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
The Manila outpost of the globally-renowned Nobu Restaurant is among the 57 Nobu locations in the world that is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the brand. A taste of the past, present, and future is in store for guests as the milestone celebrates Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s culinary innovation and vision, capturing the essence of his innovative take on Japanese cuisine with Peruvian ingredients. Each featured dish, from new creations to iconic dishes, is imbued with Chef Nobu’s personal story – from the early days of the Nobu restaurant’s history to the present - to his vision for the future. Known for his service trademark “kokoro”, which means “from the heart”, the anniversary menu embodies Chef Nobu’s philosophy of humility, gratitude, and hospitality.
For the occasion, Nobu presents a special five-course Dinner Omakase Menu that is offered worldwide from October 7 to 13, celebrating the rich three-decade history of Nobu. Guests are invited to delve into the world of Nobu and experience the limited-time special tasting menu priced at P8,871.43 net per person, which commences with a four-way starter of Toro Tartar, Salmon Tataki in Karashi Su Miso, White Fish Tiradito, and Yellowtail Jalapeño.
To further whet the appetite, a selection of carefully prepared sushi is served: Tuna Nigiri, White Fish with Maldon salt and lemon juice, Scallops with dry miso, and Nori Taco with Caviar. The Nobu dinner experience, continues with Black Cod Butter Lettuce and Crab Amazu Ponzu, followed by Japanese Beef Anticucho with hijiki seaweed, grilled tomato, and oshinko. The meal concludes on a sweet note with a selection of mini desserts of strawberry cheesecake, milk chocolate and sesame cream, and mochido. The rarefied experience offers diners a full taste of Nobu’s signature dressings and sauces that define Nobu’s New Style cuisine.
Complementing the enticing dinner menu is the restaurant’s impressive indoor restaurant space that includes two private dining rooms and five picturesque open-air floating cabanas surrounded with charming waterworks and lush garden that make it a perfect spot for leisurely alfresco dining.
For pre-dinner cocktails or simply to hang out, Nobu Manila also offers during the same period Nobu’s Anniversary Bar Bites, comprised of : Spicy Miso Chips (P550), Nobu Nori Tacos (P3,100), Lobster Ceviche Butter Lettuce (P1,250), Seafood Harumaki Caviar (P1,200), Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna (760), Wagyu Dumplings (P1,000), Chilean Sea Bass Umami Butter Lettuce (P1,000) and Tuna Asparagus Cut Roll (P430).
Guests can opt to lounge at the Nobu bar, cabanas, or main dining area and pair their choice of bar bites with the featured anniversary cocktail Matsuhisa Martini (P560) or their favorite beverage. Heightening the Nobu anniversary experience and hip vibe at Nobu Manila are entrancing DJ tracks featured from Thursday to Saturday, 7 to 10 pm as part of the “Sounds of the City” music entertainment that is currently drawing music lovers to the resort.
Nobu Hotel guests can satisfy their cravings for New Style Japanese cuisine anytime in the comfort of their room as the in-room dining menu also offers the anniversary special Four-Way Starter selection of Toro Tartar, Salmon Tataki in Karashi Su Miso, White Fish Tiradito, and Yellowtail Jalapeño. Nobu Manila is open from 5 pm to 10 pm, Sunday to Thursday and until 11 pm every Friday and Saturday. For inquiries and reservations call 8800-8080 or e-mail [email protected]. For more information, visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.
Nobu Manila
Level 1 Nobu South Tower, City of Dreams, Entertainment City, Parañaque
Nobu Manila at City of Dreams Manila is offering the ultimate indulgence as it extends its popular Nobu Sunday Brunch to includes Saturdays as well. The Nobu Weekend Brunch now lets food enthusiasts enjoy another daytime indulgence in the world of Nobu.
I was back at Nobu Manila last Saturday for another unlimited adventure through Japanese-Peruvian cuisine. Here's a short video to show you what you can enjoy at the Nobu Weekend Brunch which is now available on both Saturdays and Sundays.
