Japanese Fusion
Nobu Los Angeles
Nobu Los Angeles, designed by world-renowned architect David Rockwell in the former L'Orangerie space, offers a sophisticated blend of Japanese tradition and contemporary culinary artistry. The main dining room, with its sushi bar, still buzzes with an energy of money and celebrity, though it's a more understated scene than its Malibu counterpart. It's a place where attentive service and a meticulously crafted menu create a memorable evening, whether for a special occasion or a casual gathering.
★ The Legend
Black Cod Miso
This iconic dish features a filet of black cod marinated in Nobu's signature Den miso sauce for several days, then baked and finished with a salamander broil to achieve a caramelized glaze. It's a dish that has been imitated worldwide but rarely replicated, known for its ethereal sweet, savory, and umami flavors.
◆ Fan Favorite
Yellowtail Jalapeño
Thinly sliced yellowtail sashimi is delicately arranged and adorned with touches of garlic puree, thin slices of jalapeño, and cilantro, all served with a Japanese citrus soy sauce. This dish is a consistent crowd-pleaser, celebrated for its fresh flavors and the perfect kick from the jalapeño.
● Chef's Pick
Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa himself highlights this dish, where sushi rice is fried into crispy squares and served deconstructed with spicy tuna, allowing diners to assemble each bite for optimal texture. It's a dish that started in Los Angeles and has since become incredibly popular, showcasing a delightful combination of crispy and tender.
◇ Hidden Gem
Tai Sweet Shiso with Crispy Shiitake
While many gravitate towards the more famous sashimi, this dish features delicate slices of tai (sea bream) fanned out and surrounded by a sharp citrus sauce, generously topped with chopped shiso and crispy fried shiitake mushrooms. It's a sashimi plate that regulars swear by, offering a unique smoky, meaty complexity that first-timers often overlook.
✦ Off the Menu
Cindy Rice
This off-menu item, created for Cindy Crawford, consists of seafood tempura made in larger pieces and served over rice, donburi-style. Customers can request it by name.
Insider Tip
First-timers often stick to the main dining room, but for a more relaxed and potentially spontaneous experience, head to the Bar & Lounge. They offer a 'Tanoshi Hour' Monday through Friday with specially priced cocktails and bar bites, including some signature dishes, and no reservations are required. This allows you to sample some of Nobu's best in a more casual setting without the pressure of a full dinner reservation.
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