The Story
Gi-Jin opened in 2022 in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh, adding a sophisticated Japanese-inspired dining experience to Richard DeShantz's growing restaurant portfolio. The name combines the Japanese words for technique and person, and that philosophy of masterful craftsmanship defines everything about the space.
The restaurant features an omakase counter, a hand roll bar, and a full dining room serving dishes that blend Japanese precision with American creativity. The cocktail program is equally ambitious, drawing on Japanese whisky and shochu alongside classic spirits.
The interior design is a standout: dark wood, dramatic lighting, and a layout that creates multiple distinct experiences within one restaurant. It brought a level of design sophistication to Downtown Pittsburgh that raised the bar for the entire dining scene.
What Makes It Pittsburgh
Gi-Jin's Downtown location is a vote of confidence in Pittsburgh's urban core. While many restaurateurs focused on the East End neighborhoods, DeShantz planted his most ambitious concept in the heart of the city's business district, helping drive a broader downtown revival.
The restaurant has become a gathering spot for Pittsburgh's professional and tech communities, filling the gap for high-end dining near the office towers and cultural venues.