The Nobu Weekend Brunch highlights a distinctive experience with the innovative new-style Japanese cuisine popularized by the globally renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, and deliciously served by Nobu Manila Head Chef Michael de Jesus and Head Sushi Chef Kei Hirukawa.
Nobu Manila’s hybrid buffet includes an all-you-can-eat a la carte selection showcasing Nobu specialty dishes prepared a la minute, which on a rotating menu may include Signature Sashimi Trio: Tuna Matsuhisa, Yellow Tail Jalapeño and Salmon Karashi Su Miso and Black Cod Butter Lettuce.
The a la carte choices complement the buffet of premium sushi, sashimi, nigiri, salads, hot dishes, and other Japanese brunch favorites. Not to be missed are the fresh Irish Gallagher oysters, slipper lobsters, blue crabs and prawns heaped on a bed of ice, which vary depending on seasonal availability. Diners get introduced to various Nobu signature sauces throughout the meal.
Live action stations featuring carving of the day: Roasted Whole U.S. Prime Ribeye, Porchetta, Smoked Whole Beef Brisket or other specialty carving; kushiyaki (grilled and skewered meats and vegetables); a lavish desserts corner and beverage bar complete the brunch offer. Nobu Manila’s brunch also puts a spotlight on Filipino-inspired dishes prepared the Nobu way, such as pork Nobu Sisig or Nobu-style Uni Palabok.
Kokoro, Chef Nobu’s service trademark that means “from the heart” makes the difference in the luxurious visual and gastronomic weekend feast. Guests get to choose their seating preferences: whether at the restaurant’s spacious indoor dining area with two private dining rooms, or al fresco at the tropical-themed patio and any of the five floating cabanas surrounded by cooling water features and lush garden. A warm and anticipative service staff trained in custom Nobu style of service elevates the Nobu brunch experience.
The Nobu Weekend Brunch is from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday, with varying menu highlights each week. The Regular brunch package is available for P3,499 net per person and includes unlimited non-alcoholic drinks: soda, chilled juices, mocktails, iced tea and hot tea, and coffee, while children ages 6 to 12 years enjoy a special rate of P1,749 per child. At an additional P1,330.70 net per adult, the Standard package comes with unlimited beverages in the regular package plus a host of select red and white wine, cocktails, local beers, and spirits; while the Premium package priced at an added P2,550.54 net per adult is comprised of unlimited beverages included in the regular and standard packages plus unlimited champagne and champagne cocktails.
Nobu Sunday Brunch
Level 1 Nobu South Tower, City of Dreams, Entertainment City, Parañaque
Nobu Manila Reopens With Its Japanese-Peruvian Fusion Cuisine
City of Dreams Manila has finally reopened its signature restaurants at 50% capacity, together with its three luxury resort hotels. My favorite restaurant there has always been Nobu Manila (Read: 8-Course Signature Omasake at Nobu for our Anniversary Dinner) so I was happy to hear that it opened last November 6, 2020. Currently, it is only open for dinner from Wednesday to Sunday but I’m sure they will eventually expand their schedule.
World-renowned celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa, who is credited for creating Japanese-Peruvian fusion artistry, will again bring Nobu’s signature dishes such as Black Cod Miso, New Style Sashimi, Rock Shrimp Tempura, Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño, and Beef Tobanyaki, among other highly-favored classics to foodies in Manila. Head Sushi Chef Kei Hirukawa also introduces new sushi and sashimi specialties consisting of sustainably sourced seafood. Apart from bolstering City of Dreams Manila’s commitment to sustainability and support to SMEs, premium, locally and responsibly sourced seafood including big-eye tuna, lapu-lapu, aori squid, shrimp, and belt fish provide succulent tastes for sushi and sashimi creations and at the same time, add a sumptuous allure to the already well-loved menu of the restaurant.
