I understand that Nobu is now an institution and I don't doubt that it once was, but for Christ sakes, there are a number of starred restaurants in this city that have been open for more than ten years and don't rest on their laurels. I had the grave misfortune of being seated near the kitchen or where the food seemed to be coming from anyway...and wow! You want a behind the scenes reality-tv perspective..here you go! I had no idea the meal came with entertainment..even if it was to my detriment.
I had a later reservation, which in their world is 9:45..because by the time our waiter got the drinks on the table, they were telling us the kitchen was closing. What???? Never in my life have I been encountered with a closing kitchen when I have a reservation, right after the drinks are on the table. Is this a diner? or did I have a reservation? The host-staff was nice enough..but from the second I sat down, I felt rushed. One server asked us what we wanted to drink before we were even seated. The service was a bit tense, I suppose because of the whole trying to get out of there situation stated before, but the best part was after about an hour after we sat down- after we had ordered too many dishes under the pressure of a closing kitchen..we couldn't help but notice that our waiter was odd. Very professional at first but as the evening progressed. the service became more casual. Maybe because we were one of the last 5 tables in there. But come on Nobu, don't take reservations past a certain time if that means we have pay not only for the food but also to see your staff intoxicated. I have plenty of money to spend elsewhere.
Pros: ??
Cons: service is not up to par, lackluster management
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