The summit of sushi, Nobu has become a global phenomena. Founded in 1994 by Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa in partnership with actor Robert De Niro, the success of Nobu New York led to incarnations in Aspen, Malibu, London, Melbourne, Hong Kong, Hawaii, Tokyo, and recently, the Bahamas. Known for his fusion blends which pair traditional Japanese dishes with South American ingredients, Nobu has become a veritable celebrity chef.

Nobu got his start in Peru and Argentina, before moving to Alaska. On his first day off in three months, his restaurant burned down. Unemployed, he moved to Los Angeles and started from scratch once again. He pioneered the use of soft shell crab and shrimp tempura rolls, both attempts to please the western palate. There, he found a fan in Robert De Niro, who after many repeat visits, kept encouraging him to open a restaurant in New York City. Eventually, he accepted De Niro’s offer - the rest is culinary history.

Now Nobu has become synonymous with high quality sushi and Japanese cuisine. The place became an overnight sensation when it opened, with reservations necessary over six months in advance. However, with the advent of Nobu Next Door and other locations around the world, a customer in New York can be seated right away for lunch. Weekend reservations should still be made well in advance.

A typical meal at Nobu can cost $300 dollars for two people. In cities like London and Tokyo, expect to pay even more. However, the ambiance is second to none, the sushi melts in your mouth, and the cuisine is expertly prepared with attention to every detail. Who knows, you might even sit next to a celebrity. Whatever the case, if you’re a sushi lover, dinner at Nobu is a must. 

Source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6