Canada | Toronto
Nobu Toronto by Nobu Matsuhisa
In the heart of Toronto's vibrant Entertainment District, just steps away from the renowned TIFF festival screening rooms and glamorous nightlife, emerges a captivating and multi-faceted hospitality experience that beautifully showcases the city's cultural diversity. This unique establishment thoughtfully combines Japanese, Peruvian, and Canadian sensibilities, resulting in an intriguing and delightful fusion.
Crafted by the award-winning design collective Studio Munge for Nobu Restaurants and leading development maverick Madison Group, this remarkable venue spans an impressive 10,000 square feet. It promises a journey of surprises and discoveries, embodying the culinary artistry of Michelin-starred chef Nobu Matsuhisa.
Upon arrival to sensory exploration, guests are warmly welcomed by a carved wood desk framed with delicate layers of hand-dyed indigo fabric, evoking a sense of exoticism and setting the tone for the culinary adventure ahead. As enticed guests wander through the exquisite Nobu restaurant, enveloped in a moody atmosphere, they will discover, room by room, the expansive seating area accommodating up to 280 patrons.
A striking centrepiece takes form in the expressive bronze finish chainmail chandelier that gracefully descends from the mezzanine, its layers resembling the flowing elegance of overlapping kimono fabrics. This extraordinary lighting fixture, custom-designed by Studio Munge in collaboration with the expert artisans from Lasvit, anchors the space with an air of refinement and splendour. Adding to the space's allure, storytelling Kawara Japanese roof tiles are brought to life through the meticulously handcrafted tiles that elegantly dress the pillars, imbuing the surroundings with majestic verticality. Behind the bar, shelves adorned with antique mirrors and Muntz metal accents proudly showcase an array of exotic liquors and aged spirits, serving as collected treasures from all corners of the world.
To reach the main dining room, guests encounter the striking sake bar, passing by an intimate terrace reminiscent of serene urban Japanese gardens. Drawing inspiration from the iconic artwork "The Great Wave off Kanagawa", the space is adorned in a harmonious blue and white colour palette expressed in the striking Blue Tempest stone and a hand-applied plaster finish that gracefully curves across the layered ceiling, reminiscent of tumbling waves. As guests proceed through the dynamic ceiling compression, they will experience an awe-inspiring expansion in the Japanese courtyard Dining Room.
"I have been a fan of Chef's cuisine for as long as I can remember. I have spent so many nights enjoying his extraordinary cuisine all around the world. It is an incredible honour to bring this iconic brand to our city of Toronto and contribute our global expertise in hospitality to elevate the local dining scene."
—Alessandro Munge
Celebrating Chef Nobu's vibrant cuisine, the tone-on-tone aesthetics of this room are serene and quietly beautiful. Circular timber beams featuring intricate Japanese joinery details gently ripple around a suspended light and porcelain installation crafted by the talented ceramic artist Andrea Braescu. It evokes the poetic dance of ginkgo leaves in the wind. Adding a soft contrast to the warm Canadian elm wood prevalent throughout the room, bespoke ceramic tiles clad the columns, fashioned by Toronto-based artisans Creators of Objects. A true showstopper, the Sushi bar serves as a dynamic display kitchen, transforming into a captivating stage where guests can appreciate the beauty of ingredients and the masterful craft of the culinary team.
A second private dining room awaits for the most exclusive events, catering to celebrities and international jet setters, accessible through a discreet private entrance connected to the chef's kitchen. Evoking Mizunara Japanese whiskey oak barrels, the moody room is an intimate space enclosed with shoji-inspired screen doors.