Gi-Jin to Open in April

On April 6, the Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group will unveil its newest concept, gi-jin, a raw bar and gin bar.

The restaurant, anticipated by Pittsburghers since its impending arrival was announced in 2017, will boast a unique menu of Japanese-inspired dishes, including sushi and sashimi, hand rolls, and a smattering of hot and cold plates.

Inside, the space is grungy, gritty, and cozily dim, featuring a larger-than-life dragon mural painted by Pittsburgh artist Jeremy M. Raymer. (Learn more about the mural here.) Echoes of Japanese architecture, for example, the wooden wave-like ceiling that crashes over the bar, accent the intimate space.

Influences for the menu, according to chef Ryan Hart, have come from “everywhere;” dishes like the wagyu carpaccio and torched salmon belly handroll – an open roll that nods to the classic lox and bagel combination, featuring whipped goat cheese, cucumber, and everything seasoning – connect to neighboring cuisines. Hart says they’ve brought in a variety of culinary ideas to the menu while ensuring they held appropriate respect for Japanese traditions.

The bar program will feature a comprehensive list of sake, gin, and Japanese whisky.

Reservations for the new spot can be made online.

Other Pittsburgh restaurant openings:

African Eats Cuisine

africaneatscuisine.com

Recently-opened African East Cuisine features traditional Nigerian and West African food. The restaurant is bringing their eats to every meal, from breakfast to dinner, featuring classics like egusi stew and meat pies. Diners are already raving about their menu.

Arsenal Ciderhouse

arsenalciderhouse.com

Find all of Arsenal’s signature ciders and more at their new location, open with limited indoor seating and takeout in Dormont. Not in the mood for a drink? Try their sorbet, a delicious cider-turned-dessert.

Doughbar

doughbarpgh.com

Mix pizza with rotisserie chicken and what do you get? Doughbar, the newest addition to Carson Street, is housed in the former spot of Steel Cactus Mexican Cantina. Food, by former chefs of Sienna Mercato and Emporio: A Meatball Joint, includes 14-inch pizzas, whole or half chickens, wings and tenders, hoagies, and more.

Oishii Donburi

oishiidonburi.com

Run by the team behind Oakland’s Oshii Bento, Oishii Donburi has opened in Lawrenceville. Find a variety of bowls, udon, curries, and more on their menu.

The Woods House

woodshousepgh.com

Housed in a 228-year-old building, The Woods House brings traditional pub fare with a Scottish accent to Hazelwood. The hints of Scottish tradition tie back to the neighborhood’s first settlers, John Woods. On their menu, find pub staples like Guinness steak pie and fish & chips.