Restaurant Review: NOBU MALIBU

Just about any foodie knows about Nobu. His reputation precedes him, due to his ownership of many restaurants sprinkled throughout the world and his business partnership with Robert DeNiro.

I've had the luxury of visiting Matsuhisa on several occasions to experience Nobu's delectable and creative sushi dishes, but recently my trip to "Nobu" in Malibu has to take the cake (or is it, the Hamachi?)

Placed in the casual beach town ambiance of a Malibu strip mall, the atmosphere at Nobu Malibu is considerably more fun and less stuffy than Matsuhisa Beverly Hills... although patrons still act a bit like rubbernecks, checking to see if celebs are tucked away in a dark corner or walking in the door. I could care less if Madonna, Brad Pitt or Bill Clinton walked in (ok, maybe I would stop to look at Bill) because I am too focused on the magic of Nobu's food.

The essence of Nobu's meals is in the beautiful simplicity of preparation, the high quality of the fish itself and juxtaposition of flavors and textures. Nobu has been long influenced by the flavors he experienced while living in South America. In his signature Tiradito (Peruvian style sashimi) dish, he combines a delicate white fish with a splash of tangy citrus and a dot of hot chile sauce. You will find your feet dancing under the table with every luscious bite. The yellowtail sashimi is marinated in lime and has a thin sliver of jalapeno on top of each slice. Wonderful! And I cannot recommend a more delightful drink than the Pear Martini they make at Nobu Malibu: it was a magical elixir and really seemed to compliment the sushi.

Nobu's signature dishes are pricey, so walk in with a fat wallet or with a rather conservative view of what it means to be "full". Some of the more standard offerings like spicy tuna rolls or simple 2 piece nigiri sushi are about the same as they would be at any other (decent) sushi establishment, so do what I do: fill up on the "cheapies" and splurge on 1 or 2 of the "fabulous". Or just drink water with the meal! Honestly, I don't go to this place often, so I don't hold back too much. When I experience the wonder of Nobu's art, I usually opt to sit quietly and savor each bite like a Shinto monk rather than gobble down huge amounts.

5 out of 5 Chopsticks! *****

Nobu Malibu
3835 Crosscreek Road
Malibu, CA 90265
310-317-9140