Nobu Menu Guide to Dishes, Prices, and Dining Experience
Nobu is more than just a restaurant. It is an international fine-dining brand that blends Japanese cooking with Peruvian flair. Founded in 1994 by Chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro, producer Meir Teper, and restaurateur Drew Nieporent, Nobu has become a global symbol of luxury dining.
The Nobu menu is famous for dishes like Black Cod Miso, Yellowtail Jalapeño, and Rock Shrimp Tempura. Each dish reflects Nobu’s philosophy: simple ingredients, bold flavors, and artistic presentation. Many food lovers who explore upscale dining also compare it with experiences such as the Ave Mario Menu Guide to Dishes, Prices, & Dining Experience, showing Nobu’s reputation among the best.
Today, Nobu operates in over 50 cities worldwide, including three celebrated locations in London. The brand also expanded into luxury hotels, but its heart remains in the food created by Chef Matsuhisa.
Locations in the UK & Reviews
The UK is home to three main Nobu restaurants. Each has its unique style but carries the same menu vision.
| Location | Address | Highlights | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nobu London Old Park Lane | 19 Old Park Lane, Mayfair | First Nobu in London, iconic views of Hyde Park | Praised for food and service, but noted as expensive |
| Nobu London Portman Square | 22 Portman Square, Marylebone | Part of Nobu Hotel, modern and elegant | Guests love the Sunday brunch and stylish ambiance |
| Nobu Shoreditch | Shoreditch, London | Trendy vibe, lively lounge, modern decor | Young crowd, great sushi, reservations recommended |
On Google, reviews average 4.3 stars across London branches. Diners often praise the freshness of sushi, the warm service, and the luxurious atmosphere. Some mention the high prices, but most agree the experience is worth it for special occasions.
History & Founders
The Nobu story begins with Chef Matsuhisa’s journey. Born in Japan, he moved to Peru where he discovered new ingredients like chili peppers, limes, and cilantro. These flavors combined with Japanese techniques gave birth to the Nobu menu.
Robert De Niro experienced Chef Nobu’s cooking in Los Angeles and encouraged him to open a restaurant in New York. That partnership grew into a worldwide chain. Nobu’s approach is simple: take Japanese tradition, add Peruvian zest, and present it with elegance.
What’s on the Nobu Menu in the UK
The Nobu menu in London is divided into cold dishes, hot dishes, sushi, sashimi, vegetarian selections, omakase, and desserts. Prices reflect the luxury status of the brand. Below are tables summarizing some of the offerings.
Cold Dishes & Sushi / Sashimi
| Dish | Description | Price (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Yellowtail Jalapeño | Fresh sashimi with ponzu and jalapeño | 27 |
| Crispy Rice with Tuna or Salmon | Fried rice topped with raw fish and sauce | 23 |
| Toro Tartare with Caviar | Tuna belly with caviar garnish | 37 |
Hot Dishes & Signature Items
| Dish | Description | Price (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Black Cod Miso | Nobu’s most famous dish, miso-marinated cod | 54 |
| Chilean Sea Bass Umami | Soft fish seasoned with rich umami flavors | 53 |
| Shrimp & Lobster | Seafood with spicy lemon dressing | 41 |
Plant-Based / Vegetarian
| Dish | Description | Price (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Courgette Tataki with Ponzu | Fresh vegetable tataki | 17 |
| Grilled Asparagus Dry Miso | Asparagus with miso glaze | 22.5 |
| Tofu Steak Teriyaki | Tofu with sweet miso or teriyaki | 25 |
Omakase & Bento
| Menu | Description | Price (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Lunch Omakase | Small tasting menu | 75 |
| Signature Omakase | Several courses of Nobu classics | 125 |
| London Omakase | Premium seasonal tasting menu | 190 |
Desserts & Drinks
Nobu desserts include the famous Chocolate Bento Box, Mango Cheesecake, and Miso Cappuccino. Drinks feature a wide sake list, wines, cocktails, and dessert wines.
