NOBU – MAYFAIR – AUGUST 2017

I love London. It’s a walking city. You can see so much on foot. I like nothing more than getting lost. It’s usually how I find interesting places to eat, or that dream piece of couture you must investigate.

Mayfair at night is truly a sight to behold. I always stop at Berkley Square. Just to gaze through the Bentley showroom window at the Bugati Veyron. I walk away telling myself that probably wouldn’t enjoy owning one, but who am I kidding! As I head to Green Park, I always pass Nobu. I have read so much about the famous and internationally known eatery. Eventually temptation had to get the better of me.

Nobu has 2 floors. As I walked up the stairs to my table, a quick look to my right revealed a beautifully constructed bar with lounge area. Resident DJ’s provide a contemporary musical backdrop. Seated on the top floor I could see over to my left the amazing sushi bar. Nobu’s menu is comprehensive. I wanted to try everything, but it had to be Tuna Tataki with Ponzu. Cut so thinly, it was almost translucent. Ponzu adding the most exquisite flavour profile. Then to the Yellow Tail Sashimi. Delicate and delicious. Jalapeno adding a subtle and clever heat.

I could not order a main without trying the Black Cod. Cooked to perfection. The Miso added cleverly fighting against the sweetness of the fish. Baby Tiger shrimp, deep fried and with 3 sauces tasted beautiful. The salad leaves placed under the shrimp a revelation. To leave without trying the Dragon roll would have been a crime. Intricately constructed. Avocado wrapping a delicate rice and eel centre. Miso dipping sauce arrived in a dainty tea pot and added a welcome salty dimension. Special mention must be given to my Chosen cocktail. ‘El Jefe’s milk punch’. Made with clarified milk. Filtered for 3 to 4 days remove the protein. Clear in appearance and with added Cognac and lemongrass. Clever and very subtle.

Nobu lived up to its reputation. Perfectly balanced dishes with a subtle twist. Food is something special. Description of dishes by front of house staff felt confusing at times. I have had Sushi as good, if not better than Nobu. I look forward to sharing that with you in the future. Those places can never feel as glamourous. For me flavours make memories, not interiors.

Dinner expect to pay around £90 – £110 without drinks.