The global Japanese fusion restaurant founded by it’s namesake Nobu Matsuhisa is a colossal hospitality giant. No longer simply a dinner date destination it is an international lifestyle brand. Nobu Matsuhisa along with Robert De Niro and Meir Teper have created hotels, residences and spas in almost every corner of the world from Santorini to São Paulo. Japanese born Matushisa later moved to Peru where he developed his unique Japanese and Peruvian style of cuisine.
London boasts three Nobu properties; two hotels and a stand alone restaurant. Find out why they should be a consideration for your next dinner or overnight date with a beautiful companion.
The History of Nobu
If ever there was a restaurant that needs no introduction, it’s this one. Even if you have never been to one of their restaurants you have a pretty good idea of what cuisine to expect and it feels familiar. Nobu attracts celebrity clientele and so the restaurants feature heavily in paparazzi shots and it also has also had a few Hollywood cameos. Casino with co owner Robert Di Niro, Austin Powers Goldmember and Memoirs of a Geisha.
The legend goes that Nobu Matsuhisa has a restaurant called “Matsuhisa” in Los Angeles back in 1987. Robert De Niro loves the place, encourages Matsuhisa to open an eatery in his beloved home city of New York in 1994 and some 56 restaurants later the rest is history. Add in 36 hotels and you have a dining dynasty.
What makes it special is whilst you can expect the same excellent service and Peruvian-Japanese classics the world over each location is truly unique. Each location will have locally inspired dishes and each property leans into its natural surroundings and each venue is completely unique.
19 Old Park Lane, W1K 1LB
“At the time, London was not known for good food and some people told me I was crazy to be opening here. Now, London is one of the best food cities in the world. For everything, not just Japanese food.” – Nobu Matsuhisa
It’s 1997. The UK handed Hong Kong back to China. Tony Blair is elected as Prime Minister. Noel Gallagher marries Meg Matthews. Martina Hingis wins the women’s Wimbledon title aged just 16 and Titanic is a box office smash hit. It is also the year that Nobu opened in Mayfair. The first Nobu restaurant outside of the US. Back then sushi let alone Peruvian and Japanese fusion cuisine would have been a new concept especially in Blighty. Nobu is on the first floor of the now Como Metropolitan hotel. Which was also home to the it bar of the 1990’s, the Met Bar became a runaway success. Londoners soon got to grips with chopsticks and discovered a liking for Black Cod. So impressive in fact that Nobu, Old Park Lane was awarded a Michelin star that very year.
Today Nobu, Old Park Lane is a great choice for an intimate dinner date. Showcasing spectacular views across Hyde Park. The legendary menu of classics such as rock shrimp tempura and black cod always impress. Do not fret that Nobu, Old Park Lane was stripped of its Michelin star some years ago. It is still a fantastic dinner date setting. The cocktail menu features innovative cocktails. The cucumber, ginger and sake martini for example. Nothing like a martini for you and a beautiful date to break the ice.
Shoreditch 10-50 Willow Street, EC2A 4BH
Nestled amongst the beautifully designed marble and wood corridors and soft lit rooms is a lively bar. Here, you and your gorgeous date can let loose. A creative cocktail menu with a Kanpai hour weekdays 5-7pm offers drinks at just £12 each. Live DJ performances make this place a hot spot for a great night on the tiles. After all those cocktails you and your gorgeous companion might want a little zen. Nobu, Shoreditch has fantastic spa with an array of facials, massages and scrubs available. It is really the perfect unassuming hotel for an overnight or 24 hour date. You would not need to leave the hotel once you had checked in, just enjoy with a beautiful date.
In 2017 Nobu Hotel, Shoreditch flung open its stylish doors and gave the East End a taste of quiet luxury and of course yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño. A unique steel and glass building that almost looks like a ship. The makeshift vessel holds 164 suites and rooms. There is even a spa, a fitness centre, a bar, a cafe and of course a restaurant. Billed as a luxury lifestyle hotel. It’s a sophisticated, serene haven styled with a neutral palette to ensure a restful stay. Rooms and suites are immaculately presented in soft earthy tones accented with bamboo, wood, brass and concrete. A very calming environment for an intimate stay with a hot date.
Portman Square 22 Portman Square, W1H 7BG
In December 2020 amidst the pandemic Nobu, Portman Square opened and then closed when Boris cancelled Christmas. Thank goodness brighter days were ahead. Because Nobu, Portman Square is a chic and contemporary hotspot, perfect for a dinner date or overnight stay with a gorgeous companion. The rooms and suites provide a calming oasis in muted tones with Japanese flair at every turn. The golden threaded marble bathrooms have Japanese style toilets and large deep baths. Not one to usually comment on toilets but the Japanese certainly make luxurious John’s. To keep things fresh Nobu, Portman square nestled in London’s fashionable Marylebone has a variety of wellness experiences you and a beautiful companion could enjoy. From a Shiawase stretch and sushi pilates package to high tech wellness treatments for the face and body featuring LED light and micro currents.
If you and your date are looking for more of a party than a pamper then Thursday’s are right up your street. Bespoke cocktails, female dj’s and disco balls will ensure that you kick off the weekend early. When you and your beautiful date need some sustenance then of course Portman Square has a restaurant. You can go all out and impress with a seasonal Omakase experience which is perfect for sushi newbies and masters alike.