Chaya Japanese Cuisine   

2104 Murray Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
412-422-2082
www.chayausa.com

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The line of hungry diners stretches outside on busy nights -- and not just because Chaya has only 30 seats. True, the dining space is limited, but careful attention to detail in the decor makes the room feel much larger, from the Japanese rock garden and waterfall tucked in the corner to the partitions that separate diners. These cozy quarters make Chaya seem all the more like a slice of Japan transported to Squirrel Hill. You can enjoy a light meal here for about $10, but make no mistake: This is high-end cuisine, with special sushi and sashimi dishes starting at $39. Out for an evening with someone special? The chef will whip up a meal for two at your table. If you want something even more exotic, take a look at the appetizer list. In between dishes such as fried chicken and soft-shell crab you'll find octopus, seaweed salad, squid and sea urchin. Take note: Those spices at your table aren't your usual salt and pepper. You might notice one green shaker has no English-language labeling whatsoever. That's sansho, which makes a great seasoning for grilled fish -- and is just another way Chaya offers good things in small packages.