The Nobu Hotel Toronto isn’t expected to open until next spring, but fans, and those eager to discover, the acclaimed Nobu hospitality group’s offerings will get a first taste in August with the pre-opening of the Nobu Toronto restaurant and bar, which will fire up the burners in time for the Toronto International Film Festival (starting Sept. 5).

The long-awaited Canadian debut of Nobu, founded in 1994 by Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper, is located at Located at 25 Mercer St., one block away from TIFF Light Box in the Entertainment District.

A part of the hotel, the two-level restaurant will feature with separate bar & lounge, two private dining rooms, sushi bar and outdoor terrace.

Guests will be treated to the latest trends in Chef Nobu’s beloved New-Style, Japanese cuisine influenced by his travels across South America, which features such Nobu world-famous dishes such as Black Cod Miso, Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno, and Rock Shrimp Tempura with signature cocktails like the Lychee Martini and Oni Negroni. There will also be local nods honouring Toronto’s multicultural food scene by executive chef Alex Tzatzos.

First look

Designed by Toronto-based Studio Munge, the striking interior embodies a captivating blend of Japanese-inspired design and Canadian craftsmanship evoking dramatic sensory exploration across two levels.

Nobu says its dramatic interior will introduce s a new standard for restaurant design excellence in Canada, setting the stage for the venue’s energetic atmosphere, known to attract global tastemakers, influencers, and celebrities.

Spanning 930 sq. m. across two-levels, Nobu Toronto offers a total of 278 seats amongst:

• Bar and lounge (ground level): Entering Nobu Toronto guests will be greeted by Nobu’s grand, yet intimate bar and lounge, with 57 seats enveloped in an alluring dark atmosphere. The bar’s main centrepiece is a breathtaking 9-m. bronze chainmail Lasvit chandelier that gracefully descends from the mezzanine level imitating the elegant drapery of a Japanese kimono as well as handcrafted Kawara Japanese roof tiles which dress warmly lit pillars that elevate the two-storey high bar.
• Restaurant bar & outdoor terrace (mezzanine level): Continuing the journey upstairs towards the main dining room, guests are met with a 20-seat sake bar area, while passing by an intimate terrace reminiscent of serene urban Japanese gardens. Bringing to life the iconic Japanese artwork “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” by Japanese ukiyo-e artist Hokusai Katsushika, the bar space is adorned in a harmonious blue and white colour palette expressed in the striking Blue Tempest stone and a hand-applied plaster finish that gracefully curves across the layered ceiling.
• Restaurant (second level): As guests proceed through the wave, they will reach the breathtaking blonde elm Japanese 140-seat courtyard dining room, including a private tasting room for 10 in a contrasting dark cherry wood. Circular timber beams featuring intricate Japanese joinery details gently ripple around a suspended light and porcelain art installation crafted by Canadian ceramic artist Andrea Braescu. Surrounded by circular banquettes connected by four striking columns around its perimeter, the exquisite art piece represents a Japanese ginkgo tree known as a “living fossil” – a symbol of peace, hope, and longevity.
• Sushi bar (second level): At the 11-seat sushi bar guests can appreciate the masterful craft of the culinary team while engaging directly with the sushi chefs.
• Private dining room (second level): Guests will notice an intimate 20-seat private dining room discreetly tucked behind the cascading chandelier. Enclosed within bronze-tinted glass panels, this celebratory space offers a glimpse of and a vantage point over the ground level bar, creating a captivating gallery view.

Nobu Hotel Toronto

Rising 45-storeys in the heart of Toronto’s Entertainment District, Nobu Hotel Toronto will blend modern luxury and minimal Japanese tradition with the energy of a lifestyle hotel. Opening in Spring 2025, it is situated above the historic Pilkington Glass Factory with two dramatic residential towers housing 660 units with the hotel located atop the west tower on floors 41 to 45, offering dazzling, panoramic views of Lake Ontario and the city skyline.

Dubbed an “urban sanctuary in the sky” the 36-suite hotel promises to be a private retreat for guests seeking respite from the public eye, offering 24/7 personalized service.

The largest in the city, the spacious suites are designed to provide a haven of tranquility with warm neutral-tones and breathtaking floor-to-ceiling window views. Japanese spa-inspired bathrooms offer heated floors, double stone vanities, a Japanese Toto and luxurious rainfall shower while Nobu’s iconic deep-soaking wood tub situated beside the window invites guests to indulge in serene relaxation overlooking downtown Toronto.

Guests can find their zen at the hotel’s wellness centre with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, Peloton bikes, first-ever interactive Nobu Pilates room, or can explore the city on stylish cruiser bikes. The Sakura Lounge is a private escape exclusively for hotel guests to enjoy breakfast and signature Nobu experiences or indulge in privacy with in-suite dining and complimentary mini bar.