Saga Hibachi Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
By: Nightwire
Saga is the latest addition in Settler’s Ridge Center, located in Robinson Township. We found SAGA’s atmosphere to be extremely inviting, tastefully decorated with silk foliage and a beautiful waterfall in the entry. In addition to a full bar and beautiful hibachi room, SAGA features a sushi bar draped in vines and wrapped in enchanting hazy blue lighting spanning the length of the ceiling, with large, private booths. They also offer outdoor seating, ideal for a warm fall evening. Upon entering, we were promptly greeted by the manager Sun, and Jason, one of Saga’s partners. Saga was comfortably busy for Thursday early evening. Since opening on April 8th, Saga is already seeing repeat business and building a solid customer base. We cannot wait to tell you why!
We start at the bar. Happy Hour at SAGA is from 4:30pm – 6:30pm, with two-dollar domestics and two-dollars off well drinks. SAGA offers a full bar. Bar Manager Gina started us with a Pineapple Passion ($6.00). This is a creamy coconut rum concoction with pineapple juice. Gina likens it to a “pineapple cotton candy”, not too sweet, not too fruity – a perfect blend of flavors. If you are planning to take a date or want to cozy up to someone special during this holiday season, we recommend the SAGA Volcano ($14.00). This drink is large enough to share with two straws; a definite “Must try!” The Volcano is a combination of gin, rum, and vodka with tangy orange and pineapple juices, served flaming! The also offer an award wining “living & breathing” wine list that compliments both their lunch and dinner selections.
Gina definitely knows her way around the bar. She has created a whole menu to choose from of original martinis. She quickly reminds us that Saga has plenty of non-alcoholic options and fun specialty drinks for children. We tried a Japanese orange soda – highly carbonated and tastily tart in a colorful glass bottle. SAGA offers Edamame, salted soybeans (in pods) a healthy alternative to bar nuts. They were delicious; we could not stop eating them.
Next came our appetizer, an artful array of sashimi ($5-$7.00 a la carte) nestled in flowers and bamboo, the presentation was spectacular. There was fresh cut Ahi tuna, salmon, flounder, snapper, and yellow fin. Definitely tender, delicious, top quality and the freshness of an ocean catch.
Next, we were off to the hibachi grill. The room is spacious yet extremely comfortable and personal. The servers quickly served us a bowl of soup, a clear chicken and beef based broth garnished with mushroom and shallots very tasty, and definitely not salty. Next, the salads served with Saga’s homemade house dressing, very creamy with a hint of apples and oranges, one of the best Japanese dressings we have ever tried.
Hibachi Chef Victor emerged from the kitchen and introduces himself. With ten years of experience, he is engaging and poised at the grill. We watch mesmerized as he turns stir-fry into a fascinating experience. He quickly ignites the grill and flames erupt like an inferno. He balances and cracks an egg with just a spatula, quickly slices an onion into a flaming and steaming volcano. A minute into this charismatic show, he quickly proceeds to make a heart-shaped rice mound sizzling on the grill, which he brings to life with a throb from the spatula. Next, we watch as the vegetables cook, with precision and care. Then he proudly presents us with a glimpse of what’s going onto the grill. He turns this meat and seafood platter into mouth watering delicacies all seasoned to perfection and not overly saturated with soy sauce. Saga only uses low sodium soy sauce, which truly enhances and lets the flavors blend rather than over powered with soy sauce. The filet was melt in your mouth tender, cooked to perfection. The chicken was moist and extremely flavorful as was the shrimp and scallops, delicious! The lobster tails were perfectly grilled and succulent – no dipping butter required, you will want to savor every bite. SAGA serves very generous portions and their prices are extremely moderate for the quality and quantity of food they serve. Entrees range from $15- $39.00, there is also a children’s menu available $10.00 -$12.00. Saga is by far the best Japanese Steak house in the greater Pittsburgh area, they offer a variety of fresh seafood and traditional dishes with great service in a professional, friendly and elegant environment. Saga is definitely the premier address for serious seafood and service where your experience will be unforgettable. Saga experience the difference!
In addition to the Robinson restaurant, they have two other locations; Cranberry, which is currently celebrating their “Grand Opening” and Monroeville, with a third location coming soon to the South Hills.
Open Monday – Thursday 11am-10P (lunch served 11am – 3pm, dinner 3pm-10pm) Friday Noon – 10pm (dinners served all day), Saturday Noon to 11pm and Sunday Noon – 10pm. Reservations recommended.
Saga also offers birthday celebration “special packages” for only $5.00. Package includes fried ice cream, a blooming, flaming lotus flower candle and a disco ball and all the servers singing a lively birthday song. Saga also offers private party rooms for your holiday or any celebration and off site catering. Call 412-788-8668 ask for Sun, she’ll take care of everything and make sure your party is picture perfect!
Located at:
1040 Settler’s Ridge Center Rd
Robinson, PA 15205
Tel.: (412) 788-8668