San Diego Bites: Nobu
I don't actively seek out franchise restaurants to eat at while traveling, but I have been dying to try Nobu.
Any Nobu.
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My old friend Julie Roads raved about the New York spot. And Andi Perullo did the same about her dinner at Nobu in Hong Kong.
So when it came to my attention while seeking a nice restaurant for Christmas Eve dinner in San Diego, I quickly seized the opportunity to try it out.
San Diego seems like such an odd choice for this restaurant given the fact that there is already one in Los Angeles, but nothing in San Francisco where I think it would thrive. But I had no complaints about its location for Christmas Eve! I was all too happy to have it there and to be able to enjoy a restaurant that I had been trying to get to.
The wait was worth it.
We sat at the sushi bar. Really, this is the only spot you need to be (at least if you are two or solo) as it is where all the action is. Also, making friends with the sushi chefs ensures you will get the best recommendations and freshest fish.
Since the San Diego location was celebrating its 5-year anniversary, they were offering a special Omakase menu so we ordered one of them to share and a whole bunch of sushi, many of them suggestions from the chefs, as well as some of our favorites.
We definitely went overboard, but it was so worth it. We counted the meal as our Christmas dinner, New Year's Eve dinner, and my birthday dinner rolled into one.
I did take photos of every course, but I think I was more focused on eating, as most of them did not turn out. But here are a few. Like this yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno.
And the lovely Kumomoto Oysters with Creamy Onion Salsa which were the starter of our Omakase dinner.
Our second course was Kanpachi Tataki with seasonal mushrooms with a lovely garlic citrus soy, being administered here by one of the sushi chefs.
All the courses were delightful and delectable including dessert which we almost refused. Thank goodness our waitress talked us into it. S'mores, but not just any s'mores, elevated refined graham panna cotta with a hazelnut crunch and fudge sauce served with a toasted marshmallow gelato – insanely good!
It was worth every penny and I will be looking to try out another Nobu in one of their other cities soon. Maybe Las Vegas where Nobu is opening up a hotel and restaurant inside of Ceasar's Palace this month?
mmm! I would love to try Nobu! Everytime I hear Nobu it makes me think of, kanye west “I might just walk in Nobu with no shoes” but I am very odd! haha
These photos are gorgeous! Thanks for the shout out love!!!
Looks incredible!!
@Katie, next time you are in SD!
Hey Miss Misadventures., I don’t either seek franchise, I love the obscure, but Nobu is a must try. I have never been so nice to experience it through you.
@FoodWanderings, thanks!
I don’t think I’ve ever looked at oysters and CRAVED them before… They look bloody gorgeous! X
Oh wow! That looks so delicious!! Maybe it’s because I’m pregnant and haven’t had sushi in FOREVER, but I am salivating just looking at your pics. I will have to visit this place next time I’m in San Diego.
I haven’t had sushi in ages seeing these pics makes me miss it even more.
sounds like a great place to eat, hope you enjoyed your meal there
Would love to dine here.
That looks amazing. I’ve never had anything like it, but a trip would be worth it!
my mouth is watering right now, that looks so good!
What beautiful photos! I have never had sushi (I heard that gasp!) but you’r photos make it looks delicious
Your review of Nobu and it’s food, make sushi sound good, and I have never ate sushi.
i’m making this a must-go next time i visit san diego. thank you!
I love the pictures! They really make the food look YUM!
Wow, this looks incredible.
I’ve heard about nobu (the new york location) before quite a few times and it looks amazing! I think if I went to new york or any of the other locations one day I’d definitely try and book a reservation for dinner.
I would love to be able to travel there and try some of their delectable foods. They look delicious.
Sushi chefs are true artists!
We live in San Diego but tend to stick to kid friendly places. My husband would love going to Nobu though. We’ll have to try it, thanks!
Would you believe I’ve never been to Nobu. And we have Nobu and Nobu Next Door here in New York City. I’ve passed it so many times, but it’s just never the right time to go for one reason or another — maybe because I feel it will be there so there’s no rush. But now, you and @AndiPerullo have me licking my lips. That’s it — on the list to make it happen ASAP! What I would do for an Omakase experience at Nobu or Masa or so many others. What a wonderful treat!
@BrainyPintSizer, I believe it! Having just been there for the first time in December. It was worth the wait, and I say run over there now!
My brother loves going to San Diego. I will have to tell him about this place. 🙂
It has been many years since I have had sushi. These pictures show some excellent looking sushi and I am really hungry for some now. Unfortunately, no sushi in town, so maybe someday when we can get out of town I might ba able to have sushi again. Thanks for the pic, I’ve heard a lot of great compliments about Nobu.