Nobu Hotel Opens With a Drum Roll

I have eaten, or should I say “dined” at both Nobu in Aspen and the original in New York City. Both were “experiences.”

At Nobu New York, we were seated adjacent to Billy Crystal, who wanted no part of being recognized, but nonetheless, so freaked out by it, couldn’t concentrate on the food. In Nobu Aspen/Matsuhisa, I was worried about entertaining guests vis a vis the astounding bill for small portions. Again, it was all about the “experience,” ergo, people “who can’t afford it,” should be prepared.

Buckhead Atlanta scores both the restaurant and the Nobu Hotel making us all the more privileged. On Nov. 30, I attended the grand opening at Nobu Hospitality as local dignitaries and community leaders cut the ribbon on the back side of Phipps Plaza, near Saks Fifth Avenue. The property serves as Nobu’s 15th location overall and first in Georgia, making its debut in Buckhead at the modern, re-imagined, mixed-use Phipps Plaza.

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The yellow tail jalapeño composes a geometric circle in 6 pieces.

Designed by Rockwell Group, the hotel features 152 guest rooms and suites, including a rooftop pool with surrounding event space, corporate conference rooms and a state-of-the-art fitness center with Technogym equipment. Nobu Atlanta Restaurant, celebrated for its signature new-style Japanese cuisine, now welcomes diners to the new 10,000 square-foot space, serving iconic Nobu dishes, alongside specialties featuring local, homegrown ingredients.

“It’s an honor to launch the Nobu brand in Atlanta’s vibrant Buckhead community at Phipps Plaza,” said Nobu Hospitality Group CEO Trevor Horwell. “Our approach to hospitality, embracing sophisticated accommodations and outstanding cuisine, will offer guests the ultimate luxury lifestyle experience in the heart of Atlanta.”

Relax with a Lynchee martini at the Nobu Bar.

As malls, like Cumberland and North Point, search to redefine themselves, edging away from the straight retail sector, Phipps Plaza is also striving for more “work, play and shop” options. In early December, Life Time and Life Time Work will open its 90,000 square-foot luxury athletic country club and 30,000 square-foot premium co-working destination. This is an addition to the now open One Phipps Plaza, a 365,000 square-foot, LEED certified, 13-story, Class A office tower. Early next year, Citizens Culinary Market, a 24,000 square-foot upscale lifestyle food concept, is scheduled to open, injecting new culinary concepts into Phipps’ unique lineup. Remember Atlanta favorite Alon’s Bakery & Market is on the Peachtree Street side.

Simon Property Group Senior Vice President, Development and Asset Intensification, Patrick Peterman said, “We’re excited to celebrate the opening of Nobu Hotel & Restaurant Atlanta as our vision of Phipps Plaza becomes a reality for guests to enjoy, from the Southeast and beyond. Nobu’s unique allure and high-end reputation reinforces Phipps Plaza as a world-class destination for hospitality, shopping, dining, work, and entertainment.”

Restaurant reservations are made 30 days in advance.

Thinking about booking a wedding, b’nai mitzvah or conference? Group and event sales manager Samantha Hertzig noted, “One of the exciting events we have booked for the summer of 2023 is a large Indian wedding. We also have slated a few events with National Sales Network in 2023. Recently, we have hosted Caesars Entertainment, Assent Inc, Cartessa, Edwards Lifesciences, WestRock, Baker Donelson and Associated Luxury Hotels International.”

Nobu Atlanta also has private dining options. The Private Room can accommodate up to 24 guests while the Sake Room accommodates up to 12 guests. In-room dining is also available for guests looking to dine in privacy. Guests can expect to find signature Nobu menu items as well as dishes reflecting local culture and cuisine. Reservations are only available 30 days in advance. Visit noburestaurants.com/atlanta/reservations.

The Nobu Hotel & Restaurant’s grand opening on Nov. 30 featured a traditional Japanese drum show prior to the ribbon cutting.

The menu is divided into the following categories: snacks, cold dishes, hot dishes, tacos, vegetables, sushi, and desserts.

Examples:
Toro tuna with caviar $42
Sashima salad with Matsuhisa dressing $35
Black cod with miso $42
Unami sea bass $46
Roasted Chilean sea bass and cauliflower with jalapeño dressing $49 (Without the sea bass $19)
Salmon tacos $9
Shitake salad with spicy lemon dressing $18
Warm mushroom salad $25
Japanese red snapper sushi $8.50
Cut Toro and scallion sushi $20
Bento box Valrhona dark chocolate fondant, imperial matcha gelato $17
Banana soy toban $16
Sobacha brownie $17