The sushi chef’s knife moves with precision, but your attention stays fixed on the tasting menu’s price column rather than the fish display. You have heard the name Nobu for years, yet the actual Nobu Menu with Prices remains a mystery until now. Let us fix that gap immediately with real numbers, real dishes, and zero guesswork.
Nobu is not a single restaurant concept. It spans luxury hotels, standalone locations, and even airport outposts. That means the menu you see in Malibu differs from the one in London or Dubai. However, the core structure stays consistent across most flagship venues.
Below you will find a practical breakdown of what things cost, what to order, and how to avoid a shocking bill at the end of the night.
Nobu Menu With Prices
Before you scroll further, understand one critical fact: Nobu does not publish a universal price list. Every location adjusts for local sourcing, import taxes, and real estate costs. The numbers below reflect typical U.S. flagship pricing (New York, Los Angeles, Miami) as of late 2024. Always confirm with your specific restaurant before ordering.
Cold Starters And Salads
The cold section is where Nobu builds its reputation. You will find clean flavors, sharp citrus, and high-quality fish. Portions are smaller than standard appetizers, so plan accordingly.
- Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño – $32
- Toru Tartare with Caviar – $48
- Salmon Tartare with Caviar – $42
- Tiradito Nobu Style – $28
- Spicy Tuna Tacos (2 pieces) – $24
- Lobster Ceviche – $36
- Baby Spinach Salad with Miso – $18
- Rock Shrimp Tempura Creamy Spicy – $26
Do not skip the yellowtail sashimi. It is the most imitated dish in modern Japanese cuisine, yet the original still outperforms every copycat. The jalapeño adds heat, the ponzu adds salt, and the cilantro adds freshness.
If you want a lighter start, the spinach salad with miso dressing is surprisingly addictive. It sounds boring on paper, but the roasted sesame and sweet miso balance works beautifully.
Hot Starters And Small Plates
This category includes the famous black cod miso, though that dish technically appears under “Entrées” at many locations. For hot starters, expect smaller plates meant for sharing.
- Beef Toban Yaki – $58
- Chicken Karaage – $22
- Shishito Peppers with Soy – $14
- Edamame (classic or spicy) – $12
- Miso Soup with Tofu – $9
- Tempura Vegetables – $19
- Soft Shell Crab Roll – $25
The beef toban yaki arrives sizzling on a ceramic plate. It is cooked tableside with mushrooms and a sweet soy butter sauce. This is one of the few dishes where the theater matches the flavor.
Skip the edamame if you are watching your budget. It is fine, but you can get the same quality at any mid-range sushi bar for half the price.
Nigiri And Sashimi Platters
Nobu offers both à la carte nigiri and chef-selected platters. The à la carte route gives you control but adds up quickly. Platters offer better value per piece, though you lose the ability to choose specific fish.
- Nigiri (2 pieces per order):
- Tuna – $18
- Salmon – $15
- Yellowtail – $16
- Eel – $17
- Shrimp – $14
- Uni (sea urchin) – $28
- Sashimi Deluxe (12 pieces) – $65
- Omakase Sashimi (chef’s choice, 15-18 pieces) – $95
If you order nigiri, ask for the chef’s recommendation of the day. Daily specials often include fish that never appears on the printed menu. These might cost 20-30% more, but the quality difference is usually visible.
The omakase sashimi platter is the smartest choice for two people who want variety. You get a mix of white fish, fatty tuna, and seasonal offerings without committing to a full omakase dinner.
Signature Entrées
This is the heart of the Nobu Menu with Prices. The black cod miso is the dish that made the restaurant famous, and it still commands a premium price.
- Black Cod Miso – $45
- Miso-Marinated Chilean Sea Bass – $52
- Lobster with Spicy Lemon Sauce – $68
- Wagyu Beef (5 oz) – $85
- Filet Mignon with Teriyaki – $55
- Chicken Teriyaki – $32
- Seafood Ceviche Nobu Style – $38
- Vegetable Yaki Udon – $24
The black cod miso is not cheap, but it is the single most important dish to try on your first visit. The fish is marinated for three days in sweet miso, then grilled until the edges caramelize. It flakes apart with a fork and tastes like nothing else in mainstream Japanese cooking.
For a more budget-friendly entrée, the chicken teriyaki is surprisingly generous. It comes with steamed rice and a simple vegetable garnish. It will not blow your mind, but it satisfies without breaking the bank.
Sushi Rolls And Hand Rolls
Nobu’s roll selection is smaller than a typical sushi chain, but each roll is carefully constructed. You will not find fifty variations of spicy tuna here.
- California Roll – $16
- Spicy Tuna Roll – $19
- Salmon Avocado Roll – $18
- Yellowtail Scallion Roll – $20
- Eel Cucumber Roll – $21
- Nobu Roll (tuna, salmon, yellowtail, crab) – $28
- Dragon Roll – $26
The Nobu Roll is the house specialty. It combines three types of fish with fresh crab, wrapped in soy paper instead of seaweed. The texture is softer, and the flavor profile is more refined than a standard roll.
If you are sharing, order two rolls per person. Nobu rolls are smaller than American-style portions, so do not expect a full meal from one order.
Desserts And Sweet Endings
Dessert at Nobu is an afterthought for many diners, but the kitchen puts real effort into this section. Portions are elegant rather than excessive.
