Nobu Malibu
Malibu, CA 90265-4978
Phone: (310) 317-9140
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Pacific Coast Highway
- Hours:
- Sun-Thu 5:45pm-10pm , Fri-Sat 5:45pm-11pm
Editorial Review for Nobu Malibu – by Citysearch Editors
The Scene
Tucked away in the bustling Malibu Country Mart shopping center, this casual dining space is accented by a long, gleaming sushi bar and bouquets of roses, tulips and wildflowers. Dressed-down regulars and off-the-clock celebs take front-room tables, while the rest are relegated to the enclosed patio. Service is quick and efficient.
The Food
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa has built an empire on dynamic fish dishes and ultra-fresh sushi. The octopus arrives in the kitchen alive, and it isn't cooked and carved until it's ready to be eaten. Dishes are dressed sparingly, allowing the flavor of perfect seafood to shine through. Seared tuna gets the seviche treatment, tossed with cucumber, tomato and delicate grape-seed oil, and hamachi sashimi comes to life with a slice of jalapeno. Best dish is Matsuhisa's signature tiradito, whisper-thin slices of red snapper set off by fresh cilantro and a drop of fiery Peruvian hot sauce.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Where to SitAvoid sitting next to the patio door; every time it opens, a big gust of chilly air blows into the dining room.
What to DrinkThe wine menu boasts 80 bottles (ranging from $25 to $490) and 16 wines by the glass, including and a sampling of champagne and sparkling wine.
User Reviews for Nobu Malibu
10/11/2008 Posted by missj07
It's frustrating to read the reviews on here with people comparing Nobu to other sushi restaurants, because the experience is not meant to be like other sushi restaurants. If you are looking for a standard sushi dinner, don't go here because you will miss out on the whole point and feel like the restaurant did not live up to your expectations. If you want to enjoy a meal at Nobu, I recommend the following: 1. sit at the sushi bar. You don't need a reservation and it's much more interactive, you get the best food and the sushi chefs are the nicest around. (unless you have more than three people, then a table is more appropriate). 2. ask your waiter and sushi chef for recommendations. There are many daily specials that are not on the menu, some of which are the best dishes they make (ie: king crab tempura, seared scallops with truffle). The waiters know what is good, and they will steer you through a meal you will love. 3. If you do make a reservation, call ahead and if they are full put yourself on the waiting list, more often than not they will call you back. 4. Be prepared to spend money. Resign yourself to it and just accept that it will run you $100-$150 a person for a great dinner. 3. Don't go for the first time on Valentine's Day. (that rule applies to ANY restaurant!) I have never had a bad meal at Nobu Malibu, the kitchen is always consistent and some of the best staff work at this location. Treat them with respect and they will do the same. Go for a good time (not to gawk at celebrities) and to enjoy some innovative cuisine that has since been copied all over Los Angeles. Go for the original.
Pros: the original innovative Japanese cuisine, always consistent, friendly
Cons: sometimes really loud and tables are close together
10/03/2008 Posted by NOBUmatsushida
You know i'm a local here in Malibu and every so often I have to remind myself of why I dont bother going here. Service? Really quite lousy. Food? Definitely lousy. Decor? A joke. You have to wonder why this thing is even on the map. Honestly I cant figure out why this place is such a hot spot because the food is lousy, the decor is non-existent, and the waiters are amateur. Compare to Sage Room, T d Noi or Geoffry's. Its in some half assed parking lot, some half assed non-decor, half assed waiters half assed food. I think this place is great for people who have no appreciation of fine dining but are under the false impression of receiving it once having been here. Its a joke. Nobu is a joke. Starting from its back of the parkinglot location. A JOKE.
Pros: The myth of THE Place to See and Be seen.
Cons: EVERTHING: Food, Decor, Service - awful
Users Like You Also Viewed
Katana
8439 W Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Little Dom's
2128 Hillhurst Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027
