Jonathan Stinson

Even though a night on the town in Los Angeles is always unpredictable; a night beginning at the chic and sexy sushi restaurant, Nobu, guarantees an unforgettable experience. Everything from the Asian inspired décor, the personal ambiance, to the impeccable yellowtail sashimi makes you feel among the A-list. If you live in Los Angeles (or anywhere in the world for that matter), you are familiar with the award-winning sushi joint known as Nobu. It is always a must when you have money to spend on an immaculate meal.  The modern decadence to the well-trained service, no wonder Nobu is such a hot spot for celebrities, and food connoisseurs from around the world.

I had the opportunity to dine at Nobu in West Hollywood with Swell City Guide’s managing editor and personal friend, Haya Zoubi. Sitting at a corner booth in the high-energy main dining room, which houses the sushi bar, is the see-and-be-seen proscenium. After reviewing the menu, we decided to do the Omakase which is the essence of World famous Chef Matsuhisa’s cuisine. Our menu tasting consisted of Chef Matsuhisa’s top picks mixed with a flare of exotic dishes ranging from Octopus to the lobster ceviche.  Arriving to the table first were the martinis suggested by Nobu’s charismatic and poised manager, Justin; I sipped on the cucumber Grey Goose martini which ended up being my favorite on the list because of its refreshing simplicity.   The first two dishes to grace our table were the yellowtail sashimi topped with a jalapeno and a salmon sashimi topped with chives, artichoke and fresh crab.  Both perfectly prepared as expected. Next to arrive, the classic Bluefin Toro tartar accompanied with caviar as well as a flawless mushroom, wasabi salsa, and ponzu dish.  An exotic favorite of mine was the squid pasta mixed with shishito peppers and a light garlic sauce and also the lobster ceviche.  For those looking for something simple and classic, I recommend the perfectly tender brick-oven Kobe skirt steak and the black cod with miso.

Honestly, everything I tasted was beyond impressive. We finished the night off with the Pistachio soufflé, a Sicilian favorite topped with Amaretto and hazelnut gelato.  Overall, the night at Nobu was filled with laughs, good conversation, refreshing drinks, friendly service and a spectacular Japanese cuisine. I look forward to visiting one of the other 24 locations world-wide. Nobu is nestled in the heart of West Hollywood on La Cienega Boulevard with neighbors such as the famed STK steakhouse and nightclub Boudoir at Coco de Ville. Nobu is owned by the highly influential chef Nobu Matsuhisa and others including Hollywood Heavyweight Robert De Niro

Nobu West Hollywood903 North La Cienega Boulevard West Hollywood, CA 90069-4709 (310) 657-5711