Rent subsidy program helps bring new sushi spot Downtown
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Sushi I's Pittsburgh roll. Photo: Alexis Johnson/Axios
A new rooftop Japanese restaurant is hoping to bring an innovative dining experience to Downtown Pittsburgh.
Why it matters: Sushi I opened earlier this month with the backing of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership's (PDP) rent abatement program, which aims to assist new businesses looking to plant roots in Downtown by offering them rent subsidies.
The intrigue: The rent abatement program, which launched in 2024, provides a monthly rent subsidy of up to 50% for one year.
- Sushi I joined six new businesses that have opened their doors as part of the program over the past year, Cate Irvin, senior director of economic development for the PDP, said in a press release.
What they're saying: Co-owner Miu Zhuang tells Axios that the management team wanted to bring a fresh twist to the sushi dining experience in Pittsburgh.
- "There are some great sushi locations, but not many options for both good quality and reasonable prices. We were really enticed by this space because of the rooftop patio, and we are big fans of Pittsburgh," Zhuang said.
- Co-owner Jason Hu said in a release that the rent abatement program was a "game changer" for bringing their vision to Downtown.
The vibe: Sushi I has three floors, giving diners the option to choose from an intimate bar experience on the first floor, a modern casual dinner vibe on the second or a rooftop patio.
Dig in: We tried four courses spanning the creative dishes on a menu that provides fresh ingredients, hibachi-style entrees, Japanese fried rice and vibrant desserts.
- The crispy rice tuna appetizer ($16) was incredibly tasty and had a beautiful presentation.
- The Pittsburgh sushi roll ($14) featured spicy tuna, jalapeño cream cheese, lobster salad, eel sauce and wasabi mayo. The black caviar and yellow-tinted rice represent the colors of Steel City.
- A larger party would enjoy the sashimi deluxe entree, which starts with miso soup and serves 18 pieces of fresh fish including salmon, tuna, red snapper, yellowtail, bluefin tuna belly and more for $35.
- For dessert, we had the classic cheesecake ($8), which was rich and delicious.
If you go: Sushi I is located in the former Harris Grill site at 245 Fourth Ave., across from the Third Avenue Garage.
- Sushi I is open from 11am-9pm Monday through Saturday and opens at noon on Sundays.