Toronto’s culinary scene is about to get a major upgrade with the grand opening of the Nobu Toronto restaurant, the first Canadian outpost of the internationally celebrated luxury lifestyle brand, Nobu Hospitality. This eagerly awaited opening comes just in time for the buzzy TIFF season, adding an extra layer of excitement to the city’s vibrant cultural calendar. Nobu Toronto is set to be the most anticipated restaurant opening of the year, promising an unparalleled dining experience that blends Japanese and Canadian influences. With its prestigious reputation and the star-studded team behind it, this new hotspot is poised to elevate Toronto’s dining landscape to new heights.
Nobu Toronto (Restaurant)
Location: 25 Mercer St, Toronto, ON M5V 1H2
Neighbourhood: Toronto Downtown West BIA (Entertainment district)
Open as of: August 6th, 2024
Crowd: Mixed, Business, Tourists, Date-night
Website | Instagram
Did you know that Nobu originally declined De Niro’s New York restaurant offer?
The masterminds behind Nobu
Nobu Hospitality was co-founded by three powerhouses: Chef Nobuyuki (otherwise known as “Nobu”) Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro, and film producer Meir Teper. The brand, synonymous with luxurious dining and impeccable hospitality, has established itself as a global phenomenon with locations in major cities worldwide. Nobu Toronto is no exception, bringing the same level of excellence and innovation to the heart of Canada.
Madison Group and Studio Munge: Crafting a masterpiece
Nobu Toronto’s development is helmed by Madison Group, a respected name in the real estate industry known for its high-quality projects. The design of the restaurant is the brainchild (and hard work) of Studio Munge, an award-winning design firm renowned for creating captivating spaces that leave lasting impressions. Their collaboration has resulted in a restaurant that is not only a feast for the palate but also a visual and sensory delight.
Closer look inside the highly anticipated, stunning 140 seat, Nobu Toronto restaurant:
A space designed to dazzle
Walking into the Nobu Toronto restaurant, you are immediately struck by the sophisticated yet inviting ambiance. The design marries Japanese minimalism with contemporary elegance, featuring natural materials, clean lines, and warm tones. The impeccable lighting enhances the aesthetic, creating an intimate and luxurious atmosphere that makes every meal feel like a special occasion.
The bar area (main floor)
There are 57 seats and spaciously distributed across the room. We sat at the bar for a drink before dinner and let me tell you, the bartenders here are quite the master mixologists. Olivia prepared us one of the listed cocktails, the Market Margarita (which is spicy) and it was, for lack of a better way to explain it… like an elevated Soho House picante, if you will.
As highlighted above, the space really does live up to the hype from these renderings. So accurate they could even be photos. The main level bar area is moody, spacious, grand and everything else in between. The perfect way to enjoy a drink while you wait for dinner, or maybe even just as the destination.
As you continue your journey upstairs toward the main dining room, you’ll find a 20-seat sake bar area, flanked by an intimate terrace that captures the essence of serene urban Japanese gardens.
The bar space beautifully brings to life the iconic Japanese artwork “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” by ukiyo-e artist Hokusai Katsushika. It showcases a harmonious blue and white colour palette, featuring striking Blue Tempest stone and a hand-applied plaster finish that gracefully curves across the layered ceiling.
As guests proceed through the wave, they will arrive at the stunning blonde elm Japanese courtyard dining room, which seats 140 and includes a private tasting room, tucked in a corner. Circular timber beams, featuring intricate Japanese joinery details, gently ripple around a suspended light and porcelain art installation by Canadian ceramic artist Andrea Braescu. Encircled by round banquettes and connected by four striking columns, the exquisite art piece represents a Japanese ginkgo tree, known as a “living fossil” and a symbol of peace, hope, and longevity.
The dining room also features an 11-seat sushi bar, where guests can admire the culinary team’s expertise and interact directly with the sushi chefs crafting sushi directly in front of them.
Off to the back corner of the 140-seat courtyard dining room (on the second level) is a semi-private tasting room for 10 in a contrasting dark cherry wood.
There’s also an intimate 20-seat private dining room discreetly tucked behind the cascading chandelier. Enclosed within bronze-tinted glass panels, this celebratory space offers a glimpse of and a vantage point over the ground-level bar.
Nobu’s menu is a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese dishes and inventive new creations, reflecting Chef Nobu’s culinary philosophy. The Toronto menu is on par with the other Nobu locations in New York and Miami, featuring a comprehensive selection of Shuko (snacks), Cold Dishes, Hot Dishes, Sushi, Maki, Sashimi, and Nigiri options, including a chef’s Omakase option. The menu also offers an array of veggie sides and decadent desserts. Diners are encouraged to enjoy their meals family-style, allowing everyone at the table to share and savour each dish. The servers expertly course the meal, including palate cleansers between dishes to enhance the dining experience.
Must-have dishes (see Instagram REEL)
Based on our exclusive first taste, here are the must-have dishes that you absolutely cannot miss:
- Black Cod Miso: A Nobu classic, this dish features succulent black cod marinated in sweet miso sauce and perfectly grilled.
- Yellowtail Jalapeño: Fresh yellowtail sashimi topped with thin slices of jalapeño and drizzled with a zesty yuzu soy sauce. (pictured above)
- Toro Tartare with Caviar: A luxurious starter of fatty tuna tartare topped with a generous dollop of caviar.
- Scallop Nigiri: Its melt-in-your-mouth texture and perfect flavour, was the standout bite of the night.
- Wagyu Beef: Exquisite cuts of wagyu beef, seared to perfection and served with a variety of dipping sauces. But the Wagyu dumplings are a must-try too!
No meal at Nobu is complete without a drink to match. The cocktail menu is as innovative as the food, featuring creative concoctions that incorporate Japanese spirits and ingredients. The sake selection is extensive, offering a range of flavours from delicate and fruity to rich and complex. For those who prefer wine, the curated list includes both local and international labels, carefully chosen to complement the menu.
The overall vibe
Nobu Toronto exudes an air of understated luxury. The staff are attentive and knowledgeable, ensuring that every guest feels pampered and well-cared for. The overall vibe is one of effortless elegance, making it the perfect spot for a special night out, a business dinner, or simply to enjoy an extraordinary meal.
Get on the list: A culinary destination you can’t miss
Nobu Toronto is not just a restaurant; it is a culinary destination that promises an unforgettable dining experience. From the meticulously crafted dishes to the stunning design, every aspect of Nobu Toronto has been thoughtfully curated to provide guests with a taste of luxury. As the most anticipated restaurant opening of the year, it is set to make a significant mark on Toronto’s dining scene and beyond.
The anticipation builds for the 2024 TIFF season
Opening just ahead of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Nobu Toronto is poised to become the go-to dining destination for celebrities, film industry professionals, and food enthusiasts alike. The restaurant’s prime location and stellar reputation make it an ideal spot for post-screening dinners and star-studded events.
“The two-level Nobu restaurant and bar will open its doors ahead of the Toronto International Film Festival, located just one block away from TIFF Light Box in the Entertainment District,” says Nobu Hospitality.
Plan your visit: Opening August 6th, 2024
Nobu Toronto officially is set to open on August 6th, with a soft open through the weekend. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during TIFF season–scheduled to launch of Tuesday, August 6th. Visit their website to book a reservation once it launches or get on the list to be among the first to be notified and experience this extraordinary dining destination.
In summary, Nobu Toronto is more than just a meal; it’s a full sensory experience that combines world-class cuisine, impeccable service, and stunning design. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Nobu or new to the brand, this is one dining experience you won’t want to miss.
Originally published on Jul 30th, 2024.