Opening, Closing, and Delivery Times
Nobu restaurants in London operate with clear lunch and dinner slots. Delivery is available but limited to certain times.
| Day | Lunch | Dinner | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday-Wednesday | 12:00–2:30 pm | 6:00–10:00 pm | Lunch & dinner hours |
| Thursday-Friday | 12:00–2:30 pm | 6:00–10:30 pm | Lunch & dinner hours |
| Saturday | 12:30–2:30 pm | 6:00–10:30 pm | Dinner hours |
| Sunday | 12:30–2:30 pm | 6:00–10:00 pm | Dinner hours |
Opening hours may vary by branch, but this is standard for Nobu London Old Park Lane.
Dining Experience & Atmosphere
Dining at Nobu is more than a meal; it is a sensory experience. The interiors feature clean lines, natural wood, and subtle lighting. At Old Park Lane, large windows look over Hyde Park. Portman Square has a modern design with luxury touches, while Shoreditch is trendy and lively.
The service is professional, with staff explaining dishes and sake pairings. The music and ambiance shift from calm at lunch to energetic in the evenings. The Nobu menu feels carefully curated, designed to impress both casual diners and celebrities who often visit.
Guests often compare Nobu with other luxury dining brands. Many note differences when contrasting it with the Cipriani London Menu An Unforgettable Dining Experience, since Nobu focuses on Japanese-Peruvian innovation while Cipriani centers on classic Italian luxury.
Must-Try Dishes on the Nobu Menu
The Black Cod Miso remains the star of the Nobu menu. It is rich, buttery, and sweet with miso caramelization. Another must-try is the Yellowtail Jalapeño, a delicate sashimi dish with citrus punch.
For those who enjoy texture, the Rock Shrimp Tempura delivers crunch with creamy sauce. The Tiradito is light and refreshing, while the New Style Sashimi gives raw fish a modern spin. Meat lovers often order Japanese A5 Wagyu Beef, one of the finest beef cuts in the world.
Seasonal and Regional Dishes
One key part of the nobu menu is its adaptability. While core items like Black Cod Miso are available worldwide, each location creates seasonal or local dishes. In London, seasonal fish like Scottish salmon or local vegetables appear on the menu. Nobu chefs adjust flavors while staying true to Chef Matsuhisa’s fusion philosophy.
This flexibility makes each visit unique. Diners can expect to see new twists depending on the season. Nobu also creates special tasting menus for festivals and events like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or New Year’s Eve.
Reviews & Guest Opinions
Nobu restaurants in the UK receive praise for fresh fish, attentive staff, and elegant ambiance. Diners often mention that each dish is crafted with artistry and precision. Many highlight how memorable the omakase tasting menus are.
However, some reviews say the prices are high, which makes Nobu more suitable for special occasions than regular dining. Others mention waiting times, especially at busy branches like Shoreditch. Despite this, most reviews conclude that Nobu is an unforgettable experience.
Origins of the Nobu Menu
Chef Matsuhisa’s journey through Peru, Argentina, and Los Angeles gave him the idea to merge Japanese simplicity with Peruvian spice. His creativity turned ingredients like miso, chili, and citrus into iconic dishes.
This philosophy explains why Nobu became a worldwide success. Every plate reflects his belief that food should be both familiar and surprising. The Nobu menu continues to evolve, but it always honors this original vision.
Conclusion
The Nobu menu represents a harmony of cultures and flavors. From the iconic Black Cod Miso to the creative omakase courses, each dish tells the story of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s journey.
With three locations in London, guests can enjoy unique atmospheres but the same high-quality dining. While prices are premium, reviews show that people value the combination of taste, service, and ambiance.
Whether you explore Nobu for the first time or return for a celebration, the experience remains exceptional. Nobu continues to set the standard for Japanese-fusion dining worldwide, making the Nobu menu one of the most recognized in fine dining.
