Nobu has been associated with money and the quintessential flashy Los Angeles scene long before the days of Drake’s “eatin’ crab out in Malibu at Nobu” lyric featured in a recent YG rap. It’s yet another one of those hot spots that attracts the worlds wealthiest and allows its guests to truly experience what it means to (appear) to have “made it” thus far in this world. As for the rest of us regular folk… sure we’re curious, we’d like to know what’s up with that crab at Nobu… I mean we like nice things too ya know? I’m a far cry from being wealthy but I’m not exactly poor either, so places like Nobu Malibu have always been reserved for special occasions only – when I may feel slightly less guilty for ordering a $30 piece of sashimi, etc. This past week was me and my boyfriend’s 2 year anniversary – now we aren’t exactly the sentimental type, and we do fun things together all the time? – but this year I was looking forward to a nice dinner together at a place we wouldn’t usually venture to on any old day. The first place that fit the fancy bill and came to mind first was Nobu Malibu; if you live in LA or have driven down the coast right past it… then I think you understand why for very obvious reasons. All of the Nobu’s are bougie, all of them frequently visited by the upper crest and the famous, but there’s something extra special about Nobu Malibu, something extra unattainable, and therefore exotic to my “Ihop-lovin’, imitation-crab-california-roll-orderin'” ass. So as you may imagine, if Nobu Malibu becomes an option, you’re god damn right I’m taking that opportunity – and I aint lookin’ back.
Welp. Have a special occasion coming up? Looking for a special place to celebrate? Maybe don’t follow exactly in my footsteps. Nothing necessarily against Nobu, they can’t help how popular they are, but hear me out. I had this whole idea about our perfect evening at Nobu Malibu… we’d be dining along the beach, sipping our $100+ bottle of wine we’d been saving, holding hands, feeding each other blue fin toro (ew not really but go with me here), relaxing as the sound of the ocean lulled us into a calm state of mind… and then none of that happened. As with most of the restaurant, we we’re seated inside, nowhere near where I actually hoped to sit and be in my zen space to really enjoy the full Nobu Malibu experience and “oo” and “ah” over some really freakin fancy sushi! Here’s my tip though: if you do have a special occasion, and you would like to sit outside, be someone with a black AMEX or call a month or more in advance. I know, you’re shocked, I’m so sorry.
After being told “no” and watching my dreams about a night of perfection get dashed against the rocks, I sat my pouty ass down indoors and reminded myself that I was still actually at Nobu Malibu with the love of my life, and I was still going to enjoy some of the freshest, most incredible sushi known to man. All in all, despite not being able to have my cake and eat it too, the food and service was most certainly worthy of receiving 5 gold shiny stars. After viewing the bill and nearly choking on my last sip of wine, I should fucking hope so right? It ended up being a memorable evening and I’m actually laughing at myself for how ridiculous I let that get because frankly I should have known better, who do I think I am the damn Queen of Los Angeles? Kim Kardashian? Drake? I can only imagine that everyone who visits Nobu Malibu wants to sit outside, but here’s the deal, we must remember that most people would probably kill to simply enjoy a meal like that in any capacity. Should you ever have the honor and opportunity, the best way to enjoy Nobu Malibu is to come with no expectations besides to enjoy top-notch sushi and to drop more than a few pretty pennies.
Dish recommendations: everything. Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalepeno, Tuna Mini Tacos, Lobster & Vegetable Tempura, Blue Fin Toro Sashimi, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice X 100, Rock Shrimp Tempura, and the Chocolate Harumaki (spring rolls)
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