Nobu at One&Only Cape Town: Superb Japanese-Peruvian Cuisine

When it comes to top-drawer seafood, Nobu has been setting the bar for decades. Combining the precision and elegance of Japanese culinary tradition with Peru’s abundance of ingredients and flavours, masterchef Nobu Matsuhisa (for whom the restaurant is named) has made this perennially exciting balance of two culinary cultures his own, with 56 high-profile restaurants across the globe.

Weekend lunches

Up till now Nobu has only been a dinner destination, but now you can get a taste of the legendary Nobu hospitality at lunch time, too. Visit on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday (from 13 March 2026) for a relaxed lunchtime ritual of world-famous dishes in the lofty space, enjoying sunlit views over waterways and Table Mountain.

A harmonious space

Nobu Cape Town’s recent redesign is the latest chapter in a creative partnership extending over 30 years between chef Nobu and celebrated architectural design firm Rockwell Group.

In a complete transformation of the lofty space, the designers reinterpreted the Japanese principle of wa (a pursuit of harmony, balance and mindful composition), while reflecting the essence of ubuntu, an African philosophy that celebrates the interconnectedness of people (and their responsibilities to each other and the environment). Darkened wood finishes establish a grounding presence against the luminous clarity of white oak-framed chairs. Bronze elements, mellifluous stone, and handwoven tapestries in deep indigo by Julia Pepler Swanepoel, anchor the room. The result is a multisensory sanctuary that is vibrant and timeless.

On the plate

Nobu’s signature ethos of simplicity-meets-sophistication gets a personal touch as chef Nicky King pushes boundaries, drawing inspiration from South Africa’s diverse culinary heritage and the vibrant ingredients and flavours unique to Cape Town.

Expect an array of signature dishes like black-cod miso (a local favourite) and Kingcrab Amazu Ponzu (her personal favourite), alongside inventive new creations that celebrate the Cape’s local agriculture – think sustainably sourced seafood, native botanicals and the region’s most celebrated wines.

Omakase or à la carte

Nobu devotees can enjoy an immersive dining experience in the omakase menu as chef Nicky celebrates native produce, flavours and cultures with a classic Nobu twist. It’s a dynamic exchange between guest and chef, embarking together on a journey of taste, texture, and storytelling.

Explore the à la carte menu for more classic dishes to add to your Nobu collection of taste memories. There’s a whole raft of delicious options, which include wood-oven-roasted dishes, tempura, kushiyaki skewers and more. Paying homage to local flavours, discover the yuzu-cured sea bass with orange amazu, or the springbok with truffle tosazu. And firm favourites such as the spicy edamame, beef tenderloin with anticucho miso, teriyaki yellowtail jalapeño and a dry-miso whitefish sashimi. Or push the boat out and go for the legendary black cod miso.

An impeccable meeting of Japanese culinary traditions and South African flair, Nobu is embarking on a fresh chapter.

Opening times Monday – Thursday, 6pm – 10pm
Friday – Sunday, 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Contact 021 431 5888, guestexperience@oneandonlycapetown.com
Address One&Only Cape Town, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
Book through DinePlan

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