- Miso Cappuccino – $14
- Chocolate Bento Box – $18
- Green Tea Tiramisu – $15
- Seasonal Sorbet Trio – $12
- Fresh Fruit Plate – $10
The chocolate bento box is the most theatrical option. It arrives as a dark chocolate shell that melts when you pour warm sauce over it. Inside, you find brownie chunks, ice cream, and a small fruit garnish.
The miso cappuccino sounds odd but works surprisingly well. It is a warm, salty-sweet custard topped with a thin foam layer. Order it if you want something unique without excessive sweetness.
Drinks And Beverage Pricing
Alcohol can double your bill faster than any food item. Nobu’s wine list leans heavily on white wines and sake, which pair best with the cuisine.
- House Sake (small carafe) – $18
- Premium Sake (Junmai Daiginjo) – $35-$60 per bottle
- Signature Cocktails – $22-$26
- Draft Beer – $12
- Glass of White Wine – $18-$28
- Green Tea (pot) – $8
- Soft Drinks – $6-$9
The signature cocktails are creative but expensive. The “Nobu Martini” with cucumber and sake costs $24 at most locations. If you want to save money, stick with sake or beer.
Tap water is always free. Do not feel pressured to order bottled water just because the server offers it.
Omakase And Chef Tasting Menus
For the full Nobu experience, the omakase menu is the way to go. This is a multi-course chef’s selection that changes based on daily market availability.
- Omakase (7 courses) – $120 per person
- Omakase (10 courses) – $165 per person
- Chef’s Tasting Menu (full experience) – $250 per person
- Vegetarian Omakase – $95 per person
The 7-course omakase is the sweet spot for most first-timers. It includes a mix of cold and hot dishes, nigiri, and a dessert course. The 10-course version adds more premium fish like toro and uni.
The full chef’s tasting menu at $250 is reserved for special occasions. It includes wagyu, lobster, and rare seasonal items. You will leave full, but you will also leave with a significantly lighter wallet.
All omakase menus require the entire table to participate. You cannot order omakase for one person while your dining partner orders à la carte.
Lunch Pricing And Specials
Nobu offers a more affordable lunch menu at most U.S. locations. This is the best way to experience the restaurant without the dinner price tag.
- Bento Box (choose 3 items) – $45
- Sushi Lunch Set (8 pieces + roll) – $38
- Black Cod Lunch – $38
- Chicken Teriyaki Lunch – $28
- Vegetable Curry Lunch – $24
Lunch portions are slightly smaller than dinner, but the quality remains identical. The bento box is the best value, giving you a choice of three items from a curated list that often includes black cod, salmon, and tempura.
Lunch service typically runs from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Reservations are still strongly recommended, especially on weekends.
Tips To Save Money At Nobu
You can enjoy Nobu without spending $200 per person. Here are practical strategies that regulars use.
- Go during lunch hours. The same kitchen produces the same quality at nearly half the price.
- Order the black cod miso. It is the most expensive item per ounce, but it is also the most satisfying. Skip the wagyu and lobster on your first visit.
- Share three to four dishes between two people. Nobu portions are designed for sharing.
- Skip the cocktails. A glass of sake or even green tea pairs better with the food and costs less.
- Ask about the daily specials. Sometimes the chef offers a smaller portion of a premium fish at a reduced price.
- Avoid the omakase on your first visit. You will not know what to expect, and the price can surprise you.
- Check for happy hour at select locations. Some Nobu outposts offer discounted small plates between 4 PM and 6 PM.
What Is Not On The Menu
Nobu does not serve certain items that you might expect from a Japanese restaurant. There is no tempura ice cream, no teriyaki chicken skewers, and no giant sushi boats. The menu is intentionally focused and restrained.
You also will not find a “spicy mayo” option for every roll. Nobu uses its own sauces, and they do not offer substitutions for most dishes. If you have a food allergy, tell your server immediately. The kitchen can adjust many dishes, but not all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nobu expensive?
Yes, Nobu is a high-end restaurant. Expect to spend $80-$120 per person for a full dinner with one drink and a shared dessert. Lunch is more affordable at $40-$60 per person.
What is the most famous dish at Nobu?
The black cod miso is the signature dish. It has been on the menu since the first Nobu opened in 1994 and remains the most ordered item worldwide.
Do I need a reservation at Nobu?
Yes, absolutely. Nobu locations are consistently booked, especially on weekends. Make reservations at least two weeks in advance for dinner. Walk-ins are rarely accepted.
Is there a dress code at Nobu?
Most Nobu locations enforce a smart casual dress code. No shorts, flip-flops, or athletic wear. Some locations in Las Vegas and Miami are more relaxed during daytime hours.
Can I order Nobu Menu with Prices online?
Nobu does not offer online ordering for dine-in. You can view menus on their official website, but prices are not always listed. For takeout, select locations use third-party delivery apps with marked-up prices.
Final Thoughts On Nobu Pricing
Nobu delivers a consistent experience across the globe. The food is precise, the service is polished, and the atmosphere feels exclusive without being stuffy. The prices reflect that positioning.
Your best strategy is simple: go for lunch, order the black cod miso, share a few starters, and skip the expensive drinks. That approach gives you the full Nobu experience for around $60 per person.
If you are celebrating something special, the omakase is worth the splurge. Just remember that the price is per person, and the entire table must participate.
Now you have the real numbers. No more guessing, no more squinting at blurry menu photos. Call your local Nobu, confirm the current prices, and book that table with confidence.