Walk up Fourth Avenue on a Friday night and you’ll know exactly where SUSHI i is before you ever spot the sign. Just follow the crowd of twenty-somethings in their best rooftop-ready outfits, slipping into what was once Harris Grill and is now Pittsburgh’s most buzzed-about newcomer.
Open since May, it’s already become the kind of place people are texting friends about: “Meet me here. You’ll see why.”
What makes SUSHI i stand out is its three-story personality. On the ground floor, the bar feels intimate: a tucked-away spot where cocktails and sake flow as the chef’s knives flash behind the counter. One flight up, the dining room hums with energy: servers balancing trays of hibachi plates and fried rice, couples sharing rolls stacked high with avocado and tempura crunch.
But it’s the rooftop that steals the show. Step onto the third-floor patio and the city stretches around you: skyline views, twinkle lights, and the kind of atmosphere that makes even a weeknight dinner feel like an event.
Yes, SUSHI i leans into the all-you-can-eat model, but don’t mistake that for sub-par sushi. Rolls are fresh, carefully plated, and unexpectedly inventive. The O.M.G. Roll is a local favorite already, while the Bluefin Torch Roll disappears from plates in seconds. Nigiri arrives jewel-bright, sashimi slices clean and generous. The beauty here is that it feels indulgent without being excessive. You’re invited to linger, to taste widely, and to discover something new each visit.
SUSHI i is also part of something bigger. Thanks to a rent-abatement program launched by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, the restaurant benefits from reduced overhead, giving it breathing room to make bold choices in a challenging dining market. It’s a gamble that seems to be paying off –not just for the owners, but for the neighborhood.
Instead of another shuttered storefront, downtown has gained a restaurant that draws people back into the city center. Judging by the packed rooftop, Pittsburgh was hungry for it.
SUSHI i is a reminder that Pittsburgh can be cosmopolitan, stylish, and a little bit daring. Go for the rooftop views, stay for the rolls, and leave knowing you’ve found a new favorite.
SUSHI i is located at 245 4th Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Open 7 days a week. sushi-ius.com
