Kura Sushi USA, a revolving sushi bar, is preparing to open at noon on Sunday in Pittsburgh’s SouthSide Works.
The concept is also known as Kaiten sushi, where plates of sushi are moved along a conveyer belt. It’s extremely popular in Japan and has been around for decades there.
It has been in the United States for some time, according to Robert Kluger, chief development officer at Kura Sushi USA.
At the restaurant, a primary belt snakes through the dining area with plates of sushi that are protected by a ventilated sushi lid, which limits airborne exposure. It has plate-tracking technology that monitors how long the item has been circulating, ensuring food is always fresh.
There is an express belt positioned above the primary belt that the restaurant refers to as a “sushi highway.”
Guests can choose from the primary belt or place orders using a tablet at their table. Food arrives directly to them from the kitchen. Part of the dining experience includes a drink robot called Kur-B the KuraBot, which delivers beverages and other small items tableside.
Pittsburgh was chosen because it’s “a major attraction for its historical roots, sophisticated arts and culture scene and surge of diverse restaurants,” Kluger said. “(SouthSide Works) has a mix of residential, office, entertainment, retail and restaurants which we believe will draw from all over Pittsburgh.”
This will be its second location in Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia location opened in December. At the opening there will be a tote backpack giveaway to patrons (while supplies last).
The menu has more than 140 selections, including sushi rolls, nigiri (small rice balls with fish) and gunkan (small cups made of sushi rice and dried seaweed filled with seafood).
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There are also traditional Japanese dishes on the menu such as ramen, udon and tempura, as well as dumplings, crispy rice side dishes, sashimi and mochi ice cream and other desserts.
Kluger said there will be “monthly discoveries,” unique dish offerings available for a 10-day period. You might find Bluefin Toro and Wagyu, in addition to others.
“To be able to secure Kura Sushi speaks volumes, not only about SouthSide Works, but also the entire Pittsburgh dining scene,” said Herky Pollock, an executive vice president at the commercial real estate firm CBRE. “Being the first conveyor sushi restaurant and having such international acclaim, elevates SouthSide Works almost immediately. We are truly very excited to have them join our tenant mix.”
Kura Sushi is located at 415 Cinema Drive, SouthSide Works.
Details: kurasushi.com
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact JoAnne by email at jharrop@triblive.com or via Twitter .