The bustling heart of New York City is home to Nobu Fifty Seven and offers an impressive subterranean dining adventure, embracing sophistication with the signature style of innovative Japanese cuisine. Famed for Chef Nobu Matsuhisa's classic new-style Japanese plates, spearheaded by classic dishes including Tiradito Nobu Style and Black Cod Miso. Inside, award-winning artist Pascale Girardins ceramic installations add an elegant artistic element to the interior, elevating the ambiance.
If you are a first-time diner, the Chef suggests trying the menu as "Eight Highlight Dishes," encouraging you to start with 2-3 cold dishes before moving on to 2-3 warm dishes. This method enables diners to taste a varied range of flavors and textures. However, the extensive menu invites guests to choose dishes that intrigue them most as there is something to tantalize every palate.
During our visit, we sampled the edamame, which is a staple starter. It was perfectly steamed, lightly salted, and served warm. However, it was one of those perfect, solace, and simple enough plates by which the quality of the produce at Nobu was revealed. Be sure not to overlook the Yellowtail Carpaccio, where the thin slices of succulent yellowtail are enhanced by a gentle yuzu soy sauce that brings out its inherent sweetness. It was a well-flavored dish, leaving a refreshing taste that set a high bar for the courses to follow.
We followed it up then with Octopus carpaccio. Octopus preparation was really well done, as quite often it can present a difficult balance between tenderness and chewiness. Paired with a subtle wasabi salsa and topped with micro-greens, the dish had a gentle spicy sting, which was then cooled by the freshness of the micro-greens. The plate was a reflection of the restaurant's knack for transforming humble ingredients through meticulous preparation and just-right seasoning.
Nobu also offers a top-tier menu of high-class beverages, including selections from their nationwide Nobu Cocktail Competition, tequila, light, crisp, and refreshing beverages, as well as champagne and sparkling wine. The beverages accompany the courses seamlessly, expanding and enriching each bite.
The service at Nobu is exemplary. The staff is efficient and seamlessly attentive, which delivers a dining experience that is slick and memorable. The whole staff is knowledgeable about the food and can offer helpful suggestions and adjust to dietary preferences easily.
Nobu is a standout in the world of fine dining. With elegantly crafted dishes and high-quality ingredients, a sophisticated setting, and professional service in mind, everything at the restaurant is tailored to ensure an incredible culinary adventure. Whether you consider yourself a seasoned connoisseur of Japanese fare or simply someone interested in trying it for the first time, Nobu guarantees an upscale and enjoyable culinary adventure.
