Legendary Chef Nobu Matsuhisa Visits City of Dreams Manila for Nobu Canape Night
World-renowned Celebrity Chef Nobu Matsuhisa made another visit to Manila earlier this month at his signature Nobu Restaurant located at City of Dreams Manila. This is his second visit to the country this year so I was really happy that I finally got to meet him in person since I was out of the country last time he was here. I even got an autographed photo with Chef Nobu who I really wanted to meet ever since I first stayed at Nobu Hotel and dined at Nobu Manila.
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa was in town for a two-night dinner experience last October 13 to 14, 2025 displaying his culinary artistry at his signature restaurant Nobu Manila. You can find this on Level 1 of Nobu City of Dreams Manila. The Hungry Kat was invited to join the dinner event on the second evening which featured a Canapé Night with pass around canapés and exciting live stations, all enjoyed with Chef Nobu eagerly interacting with the guests.
While the first evening had a more formal dinner named The Art of Omakase, we joined the second evening which was called Canapé Night. This was a more casual and relaxed dinner event where we could chill and hang out with Chef Nobu while enjoying the free-flowing food and beverages. This was available to the public at P5,500 per person.
I was welcomed by Ms. Romina Gervacio from Nobu Hotel and City of Dreams Manila who was also celebrating her birthday that day! Food enthusiasts and loyal Nobu fans did not need to travel abroad to experience this world-class dining event right here in Metro Manila, with Masterchef Nobu himself showcasing his Japanese-Peruvian Nobu-style cuisine.
The evening also featured Tokyo-inspired lounge beats spun by a live guest DJ, giving the place a cool Japanese izakaya vibe.
Nobu Manila also has a beautiful al fresco dining area for those romantic dinner dates. This is where we used to enjoy their Friday Chill-Out promotion before. I do hope they bring that back.
Chef Nobu's Canapé Night included unlimited drinks all throughout the evening. Guests can order sodas, chilled juices, coffee and tea, mocktails and cocktails from the beverage menu.
We started with some of the Nobu Signature Cocktails which include Nobu White Sangria, Mango Passion, Lychee Martini, and the Matsuhisa Martini. We actually tried all four cocktails and the Sangria was my favorite.
We saw Chef Nobu in action at one of the Live Stations preparing the Shrimp and Beef Chahan over the teppanyaki grill. This is a great rice dish which is a complete meal by itself.
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s global influence continues to grow as he was recently honored as the Official Chef of the Golden Globes (2024 & 2025) and awarded the prestigious Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays by the Emperor of Japan in 2024.
Guests can start their culinary adventure at the Fresh Oyster Bar where you can pick up some Gallagher Oysters that can be drizzled with maui onion, ponzu, or Nobu salsa.
A selection of various Nobu-style sushi and sashimi awaits at the buffet table. These include Yellow Tail Jalapeño, Salmon KSM, Kinmedai Yuzu Ponzu, Nobu Sashimi Salad Skewers, and Tai Nashi Salsa.
The Sushi Cup Station has Ika with Yuzu Kasha and Sea Salt, Turbot Tirdadito, and Local Uni. These are served in bite sized cups over sushi rice.
There's also an Assorted Maki Station which comes with Snow Crab California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Vegetable Roll, and Shrimp Tempura Roll.
One special item they had was the Tuna Caviar Mini Hand Roll. These are prepared on the spot by their resident sushi chef and handed over to you to eat at once.
The main attraction at Canapé Night are of course, the Hot Pass Canapes that were brought and served on each table.
Some of these include the Rock Shrimp Creamy Spicy, Umami Marinated Kurobuta Pork, and Nobu Chicken Wings. Part of the fun was the surprise on what dish was coming up next.
Other pass around items were the Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Lobster & Nacho Pear Dried Miso, and the Nobu signature item, the Black Cod Butter Lettuce.
Assorted Nobu Tacos were also passed around. Guests can choose from Wagyu and Spicy Ponzu, Salmon Spicy Miso, and Nori Avocado Caviar. Better yet, try all three of these unique tacos.
Over at the Live Station, the Wagyu Tofu Sliders are cooked fresh and hot on the teppanyaki grill. These are meaty burgers that go well with all the other bite-sized items.
The Robatayaki Grill Action Station was also available outside at the al fresco area serving juicy skewers of Chicken Skin, Octopus, Squid, Shiitake Mushroom, and Salmon. These were also brought and served on each table.
There were pass around desserts as well like the colorful and cute Home Made Mochi and the Mini Cheesecake. Everyone loved these and we actually asked for more.
My favorite dessert that evening was the Miso Cappuccino at the Live Dessert Station. These are prepared and assembled on the spot so you can see how they combine the Miso ice cream together with the other components topped off with cappuccino powder.
I even got my own photograph signed by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa himself! This is such a great souvenir for me to keep. Thank you very much City of Dreams Manila for inviting us to such a great event. Visit Nobu Manila for dinner from Wednesdays to Sunday and experience their unique Nobu-style Japanese cuisine.
Nobu Canapé Night
Level 1 Nobu South Tower, City of Dreams, Entertainment City, Parañaque
