Nobu London Shoreditch

For a restaurant that counts Kim Kardashian and Rihanna among its regulars, Nobu is surprisingly relaxed. The Shoreditch branch of the international brand is of course smart in its décor and clientele, but the staff impart a warmth that ensures it doesn’t edge from cool to cold.

Low lighting and cosy booths as well as semi-private curtained off spaces hint at an understanding of the needs of a well-known clientele, but these aspects also serve us mere mortals. Settled into a snug banquette we take full advantage of the cocktail menu and a quiet corner to chat, while still being able to look out onto the buzz of the room. With an open kitchen at one end and an interesting mix of dates, business dinners and family celebrations happening out on the floor, there’s plenty to soak up.

We try a selection of the brand’s greatest hits, from black cod with miso (addictively sweet and salty) and springy mushroom tempura encased in light batter, to crisp tacos stuffed with lobster smeared in wasabi mayo.

A surprising standout was the crispy rice. It comes as a little curiosity box of crispy, golden cubes packed into folded paper, which you dunk in tangy, salty dipping sauce before smothering them in meltingly soft, finely chopped tuna tartare. There’s something fun about the DIY aspect. For the plant-based among us, a miso aubergine was sticky and caramelised, while barbecued cauliflower with jalapeno salsa had complex flavours beyond its billing.

Arguably the brand that made mochi famous, you’d be doing yourself a disservice to skip the sweets. Presented at the perfect temperature - just before they melt - with rich gelato centres and that signature chewy skin, we think you’d be hard pressed to find a critic. The fondant was also very good, with a tidal wave of molten chocolate released at the touch of a spoon.

Things don’t come cheap here, it’s Nobu, but for a spot to celebrate in style, you’d be hard pressed to find somewhere that feels more classically chic.

Some would argue Nobu is one of the most famous restaurant brands in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. Nobu Matsuhisa’s empire, which started in Peru in the 70s, has since expanded to global heights, becoming synonymous with luxury dining. The Shoreditch site is one of three in London, along with Portman Square and Old Park Lane, and boasts a rather impressive 240 covers, immersive sushi counter and alfresco terrace to boot. The interiors are effortlessly stylish, with plenty of cream furnishings, natural woods and soft lighting.

Fans of the restaurant group will be pleased to see all the big-hitting signatures here, including yellowtail with jalapeno, crispy rice with salmon and of course miso black cod. But don’t let this lead you to believe the food offering isn’t expansive. There are plenty more delights to be enjoyed. Diners can start their meal on a decadent note, thanks to the likes of tuna tartare with caviar or lobster salad with Matsuhisa dressing. From there, the sushi selection beckons, with enticing nigiri and sashimi such as o-toro, scallop and even wagyu.

The tacos aren’t to be missed either, with exciting fillings like spicy miso salmon, lobster with wasabi sour cream or wagyu. The hot dishes kick things up a notch again if that’s even possible. From the sea, you’ll find baby tiger shrimp with ponzu, jalapeno or creamy spicy sauce, lobster tempura with tamari honey sauce or umami Chilean seabass, while the land offers a Peruvian-style ribeye or beef tenderloin with wasabi pepper. The wagyu has its own dedicated selection, priced per gram and served in four different styles: new, tataki, toban yaki or steak.

For a final touch of decadence, the desserts offer just that. The chocolate bento box is a fun option with chocolate fondant and green tea ice cream, while the famous Nobu cheesecake is a must, topped with a tart raspberry sorbet. For something a little less fruity, there’s also a whiskey cappuccino with coffee creme brulee, coffee crumble, vanilla ice cream and whiskey foam.