behind several new restaurants including Top Pot Hot Pot.

Poke Bowl Express & Asian Cuisine now open in Greenfield.

Poke Bowl Express & Asian Cuisine has opened in Greenfield, in the spot across from Giant Eagle most recently occupied by Gold Ladle. Signage first went up earlier in December for "a Chinese restaurant to a Poke Bowl-focused Asian fustion restaurant (Japanese & Chinese)." Gold Ladle was the latest in a line of Chinese restaurants occupying 4219 Murray Ave. (map), dating back to at least the 1980s, but it closed in April 2025 due to fire after just six months in business. It took over the spot 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.

Poke Bowl Express has posted its menu online, and it includes set and customized poke bowls, sushi and rolls, and an assortment of Chinese and Asian dishes like kung pao chicken, pad thai, sweet sour chicken, and more.

Nami Japanese Kitchen & Bar, offering all-you-can-eat sushi, coming soon to Bridgeville.

Nami Japanese Kitchen & Bar, offering all-you-can-eat sushi, is coming soon to the Chartiers Valley Shopping Center in Bridgeville. The torii, and signage, is up in the former Vocelli Pizza spot.

A huge local restaurant trend in 2023 and 2024 was planning---and sometimes opening---all-you-can-eat hotpot and Korean-style BBQ places, while a trend for 2025 was opening all-you-can-eat sushi places: 8 Star in Gibsonia, Let's Sushi in Wexford, and Koi Steakhouse and Sushi Bar in Monroeville opened over the past year, and Oyoshi in East Liberty is still under construction.

Paris Baguette in Shadyside now open.

The local Paris Baguette has posted on its Instagram story that the Shadyside location is now open. The Korean cafe chain's second Pittsburgh restaurant was first announced for 5514 Walnut St. (map) in January 2024.

Signage up for Poke Bowl Express & Asian Cuisine in Greenfield.

Signage is up for Poke Bowl Express & Asian Cuisine on Murray Ave. in Greenfield. Printed window signage went up 11 days ago announcing the arrival of "a "Poke Bowl-focused Asian fusion restaurant" coming soon to the spot most recently occupied by Gold Ladle. Gold Ladle was the latest in a line of Chinese restaurants occupying 4219 Murray Ave. (map), dating back to at least the 1980s, but it closed in April 2025 due to fire after just six months in business. It took over the spot 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.

Signage on the windows says

Dear Customers,

Our restaurant has been renovated and upgraded from a Chinese restaurant to a Poke Bowl-focused Asian fustion restaurant (Japanese & Chinese).

Coming Soon

After Monroeville's Bobae closes, owners reopen Korean/Japanese market "Ramen Mart" in Murrysville.

While searching through paperwork on another business, I found news of "Ramen Mart" in Murrysville, a Korean-owned store that specializes in Korean and Japanese snacks, ramen, beverages, and other food novelties. Of course it's not exactly news, since it opened over the summer, but it's new to me. It's located at 3920 William Penn Highway (map), a small outparcel it shares with Let's Taco and a real estate agent. The owner used to operate Bobae in Monroeville, with similar offerings, until it closed earlier this year. Photos of Ramen Mart's offerings are available on its Instsagram and Facebook pages

Ramen place coming to Brookline.

Word around town is a Japanese ramen restaurant will be coming to Brookline, in the spot most recently occupied by Oak Hill Post (map). The sign was recently painted over and an application was submitted to paint the new one, while work continues inside.

Vietnam 9 Vietnam closes after brief stint in Oakland.

Vietnam 9 Vietnam, a Vietnamese restaurnant in Oakland, closed in late-November. If the latest Google Review is to be believed, it aims to look for a new location. Vietnam 9 Vietnam opened in April at 338 S. Bouquet St. (map), across from the post office.

Viet Lounge coming to East Liberty.

Work is underway in East Liberty on a new restaurant and lounge called Viet Lounge. It will be located on the ground floor of 211 Tower on 211 N. Whitfield St. (map), in what was most recently Blue Sky Kitchen and Bar.

