‘We’ve been waiting for you,’ Torontonians are excited for first Nobu restaurant opening next month – NOW Toronto

Luxurious Japanese restaurant Nobu is opening its first Canadian location in Toronto next month.

On Wednesday, the renowned restaurant empire, founded by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Academy Award winner Robert De Niro and movie producer Meir Teper, said the inaugural Canadian location will be at 25 Mercer Street, just one block away from TIFF Lightbox. 

The Toronto restaurant is designed by local interior designer Studio Munge and will span 10,000 square feet across two levels. Nobu will serve up restaurant classics such as black cod miso, yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno, and rock shrimp tempura.

Signature cocktails such as the lychee martini and oni negroni will also be available, as well as new Toronto-specific menu items from Executive Chef Alex Tzatzos.

“The dramatic interior masterpiece introduces a new standard for restaurant design excellence in Canada, setting the stage for Nobu’s sought-after energetic atmosphere which resonates across generations, attracting global tastemakers, influencers, and celebrities,” reads a press release.

“Nobu Toronto’s innovative design and sprawling property allow guests to immerse themselves in a world where culture and luxury intertwine, creating an awe-inspiring experience unlike any other for the hospitality brand’s Canadian debut,” it continued.

INSIDE NOBU TORONTO

Guests will be greeted by an intimate bar and lounge on the first floor to a 28-foot bronze chainmail Lasvit chandelier as well as handcrafted Kawara Japanese roof tiles.

Moving upwards, guests will enter the restaurant bar and outdoor terrace at the mezzanine level. They will be met with a 20-seat sake bar area while passing by a terrace inspired by serene urban Japanese gardens and artwork by Japanese ukiyo-e artist Hokusai Katsushika.

The second level will be the main restaurant space where there will be a 140-seat courtyard dining room and a private tasting room specifically catering to a maximum of ten guests. 

The second level will also include an 11-seat sushi bar where guests will be able to interact and witness the craft of the restaurant’s culinary team. In addition, there will also be a private dining room that will seat up to 20 guests. 

Online, eager fans of the Japanese restaurant are excited for the opening.

“We’ve been waiting for you,” one Instagram user said.

“Already my new favorite restaurant,” another user said.

“Huge fan of Nobu! Can’t wait for when you folks open in August,” another user commented.

Nobu is set to open this August, with the Nobu Hotel Toronto to follow in spring 2025.