In honor of Nobu’s 30th anniversary, Nobu Restaurants and Nobu Hotel Chicago are paying tribute to three decades of redefining the culinary landscape. This milestone reflects not only the enduring legacy of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s innovative fusion of Japanese tradition and Peruvian flavors, but also the incredible growth of Nobu from its first restaurant in Tribeca, New York, in 1994, to a global empire with 54 restaurants, hotels, and residences across the world.
For a limited time, Nobu is celebrating with three special dining experiences that will allow guests to immerse themselves in the brand’s signature flavors, artistry, and hospitality.
A Global Culinary Phenomenon: Nobu’s Journey from Tribeca to the World
Nobu’s story began in 1994, when Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, alongside co-founder Robert De Niro, opened the first Nobu restaurant in New York City’s Tribeca neighborhood. Chef Nobu’s vision was to combine his traditional Japanese culinary training with bold Peruvian flavors, creating a dining experience that was both unique and extraordinary. This innovative fusion cuisine quickly gained popularity, attracting food enthusiasts, celebrities, and critics alike.
Over the past 30 years, Nobu has expanded its reach to include 54 restaurants, as well as a prestigious collection of Nobu Hotels and Residences around the world. From Tokyo to Miami, Nobu’s influence on global fine dining is undeniable. At the heart of Nobu’s success lies Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s dedication to delivering high-quality, fresh ingredients paired with thoughtful, innovative preparation. The anniversary celebration honors this philosophy with a focus on three special menus that showcase the very best of Nobu’s culinary heritage.
The “Bar Bites” Menu: A Toast to Nobu’s Past, Present, and Future
Starting on September 8 and available for a month, Nobu Restaurants worldwide are launching an exclusive “Bar Bites” menu, specially designed to celebrate Nobu’s 30-year legacy. Available only at the bar, this menu offers a curated selection of small plates that highlight Nobu’s unique flavor profiles and culinary artistry.
Among the “Bar Bites” selections are signature dishes that blend Nobu’s Japanese and Peruvian influences:
- Seafood Harumaki Caviar – delicate seafood rolls topped with luxurious caviar.
- Wagyu Dumplings – rich, tender Wagyu beef encased in perfectly crafted dumplings.
- Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna – a fan-favorite that pairs crispy rice with bold, spicy tuna.
- Nobu Nori Tacos – featuring fresh, premium seafood served in crispy seaweed shells.
To elevate the experience, guests can sip on the Matsuhisa Martini, a throwback cocktail created by Chef Nobu himself. This signature drink is crafted with Haku Vodka, Hokusetsu Junmai Sake, ginger, and Japanese cucumber, providing a refreshing and balanced pairing to the savory bites.
Whether you’re a longtime Nobu enthusiast or a first-time visitor, the “Bar Bites” menu offers a perfect way to honor Nobu’s past, present, and future in a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.
Omakase Menu: A Culinary Journey of Nobu’s Signature Creations
For a more immersive experience, Nobu is offering a limited-time Omakase menu in celebration of the brand’s 30th anniversary. Available from October 7 to October 13, this 5-course omakase ($130 per person) will be offered at Nobu Restaurants worldwide.
The omakase concept, where the chef selects a carefully curated menu for the guests, allows diners to experience Nobu’s history through the flavors and dishes that have defined the restaurant over the last three decades. Chef Nobu’s hallmark of humility, gratitude, and hospitality is embodied in every course, which highlights the finest ingredients and masterful techniques that have made Nobu a global culinary leader.
The 30th anniversary omakase menu includes:
- Japanese Red Snapper Matsuhisa-style – a light, elegant dish that reflects Nobu’s early culinary creations.
- Japanese Mirai Beef Anticucho – showcasing a bold and flavorful Peruvian influence.
- Nobu’s Famous Black Cod in Butter Lettuce – a classic Nobu dish that has become a hallmark of the restaurant’s menu.
For dessert, guests will enjoy a modern take on the Chocolate Bento Box, a beloved treat that originally debuted at 105 Hudson. This reimagined dessert provides a fittingly sweet conclusion to an exceptional culinary experience.
With each dish, Nobu’s omakase menu invites guests to explore the fusion of flavors and cultures that has made Nobu a household name in fine dining.
In-Room Dining at Nobu Hotel Chicago: A Private Celebration of Nobu’s Best
For those seeking a more intimate way to celebrate Nobu’s 30th anniversary, Nobu Hotel Chicago is offering a special in-room dining experience from September 8 to October 8. Guests staying at the hotel can enjoy a sushi bar selection that brings the best of Nobu’s iconic dishes straight to their rooms, providing the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and culinary excellence.
The in-room dining menu features Nobu’s signature Yontenmori (a selection of four types of sushi), with highlights including:
- Toro Tartare with Caviar – a decadent dish that pairs the richness of tuna with the luxurious touch of caviar.
- Yellowtail Jalapeño – an iconic Nobu creation that balances the freshness of yellowtail with a spicy kick of jalapeño.
This exclusive in-room dining experience allows guests to indulge in Nobu’s finest creations in the privacy and comfort of their hotel rooms, making it the ideal way to celebrate Nobu’s anniversary in style.
Nobu’s Legacy of Culinary Excellence
Over the past 30 years, Nobu has established itself as a pioneer in the world of fine dining. With its innovative fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors, Nobu has redefined what it means to deliver an extraordinary dining experience. From the meticulously crafted dishes to the unparalleled hospitality, Nobu’s commitment to excellence has earned it a loyal following of food lovers and connoisseurs around the globe.
As Nobu celebrates its 30th anniversary, the brand continues to evolve, with new restaurants, hotels, and culinary concepts on the horizon. Whether you’re enjoying Bar Bites at the bar, indulging in the omakase menu, or savoring an intimate in-room dining experience, these special anniversary menus pay homage to the past while looking ahead to the future.
Celebrate 30 in Chicago
Nobu’s 30th anniversary marks a momentous chapter in the brand’s legacy, commemorating three decades of culinary brilliance and boundary-pushing innovation. At Nobu Hotel Chicago, the celebration takes on a vibrant, local flavor, offering guests the chance to indulge in three exclusive menus for a limited time. Whether you’re savoring Nobu’s iconic Black Cod in Butter Lettuce, sipping a nostalgic Matsuhisa Martini, or enjoying the intimacy of in-room dining, this is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the essence of Nobu. Chicago’s dynamic backdrop and Nobu’s signature dishes make this milestone celebration an unforgettable experience for food lovers and fans alike.
Photo credit Nobu.