"Poke Bowl-focused Asian fusion restaurant (Japanese & Chinese)" coming soon to Greenfield to replace short-lived Gold Ladle.

Signage went up today on Murray Ave. in Greenfield for a "Poke Bowl-focused Asian fusion restaurant" coming soon to the spot formerly occupied by Gold Ladle. Gold Ladle was the latest in a line of Chinese restaurants occupying 4219 Murray Ave. (map), dating back to at least the 1980s, but it closed in April 2025 due to fire after just six months in business. It took over the spot 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.

Signage on the windows says

Dear Customers,

Our restaurant has been renovated and upgraded from a Chinese restaurant to a Poke Bowl-focused Asian fustion restaurant (Japanese & Chinese).

Coming Soon

Lao Sze Chuan to soft open in Cranberry today, December 3.

Lao Sze Chaun, a chain of Sichuan-style Chinese restaurants, will soft open its first Pittsburgh-area location today, December 3.

The very first Lao Sze Chuan opened in 1998 in Chicago’s Chinatown and has since become one of the most beloved Chinese restaurants nationwide. The brainchild of Sichuan-born Chef Tony Hu, Lao Sze Chuan prides itself on providing traditional Sichuan cuisine with high-quality ingredients. In 1999, Lao Sze Chuan was recognized by the Chicago Tribune as “One of the Best,” receiving a “three fork” rating that was considered a prominent accomplishment for Chinese restaurants at that time.

Although Lao Sze Chuan has flourished since humble beginnings, our mission to offer, elevate, and promote gourmet authentic Chinese cuisine and provide exceptional customer service has never wavered. Our Grade A chefs are skillfully trained in Sichuan cuisine to provide the most authentic flavors at all locations. To this day, Lao Sze Chuan lives by the mantra “One Style For One Dish, A Hundred Dishes Have A Hundred Different Tastes,” a saying that keeps our most frequent customers coming back for more.

It's located at 936 Sheraton Dr. in Mars, in what was most recently Max & Erma's (map). Work began on the spot in November 2024. This location is coming to the area by the restauranteur behind Wild Ninja Asian Grill in Oakland (2021-2022) and Dagu Rice Noodle in Squirrel Hill (2020-2025), in addition to Lao Sze Chuan, KyuRamen, Shinto, and Dagu Rice Noodle locations in Ohio.

Fujiya Ramen to soft open its new North Fayette location December 6.

Fujiya Ramen announced on social media today it will soft open its new North Fayette / Robinson location on December 6.

After months of hard work, we’re finally ready!
Fujiya Ramen North Fayette will begin its soft opening on December 6th! 🎉
From our 15-hours homemade broth to every detail in our new space, everything is prepared with heart ❤️
We can’t wait to welcome you, your family, and your friends.

📍 210 McHolme Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15275
🗓 Soft Opening — Dec 6, 2025

Thank you for supporting a local, family-run restaurant. ❤️

Its coming was reported over the summer in the spot formerly occupied by the Atarashi Revolving Sushi place (map).

Self Chef, featuring Mongolian stir-fry and sushi, coming soon to Castle Shannon in former Linden Grove spot.

Self Chef, offering Mongolian stir-fry and sushi, is coming soon to Castle Shannon in the former Linden Grove spot. Its arrival was rumored for months, but signage visible from the T light rail line recently went up. It will be located at 1100 Grove Road (map).

Paris Baguette coming pretty soon to Shadyside after two years of work, now eyes mid-December opening.

Work is rapidly progressing on the Shadyside Paris Baguette, and it's now aiming for a mid-December opening. Some background, back when it was aiming for this month, from the Tribune Review:

[Owner] Zafar said customers can can expect larger menu from the new Shadyside location.

”Whether it be some personal favorites from the community … anything the community wants from us will actually happily make for them we just need to test that on the market,” he said.

Some of the special items Zafar has on the menu include: Asian sweet rice doughnuts, mango coconut cake and potato bread. Zafar aims to have eight bakers on his staff, who will make this items fresh each morning.

