San Diego foodies, prepare for a fresh wave of culinary excellence as famed sushi chef Nobu Matsuhisa announced plans to open his second location in the city, this time at the historic Hotel del Coronado. The new establishment is expected to launch early next year, bringing the chef's acclaimed Japanese cuisine to the iconic beachfront venue. According to Eater San Diego, Nobu's expansion comes as part of a national celebration marking the 30th anniversary of Nobu restaurants.
Nobu Matsuhisa, who began perfecting his craft in Japan before creating his celebrated fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors, is no stranger to the Southern California dining scene. His Beverly Hills outpost, Matsuhisa, opened in 1987, and since then, the Nobu brand has flourished worldwide. Despite concerns about the proximity of his two San Diego locations, Matsuhisa referenced his successful Los Angeles restaurants, which are less than a mile apart, "Matsuhisa and Nobu Los Angeles are still thriving," he told Eater.
The new restaurant at the Coronado landmark plans to serve up an appealing array of signature dishes, such as yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno and the delectable miso black cod. Additionally, Nobu's culinary philosophy embraces innovation, as demonstrated a decade ago when he introduced monk fruit sweetener to his sushi rice seasoning, aligning with health-conscious trends.
Speaking of local ingredients, Nobu has been unequivocal in his praise for San Diego's offerings. The sea urchin, in particular, has been highlighted by the chef as some of the best in the U.S. He's "looking forward to serving his sushi in the beachfront setting that the Hotel del Coronado affords," Matsuhisa shared with Eater, expressing his past fondness for the venue. The Coronado Nobu is set to serve guests for both lunch, and dinner, an expansion from the current restaurant's offerings.
As anticipation builds, the Nobu team whets appetites with a preview at the #TasteOfNobu event in Newport Beach. Eager patrons can watch social media for glimpses of the new experience. "Scenes from a spectacular #TasteOfNobu Newport Beach! We can’t wait to bring the Nobu experience to another city soon. Stay tuned!" the official Nobu Restaurants Instagram page teased. The Coronado launch is not just another restaurant opening – it's a testament to Nobu's enduring legacy and its continued evolution in an ever-changing dining landscape.
