Introduction » Nobu Restaurants (2024)

FAQs

What is the welcome phrase at Nobu? ›

Irasshaimase! As you step into the enchanting world of a Japanese restaurant, a spirited chorus of "いらっしゃいませ" (irasshaimase) fills the air, creating an immediate sense of warmth and belonging. This exuberant greeting, echoing the essence of omotenashi, the art of hospitality, is a cherished tradition in Japan.

Known for his fusion cuisine blending traditional Japanese dishes with Peruvian ingredients, Nobu has created one of the most recognized Japanese restaurants in the world.

Upon entering a restaurant, customers are greeted with the expression "irasshaimase" meaning "welcome, please come in".

There's a reason people love Nobu. Across the globe, his food is consistent, identifiable, clean, and often really fun. Of course, you should go for the classics (the yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño! The black cod with miso!), but this is one of the best Nobu restaurants to branch out.

Nobu Hotel Chicago | Irasshaimase is an ancient Japanese expression used to welcome guests into their restaurant.

"Irasshaimase!" the chefs are all yelling in unison the moment you enter their restaurant. It's a surprise the first time it happens but get used to it, it's standard practice throughout Japan.

Nobuyuki "Nobu" Matsuhisa (松久 信幸 Matsuhisa Nobuyuki; born March 10, 1949) is a Japanese celebrity chef and restaurateur known for his fusion cuisine blending traditional Japanese dishes with Peruvian ingredients. His signature dish is black cod in miso.

While some have called his cuisine a form of Japanese fusion, Chef Nobu has a different take. “It's Nobu style,” he reflected. “It means that the cooking is still Japanese but with some ingredients and styles from Peru like cilantro, jalapeno peppers and ceviche.”

It's an experience that spans four continents, and it all started with a serendipitous encounter. Each provides a local experience with modern, stunning spaces. Helmed by world-renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper, the Nobu Hotel concept is a curated experience where every property is different.

There's no need to say it, for example, to someone entering your house, although you could say the less formal irasshai (いらっしゃい) to an arriving house guest. And when you hear irasshaimase? The correct response is not to respond except with a polite nod of acknowledgement.

What do they chant at Nobu? ›

You don't have to know how to pronounce “irasshaimase” (E-RAH-SHY-MA-SEH) or what the Japanese greeting translates to (“Welcome,” roughly) to feel noticed when a chorus of chefs yells it in your direction.

In 1987, Nobu Matsuhisa moved to Los Angeles and opened the eponymous restaurant Matsuhisa. In 1988, Robert De Niro first visited the restaurant, and thereafter became a regular customer. In 1989, De Niro suggested to Matsuhisa that he open a restaurant in Tribeca, New York City.

Today, De Niro and his co-founders – celebrity chef Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa and film producer and entrepreneur Meir Teper – own 39 restaurants and eight luxury hotels across five continents. Their lifestyle brand Nobu Hospitality was founded in 2009.

The world's best 50 restaurants 2023 Ranked No 6.

Encourage your own staff member to use phrases such as "Welcome," "Good evening," or "How may I assist you?" This helps customers feel acknowledged and sets a welcoming tone.

The black cod miso is arguably the most iconic dish to come out of Nobu. Matsuhisa himself told me it was his favorite item on the menu, as well as the favorite of his business partner, Robert De Niro.

For example, “Good Morning/Afternoon/evening, welcome to XYZ (Restaurant Name) . If they do have a booking, follow up with “Can I please have your name?” After checking the reservation, repeat the details back to them “Absolutely (address by name if appropriate).