The inside of the building will have a glass dome display case to show off the baked goods, penny tile and an exposed wooden ceiling, he said.

It was first announced for Walnut Street in January 2024, back before the region's first Paris Baguette opened in the Norh Hills. The Shadyside location will be located at 5514 Walnut St., in what was William Sonoma until January 2022. In 2024, the year both locations were set to open in Pittsburgh, the franchisee announced plans to open five Paris Baguette cafes in the area.

YangGuoFu Mala Tang coming to Squirrel Hill.

Photo courtesy of reader.

Signage is up on Forbes Ave. in Squirrel Hill for YangGuoFu Mala Tang, a chain of Chinese restaurants with locations in California, Washington, New York, and several other states.

Indulge in the perfect blend of fresh ingredients and bold flavors, combined to create a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Our Mala Tang offerings are carefully crafted for those seeking a healthy yet delicious meal option.

It will be located at 5870 Forbes Ave. (map) in what was most recently Evelyn James Interiors.

2025 Japanese animated movie Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc (劇場版 チェンソーマン レゼ篇) stays in Pittsburgh through (at least) November 22.

The 2025 Japanese animated movie Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc (劇場版 チェンソーマン レゼ篇) which opened in Pittsburgh on October 23, will remain here through (at least ) November 22.

For the first time, Chainsaw Man slashes his way onto the big screen in an epic, action-fueled adventure that continues the hugely popular anime series. Denji worked as a Devil Hunter for the yakuza, trying to pay off the debt he inherited from his parents, until the yakuza betrayed him and had him killed. As he was losing consciousness, Denji’s beloved chainsaw-powered devil-dog, Pochita, made a deal with Denji and saved his life. This fused the two together, creating the unstoppable Chainsaw Man. Now, in a brutal war between devils, hunters, and secret enemies, a mysterious girl named Reze has stepped into his world, and Denji faces his deadliest battle yet, fueled by love in a world where survival knows no rules.

It plays locally at many Pittsburgh-area theaters, including the Chartiers Valley Luxury 14 and AMC Westmorelandin Greensburg, and stays at the AMC Loews Waterfront from the 21st. Tickets are available online.

Korean BBQ in Oakland aims for January 7, 2026 Grand Opening.

Photo submitted by reader.

After more than two years of development, Korean BBQ in Oakland is aiming for a January 7, 2026 Grand Opening, according to signage on the door. Signage first went up at 414 Semple St. (map), the former location of Korea Garden, in September 2023. At this time it was among the many all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ and hot pot places planned for the area in 2023, capitalizing on the dining trend that saw a couple of them open. It has been beset by permitting and construction delays, but should it open it will be the first Korean BBQ place in Oakland and the fifth in the region overall, though several others are also in various stages of development.
Photo from October 27, 2025.

Paris Baguette aims for November opening of its Shadyside location.

The Shadyside Paris Baguette is aiming for a November opening, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

[Owner] Zafar said customers can can expect larger menu from the new Shadyside location.

”Whether it be some personal favorites from the community … anything the community wants from us will actually happily make for them we just need to test that on the market,” he said.

Some of the special items Zafar has on the menu include: Asian sweet rice doughnuts, mango coconut cake and potato bread. Zafar aims to have eight bakers on his staff, who will make this items fresh each morning.

The inside of the building will have a glass dome display case to show off the baked goods, penny tile and an exposed wooden ceiling, he said.

It was first announced for Walnut Street in January 2024, back before the region's first Paris Baguette opened in the Norh Hills. The Shadyside location will be located at 5514 Walnut St., in what was William Sonoma until January 2022. In 2024, the year both locations were set to open in Pittsburgh, the franchisee announced plans to open five Paris Baguette cafes in the area.

Paris Baguette is a chain of bakeries ubiquitous throughout South Korea that has over 250 locations across the United States. The menu boasts a wide variety of cakes, baked goods, sandwiches, juices, and coffees, in addition its eponymous French bread.