Nobu, the world’s most recognized Japanese restaurant brand known for its innovative Japanese cuisine has opened at Crown Entertainment Complex. This is the first Nobu restaurant in Australia and the 19th Nobu restaurant in the world, including Matsuhisa and Ubon restaurants.
The original Nobu restaurant was established in New York in 1994 as a business partnership between celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa and his partners actor Robert De Niro, Hollywood film producer Meir Teper and managing partner Richie Notar. The Nobu brand is an empire that spans across the globe, from London to Tokyo, Las Vegas to Malibu, Milan to Miami Beach, Dallas to Paradise Island in the Bahamas, Hong Kong to Waikiki in Hawaii.
The hip and happening Nobu Melbourne restaurant at Crown presents a spectacular dining experience offering both visual and culinary delight. The restaurants’ perennial popularity and devoted following are a tributeto Nobuyuki (Nobu) Matsuhisa who creates his own spin on traditional Japanese cooking. Signature dishes such as Black Cod with Miso, Scallop Tiradito Nobu Style, New Style Sashimi and Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno which are available across all Nobu restaurants worldwide, also feature prominently in Nobu Melbourne’s restaurant menu.
“Cooking is my passion and through my culinary experience in different parts of the world, I create Nobu-style cuisine which incorporates local ingredients and influences from all over the world into basic Japanese food, for more people to enjoy,” says Chef Owner Nobu Matsuhisa, celebrated for his expertise of blending classical Japanese techniques with exotic global flavours, and for cooking from his ‘Kokoro’ (heart). His loyal clientele include the A-list of the world’s most affluent celebrities and connoisseurs.
Nobu Matsuhisa
Nobuyuki Matsuhisa – known to the world simply as “Nobu” – is the acclaimed and highly influential chef proprietor of Nobu, Matsuhisa and Ubon restaurants all over the globe, from Beverly Hills to New York City, London to Tokyo, Aspen to Milan, Las Vegas to Miami Beach.
After graduating from high school, Nobu found a live-in job at a sushi restaurant in Tokyo called Matsuei. When he was 24 years old, Nobu accepted an offer from one of his customers that took him to Lima, Peru to open a restaurant. The impact of his time in Peru cannot be overstated. Nobu began weaving Peruvian influences into his dishes – the beginnings of his signature style. He then moved on to work in Buenos Aires, Argentina, followed by Japan and Alaska. In 1987, Nobu opened his own restaurant Matsuhisa in Beverly Hills.
Matsuhisa was an instant success and became a magnet for food lovers and celebrities alike. It was here that his long time friendship and business relationship with Robert De Niro began. It was at De Niro’s urging that they opened Nobu in New York City in 1994 with restaurateur Drew Nieporent. Like Matsuhisa, Nobu was a hit.
Notable citations bestowed upon Nobu’s restaurants start with Matsuhisa chosen as one of the Top Ten Restaurant Destinations in the world by the New York Times (1993). Nobu was awarded Best New Restaurant by the James Beard Foundation (1995) and Three Stars by Ruth Reichl of the New York Times (1995). Nobu Next Door was awarded Three Stars by Ruth Reichl of the New York Times (1998). Nobu London wasawarded One Michelin Star (1997). Nobu Fifty Seven was awarded Three Stars by Frank Bruni of the New York Times (2005).
Some of Nobu’s personal honors from the culinary community are America’s 10 Best New Chefs by Food and Wine Magazine (1989), Southern California’s Rising Stars by Los Angeles Times Magazine (1998), induction into Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America by the James Beard Foundation (2002), and nomination for Outstanding Chef by the James Beard Foundation (1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006).
Nobu Team in Melbourne
Scott Hallsworth is the Head Chef of Nobu Melbourne. Scott was previously the Head Chef at Nobu London (Park Lane) and has been working for the company for the past six years.
During Scott’s time running the kitchen in Park Lane, the restaurant not only maintained its Michelin Star but was also voted 12th then 7th in the 50 Best Restaurants in the World, Restaurant Magazine.
The General Manager for Nobu Melbourne is Ben Jager. Ben is a local Melbourne boy who has previously worked for Nobu London (Park Lane). They will be supported by about 90 employees – many whom are locals and have worked with Nobu in different parts of the world.
Nobu Melbourne Restaurant Design
Nobu Melbourne will seat more than 150 people (lower level – main dining area) and about 100 people (upper level – bar / lounge). Occupying a double-storey space in Crown Entertainment Complex, the restaurant is located adjacent to the Yarra River. Designed by the Rockwell Group, it displays natural materials that reflect Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s origins in rural Japan, intermingled with modern design elements that are hallmark features of Nobu restaurants. Integral to the Nobu identityis the sense of intrigue and visual connections as one moves from space to space.
Crown Entertainment Complex
Offering a world of dining and entertainment, Crown currently has more than 40 restaurants and bars. In August 2007, Nobu Melbourne was added to Crown’s premium restaurants which include the brasserie by Philippe Mouchel, Koko, Silks, Number 8 restaurant and wine bar, Breezes, Neil Perry’s Rockpool Bar and Grill, just to name a few. With the addition of internationally renowned restaurateurs, Crown now boasts one of the best world-class dining precincts in Australia.
Covering 510,000 square metres (the equivalent of two city blocks), the Crown Entertainment Complex is distinctive in its location and design with a wide range of facilities and exceptionally high standards of service. Located on the south bank of the Yarra River, this world-class complex is flanked by the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Melbourne’s premier arts, theatre, business and shopping districts and within easy reach of most major sporting venues.
The fully integrated entertainment complex successfully combines two award-winning hotels Crown Towers and Crown Promenade Hotel to offer Melbourne’s largest range of accommodation, Australia’s largest conferencing and banqueting facilities, 24-hour world-class casino (the largest in the southern hemisphere), comprehensive entertainment plus stylish shopping arcade, to provide a world of entertainment.