Nobu Manila also highlights new dishes on its menu created by Head Chef Michael de Jesus, including two that creatively infuse Filipino flavors: Nobu Manila Style Kurobuta Pork Sisig, a medley of kurobota pork belly, aji amarillo aioli, bacon furikake and poached egg; and Green Tea Leche Flan with homemade mochi pearls, azuki beans and goma tuile. The Tofu Sliders, Nori Tacos, and Tomato Matsuhisa Salad, are among the other new dishes worthy to explore. Nobu Manila will be serving dinner guests until 10:00pm and until 11:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
The other signature restaurants of City of Dreams that have also reopened are: Crystal Dragon, Red Ginger, Jing Ting, and Wave, all operating at 50% capacity. To ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience for guests, stringent hygiene protocols are in place: alcohols and hand sanitizers are available at the restaurants’ entrances. Menus are accessible through QR codes to further reduce physical contact, and face masks and face shields are mandatory for guests and property colleagues throughout the resort complex. These measures are consistent with the property-wide heightened sanitation protocols implemented by City of Dreams Manila under its “Play it Safe” campaign. Throughout the resort complex, distance markers are visible to guide guests on proper distancing. Numerous hand sanitation stations are also available in highly frequented areas. High-touch surfaces such as escalator railings and elevator buttons are disinfected every 20 to 30 minutes by a dedicated shift to ensure extensive and increased frequency of disinfection. For inquiries and reservations, call 8800-8080 or e-mail [email protected] or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa is Back for One-Night Only Culinary Affair
World-renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa will be in Manila to host “The Nobu Experience”, a one-night culinary affair at his eponymous restaurant at City of Dreams Manila on March 31, from 5pm to 11pm. The experience will have the guests moving around the room, interacting with him and Nobu Manila’s chefs, indulging in dishes that are passed around canapé style, complementing those served exquisitely on a buffet counter, or prepared a la minute in live action stations. Capping his month-long promotional tour to key cities around the world to visit select Nobu hotels and restaurants in London, Milan, Munich, Paris, New York, Melbourne, Perth and Kuala Lumpur, Chef Nobu makes his last stop in Manila to spearhead a dinner for the third time since the restaurant’s opening in 2015. With the support of Nobu Manila’s Head Chef Michael de Jesus and Head Sushi Chef Kirika Oi and their team, the celebrated chef’s March tour finale dinner showcases his Japanese-Peruvian fusion artistry in the selection of handcrafted finger food and other dishes to be served in strategic stations.
A number of dishes will be served to diners at table seats including freshly made hors d’oeuvres from the cold kitchen such as Japanese Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno, Bigeye Tuna Sashimi Salad Skewers in Matsuhisa dressing, and Japanese Octopus Tiradito. Canapés from the hot kitchen include Rock Shrimp Creamy Spicy, Black Cod Butter Lettuce with Crispy Kataifi, and Chilean Sea bass with Jalapeño Miso. The carving station at the teppan table highlights Nobu-Style Wagyu Pastrami Sliders and Wagyu Gyoza with spicy ponzu sauce. The robatayaki station features assorted kushiyaki skewered & grilled beef, chicken, chicken skin, squid, baby octopus, leeks, and shiitake stars. At the sushi bar, a buffet of Nobu specialties includes Sake cup sushi, Kumamoto Australian oysters, Norwegian Salmon Toro Nanbanzuke, Japanese Uni Shooter Sake, and Seared Norwegian Salmon with Karashi su Miso. The dessert action station features decadent treats such as Chocolate Bento cake, Mini Miso Cappuccino, Nobu-Style Halo-halo, and sake-infused yuzu.
The one-night dinner experience with Chef Nobu is at P10,000 net per person and includes the canapé dinner, a meet-and-greet plus photo ops with the celebrity chef, and a signed copy of his book, “Nobu: A Memoir.” For reservations, guests can call 800 8080, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.
