- In: options for vegetarians
Nobu Matsuhisa Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, known to the world as Nobu, is the acclaimed and highly influential chef of Nobu and Matsuhisa restaurants. Nobu traces his professional ambition to the day his older brother took him to a sushi restaurant for the first time. He knew he was destined for a career in the kitchen. The modern Japanese-Peruvian fine-dining restaurant already has locations in Melbourne and Perth (both are currently closed due to COVID-19). Matsuhisa joins Clare Smyth of London's Michelin-starred Core in the Sydney casino's culinary line-up – a total of 14 restaurants and bars are set to join the Barangaroo development. The internationally renowned Japanese restaurant chain – Nobu – will arrive in Sydney later this year. Opening at Crown Sydney, this new location will be the country’s third, joining the Melbourne and Perth restaurants (also hosted at Crown sister properties). Nobu Sydney is set to open alongside a host of other restaurants in Crown Sydney, which are yet to be fully announced.
Nobu
Crown Casio Complex
8 Whiteman Street, Southbank
9292 7879
On a sunny winter’s afternoon, we stumbled into Nobu for a very late lunch. We turned up without a booking, and there was plenty of space. We got told (in the nicest possible way) that while we could stay as long as we liked, the kitchen was closing soon and we would need to order quickly.
Nobu is no newcomer to Melbourne’s restaurant scene. Described as the poor man’s Koko, it’s more casual than the later. You kind of feel okay showing up in your jeans. Albeit unconsciously, I’ve been ignoring it.
Inside, the decor is warm and welcoming, with neutral autumn tones. A very long bar along one side of the room looks like a great place for pre-drinks. There are also tables, booths, and private rooms for meals.
Unlike Maedaya, there isn’t really that authentic Japanese feeling to the place. When the staff say ‘Arigato’, you don’t quite believe them.
Unlike Maedaya, there isn’t really that authentic Japanese feeling to the place. When the staff say ‘Arigato’, you don’t quite believe them.
Speaking of the staff, they kind of left a little to be desired. While they were polite, they just seemed to forget we were there most of the time. They brought the wrong drinks once, and it took ten minutes to get someone’s attention to bring us the bill.
We ordered the tempura lunch and the bento box, and shared both dishes between the two of us. I really can’t go anywhere that offers a bento box without ordering it.
The food was good, and there was plenty to eat for the both of us. The tempura was just right. The bento box has a good selection of sushi and sashimi, along with the best miso I’ve had in a while.
Nobu is a great choice for vegetarians, with plenty of choice on the menu. You can also order small serves of most items, so if you feel like a mix to share, it’s easy.
Overall, I enjoyed the meal, and felt it provided good value for money. However, with so many other great Japanese choices in Melbourne, it’s hard to know if I would go back. Maybe if Koko is full.
Tags: crown, dinner, lunch, southbank
Peruvian food. How much do we know about it?
Not a lot, to be honest. So when we received an invite late last year that Nobu at Crown Casino would be hosting Peruvian Nights every Thursday, we seized the opportunity to learn more about the South American cuisine.
Interestingly enough, Nobu Matsuhisa (Nobu’s founder) spent quite a lot of time in Peru in his younger years. The Taste of Peru nights at Crown’s Nobu is a way for its current Executive Chef, Christopher Shane to honour Nobu’s time in Peru with this unique fusion of Peruvian cuisine into Japanese cuisine which we are now well accustomed to at Nobu.
Nobu Japanese Restaurant Crown Casino Philadelphia
As mentioned, the Taste of Peru occurs every Thursday night (from 5pm), whereby a unique blend of tapas and Peruvian cocktails are served with a twist.
There was a good variety of Peruvian sound cocktails. From the Machu Pichu Smash to the Champagne Mojito, Nobu had it covered.
As the night progressed, we managed to sample about 5 cocktails in total. In no particular order (you’ll have to forgive me, as by the second glass I lost the ability to keep track of my drinks), here are the cocktails we sampled (you can click on the link at the bottom of this post to read the description of each of the cocktails):
- Peruvian Pisco Sour
- Machu Pichu Smash
- La Rose Valha
- Pisco Punch
- Peruvian Cocktail Flight
The menu is pretty simple (as it is tapas) and is definitely a blend from the two cuisines. This was definitely seen in the first course of Scallop and White Fish Tiradito, which combines the traditional Japanese style of sashimi to the Peruvian equivalent of a ceviche on a stick ?
We then had the King Crab Ceviche on Butter Lettuce, the Potato Salad with Creamy Aji Amarillo and Crispy Shallots as well as the Vieira which is Grilled Scallops with Aji Amarillo Salsa. The magic ingredient is definitely in the aji amarillo sauce. That is the shiznits!
Made from fiery yellow chilli pepper (known as aji amarillo) distinct to South America, it’s like the Sriracha sauce of Asian cuisine. I want it in everything!
We then moved to the meatier part of the menu (Geddit? Sorry :() and enjoyed the Chicken Skewers Anti Cucho, Pollito – Peruvian Spice Poussin, and Tira de Asado Nobu Style (Short Rib with Aji Panca Tomato Gastrique and Couscous Salsa).
We finished the lovely fusion experience with some very lovely plum sorbet popsicles! So refreshing!
I really enjoyed the night out and think it’s a perfect way to catch up with work mates in a more casual environment or have a fantastic night out with girl friends sipping on the delicious cocktails!
The tapas menu boasts over 15 dishes many of which we sampled in the above and dishes start from $12.00 through to $35.00 and are designed for sharing as is Nobu’s style.
The cocktails start from $20 for a single glass (larger sized than the ones pictured) to $35 for the Peruvian Cocktail Flight.
If you are curious to learn more about the menu and pricing items of the Taste of Peru night and would like more information on how you can make reservations to enjoy this culinary delight, visit:
A Taste of Peru
A Taste of Peru Menu
A Taste of Peru Menu
[Ms I-Hua & The Boy attended as guests of Media Moguls and Nobu at Crown Casino]
For more reviews of the Taste of Peru night at Nobu, visit:
I’m So Hungree
Little Miss Melbourne
Second Helping
Little Miss Melbourne
Second Helping
*Disclaimer: All food ratings & review are purely based on my own experiences and how I feel about the service, food and quality at the time of visit
Food/ Cuisine: Japanese
Dining Style: Restaurant
Dining Style: Restaurant
Opening Hours:
Lunch: Monday to Thursday, 12:00pm – 2:30pm; Friday to Sunday, 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Dinner: Sunday to Thursday, 6:00pm – 10:30pm, Friday & Saturday, 6:00pm – 11:00pm
Lunch: Monday to Thursday, 12:00pm – 2:30pm; Friday to Sunday, 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Dinner: Sunday to Thursday, 6:00pm – 10:30pm, Friday & Saturday, 6:00pm – 11:00pm
Address:
Riverside at Crown
Crown Casino
8 Whiteman Street
Southbank VIC 3006
Riverside at Crown
Crown Casino
8 Whiteman Street
Southbank VIC 3006
Phone: (03) 9292 7879
Nobu Japanese Restaurant Crown Casino Nj
Website: https://www.crownmelbourne.com.au/nobu
Nobu Japanese Restaurant Crown Casino Atlantic City
How to get there: