Nobu is a high-end restaurant chain offering lunch and dinner, serving fusion cuisine of Japanese dishes and South American flavors.
Nobu was founded in 1994 by Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro, film producer/investor Meir Teper, and restaurateur Drew Nieporent. Matsuhisa moved from Japan to Peru in the 70s, where he opened his first restaurant. He then moved to Los Angeles in 1987, where he opened his first US restaurant, which was called, Matsuhisa, after his last name.
Robert De Niro chanced upon his restaurant and became a regular customer. He encouraged the budding chef to open a restaurant in Tribeca, New York City, which was De Niro's hometown. But it wasn't until 1994 that Matsuhisa decided to take upon his offer. On September 14, 1994, the very first Nobu restaurant opened in New York, and it featured upscale Japanese dishes with a South American flair, merging Matsuhisa's Japanese heritage with his culinary experiences in the region.
Today, there are over 50 Nobu restaurants in the world, which are found in metropolitan cities such as Milan, Tokyo, Doha, Dubai, LA, Las Vegas, Miami, London, Manila, and in regions of the Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the US and Canada. Some of the locations also received Michelin stars, which are the Beverly Hills, the San Diego, and the Las Vegas locations.
For more information on the restaurant and the menu, please visit the official website of Nobu.
What Makes Nobu Different?
Nobu's reputation for exceptional food and service has earned it global accolades, making it a favorite dining destination for a high-end and celebrity clientele. They have a big menu that ranges from Wagyu beef, sushi and sashimi, an extensive wine menu, tempura, and fusion Japanese dishes. But what makes them truly stand out is that each location features a slightly different menu.
Every location serves the Nobu Classic dishes, which are what makes the restaurant an international culinary star. But they also serve the Nobu Now, which is a menu distinct in each location, featuring dishes that use local ingredients and concoctions. Experimental dishes are served, making each Nobu location a different experience for diners.
Nobu is also known for offering a casual dining atmosphere, where there is no dress code, and cuisines are served on a shared plate. It has an easygoing vibe that's so much different than fine dining restaurants that have a Michelin star.
While the menu is big and expansive, customers are able to experience unforgettable dining due to the servers. If it's your first time, the restaurant recommends their Omakase menu. Omakase means, "Trust us," and it's a 7-course tasting menu featuring dishes recommended for diners who go to the restaurant for the first time.
If customers do not want to have this tasting menu, the servers are trained to recommend dishes with the perfect sake pairings to offer a unique dining experience each time you visit.
Dining at Nobu truly is a culinary journey that takes you to different heights every time you visit due to its expansive menu, regional offerings, and extensive knowledge of its servers.
The Nobu Menu is divided between its Classic offerings, the Now menu, and the drinks/wine menu. Here is an example of a Nobu menu from the Los Angeles location:
- Nobu Cold Classic (Signature Dishes)
- Nobu Cold Now (Regional or Seasonal Menu)
- Nobu Dinner
- Otsumami
- Nobu Style Tacos
- Tempura
- Soups and Noodles
- Japanese A5 Wagyu from Kyushu, Japan
- Ngin Sushi and Sashimi
- Sushi Maki
- Dessert
- Beverage and Wine Menu
Nobu Classics include Seafood Ceviche, Tiradito, Toro Tartar with Caviar, Spicy Tuna Salad, Black Cod with Miso, King Crab Tempura Amazo Ponzu, Creamy Spicy Crab, and more. Nobu Now in LA includes Live Octopus Shabu-Shabu, Tai Sweet Shiso, Salmon Yuzu Karashi Sumiso, Prime Ribeye Crispy Onion, Spicy Tuna with Crispy Rice, and so much more.
Nobu does not have a designated vegan menu but they do serve vegan or vegetarian options. It's easy to find these on the menu because they are marked as vegan or vegetarian. Some of these menu items include the following:
- Eggplant Miso
- Leek with Miso Sauce
- Shimeji Mushroom Taco
- Miso Soup
- Edamame
- Vegan Sushi Rolls
- Crispy Rice with Avoicadoi
- Tofu New Style
- Artichoke Salad
- Baby Spinach Salad with Dry Miso
- And so much more
Not all locations may serve these vegan dishes so it's best you check with the location near you to ensure they have a good range of vegan options.
Nobu mainly caters to an adult clientele but some locations do offer a kid's menu. Please ask the server if they have a designated kid's menu but if not, there are plenty of options that suit the palate of children.
The Kid's Menu at the LA location offers the following:
Skewers (includes steamed rice, sauteed veggies, crispy potato, and 3 sauces)
Choice of:
- Chicken
- Beef
- Shrimp
- Veggies
Other options also include:
- Soup
- Tempura
- Bento Box
- Desserts
The Kid's menu is for children aged until 12 years old.
Does Nobu Offer Delivery?
Delivery options vary according to location. Please check with the nearest Nobu restaurant to know about their delivery options. For US locations, you can order through their official website, as well as through third-party delivery companies, such as UberEats, GrubHub, Postmates, and DoorDash. The Nobu menu can be delivered to your doorstep or you can also pick up the items at the nearest location.
What are the Operating Hours of Nobu?
Because Npobu is located in many different locations, operating hours may vary. You can head to the official website, type in the location, and find out the restaurant's opening hours. Typically, a Nobu restaurant opens from 10 am to 11 pm, serving lunch and dinner.