TORONTO — Nobu Hospitality, founded in 1994 by Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and Meir Teper, has released renderings of its latest opening, Nobu Toronto, scheduled to open in early August 2024. The two-level Nobu restaurant and bar will open its doors ahead of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), located just one block away from the TIFF Light Box in the Entertainment District.
Nobu Toronto is the latest location to join the global restaurant group, marking its inaugural presence in Canada. Located at 25 Mercer Street, this location promises the latest trends in chef Nobu’s new-style Japanese cuisine influenced by his travels across South America. Guests can expect world-famous dishes such as Black Cod Miso, Yellowtail Sashimi with jalapeno and Rock Shrimp Tempura with signature cocktails such as the lychee martini and oni negroni, as well as new local nods by executive chef Alex Tzatzos honouring Toronto’s multi-cultural food scene. The restaurant and bar will open prior to Nobu Hotel Toronto, expected to debut spring 2025.
Designed by Toronto-based Studio Munge, the interior blends Japanese-inspired design and Canadian craftsmanship. Spanning 10,000 sq. ft. across two levels, Nobu Toronto offers a total of 278 seats amongst:
- Bar and lounge (ground level): Guests will be greeted by Nobu’s grand, yet intimate bar and lounge, with 57 seats enveloped in dark atmosphere. The bar’s main centrepiece is a 28 foot bronze chainmail Lasvit chandelier that descends from the mezzanine level imitating the drapery of a Japanese kimono, as well as handcrafted Kawara Japanese roof tiles.
- Restaurant bar and outdoor terrace (mezzanine level): This 20-seat sake bar area is reminiscent of urban Japanese gardens and features Japanese artwork, The Great Wave off Kanagawa, by Japanese ukiyo-e artist Hokusai Katsushika. The bar space is adorned in a blue and white colour palette.
- Restaurant (second level): The blonde elm Japanese 140-seat courtyard dining room includes a private tasting room for 10 in a contrasting dark cherry wood. Circular timber beams featuring Japanese joinery details ripple around a suspended light and porcelain art installation crafted by Canadian ceramic artist Andrea Braescu. Surrounded by circular banquettes connected by four columns, the art piece represents a Japanese ginkgo tree to symbolize peace, hope and longevity.
- Sushi bar (second level): At the 11-seat sushi bar, guests can appreciate the masterful craft of the culinary team while engaging directly with the sushi chefs.
- Private dining room (second level): The 20-seat private dining room is tucked behind the chandelier. Enclosed within bronze-tinted glass panels, this celebratory space offers a vantage point over the ground level bar.
