HOMAGE: Nobu Doha’s building is a homage to Doha’s rich pearl diving past; the circular three-story restaurant resembles an ornate coiled shell.

By Anand Holla


Celebrity chef and restaurateur Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa’s signature fusion cuisine that blends traditional Japanese dishes with South American ingredients has finally hit Doha’s shores, and how.
The world’s most recognised Japanese restaurant, Nobu is located at the water’s edge along Four Season’s private marina. The hotel has announced — in partnership with acclaimed Chef Nobu — that the highly anticipated debut of Nobu Doha will be tomorrow (Friday).
Nobu Doha showcases Chef Matsuhisa’s innovative signature new-style Japanese cuisine complemented by an equally imaginative setting in the 26,000 square-foot contemporary restaurant. Offering an exclusive culinary experience, the tri-level Nobu Doha boasts the largest of its kind in the world and is the only Nobu at a Four Seasons in the Middle East.
“We are thrilled to open Nobu Doha and offer our discerning guests and Doha residents alike an unrivalled culinary experience — from extraordinary cuisine to awe-inspiring art and design elements, this truly is much more than just sushi and sake,” said Rami Sayess, regional vice president and general manager of Four Seasons Hotel Doha.
“The collaboration between Nobu and Four Seasons is a perfect fusion of two celebrated brands, both recognised globally for intuitive service and innovation, and I am extremely excited for the hotel as we embark on this new chapter together and help redefine the culinary scene in Doha.”
Chef Nobu, too, expressed his excitement at having his second Nobu open in the Middle East. “It is an honour for me to be able to share my food and culture with different people around the world. I look forward to new challenges and adventures with the opening of Nobu Doha,” he said.
Almost three decades after he opened his first US restaurant Matsuhisa in Beverly Hills in 1987 and two decades after he partnered with Robert De Niro and Meir Teper to open Nobu Tribeca in New York City, the master chef’s restaurant chain will now storm Doha in style.
Chef Matsuhisa, who is celebrating 20 years as a successful chef and restaurateur, is renowned for his loyal clientele of the world’s most affluent celebrities and connoisseurs.
Drawing inspiration from Matsuhisa’s classical training as a sushi chef in Tokyo, his life abroad in South America, and his travels around the world, Nobu’s signature style is internationally recognized as ‘new-style Japanese’ fare.  As a result, Nobu Doha’s menu is influenced by his extensive travels and international training, while he also incorporates new creations infusing local ingredients representative of the region.
The menu features a repertoire of signature dishes including the Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno, Lobster with Wasabi Pepper Sauce, and perhaps Chef Matsuhisa’s most known recipe — the Black Cod Miso.
Designed by Chef Matsuhisa’s long-time architect and internationally recognised design partner, David Rockwell and his firm Rockwell Group, the restaurant captures a distinct look and feel for Nobu’s largest global outpost.
As a clever homage to Doha’s rich pearl diving past, the circular three-story restaurant resembles an ornate coiled shell. Elliptical ribbons of river stone capped with bronze accents form the exterior of the structure and create the three-tiered levels of the restaurant.
Inside, Nobu Doha seamlessly transitions the shell-like inspiration throughout the seven distinct dining and lounge areas. Each space incorporates Nobu’s iconic design palette influenced by nature, such as warm wood, shimmering glasswork to reflect water elements, and rich layering of textiles.
Ideal for large or small gatherings, the airy dining and lounge spaces opening out to unobstructed panoramic water or cityscape views include an expansive 134-seat interior dining area; intimate 10-seat sushi counter; two exclusive private dining rooms; a sophisticated White Pearl Bar & Lounge; a stylish Black Pearl Bar & Lounge; and a one-of-a-kind 38-seat roof top lounge that encompasses both indoor and outdoor seating options.
In celebration of the restaurant’s debut at Four Seasons, the hotel is offering a special Taste of Nobu experience package, which includes: accommodations in a Premier Room overlooking Nobu Doha and the famed Arabian Gulf, based on a two-night stay; exclusive Nobu Doha arrival amenity; Omakase 10-course Chef’s Tasting Menu for two at Nobu Doha; Daily breakfast for two; Nobu Cookbook. The package starts at QR 4,650.