Revered by all from the local fish markets to the finest sushi houses in Tokyo, Nobu Matsuhisa truly embodies the word "master." His cutting-edge cuisine sets the global standard by infusing South American spices with Japanese flavors, while his dozen-plus eponymous restaurants worldwide are among the best in every town they populate. His original Beverly Hills outpost is no exception: When Matsuhisa is not there himself (though he often is), his deft staff carries on his superior legacy with top-notch sushi, "new-style" sashimi and other inspired takes on Japanese-fusion cuisine. Full bar. Serving lunch Mon–Fri, dinner nightly.
Where the Locals Eat rating
Best Japanese/Sushi
Top 100 Restaurant, Los Angeles
"Japanese chef/owner Nobuyuki Matsuhisa ... opened what may be the most creative restaurant in the city."
—Frommer's
"If Nobu Matsuhisa were nothing more than a gifted sushi master ... he would still be exalted in the refrigerated fish warehouses downtown. But he is not. He is the one who changed the game. And as the baron of a sushi empire that stretches from London to Peru and the inventor of a strange, new cuisine, he is perhaps the only Japanese chef in Los Angeles whose influence is felt as strongly in Japan as it is California."
—Los Angeles Weekly
"Nobu Matsuhisa turned traditional Japanese fare on its ear and created original dishes by mixing in South American spices and salsas."
—Forbes
"The straightforward sushi is excellent, but his regulars can't get enough of ‘new-style sashimi' doused with warm olive oil, squid ‘pasta' with asparagus, and seafood perked up with his signature sauces."
– S. Irene Virbila, Los Angeles Times
How others rate Matsuhisa
Michelin Guide 2008
* (Very Good Restaurant in Category)James Beard Foundation
Cooking from a Professional Point of View, 2006
Nobu Matsuhisa, Outstanding Chef nominee, 2006-2002, 2001-1999, 1997
Nobu MatsuhisaWho's Who in Food and Beverage in America Inductee, 2002
Best New Restaurant nominee, 1995
Zagat 2008
27 Food Rating (Extraordinary to Perfection)
Food Tops
Japanese Tops
Los Angeles magazine
No. 46 on 76 Best Restaurants list, 2008
** (Distinctive and Assured)
Los Angeles Weekly
Gold 99, 2005-2006
Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRoNA)
Award of Excellence
Condé Nast Traveler
Where to Eat: Los Angeles, 2007
Frommer's
*** (Exceptional)
Mobil Travel Guide
*** (Excellent Food, Attentive and Skillful Service, Enjoyable Décor)