A Wren Says

If you are foodie at any level, you likely have heard of Nobu. That mecca of sushi opened its doors in Atlanta, and I wanted to try it. I made reservations at the hotel, however I couldn’t get a reservation at the restaurant. (Based on the hotel booking page, they have since made it so that guests get priority in making reservations.) Even a month there were no openings. I wondered if this was just a marketing ploy. Surely there was no way they would be full every single night after only just opening? I decided to take my chances and try to get in somehow.

I was staying at the adjoining hotel. Checking in that Sunday, I asked the front desk about my chances getting in for dinner. They said I would have no problem, especially if I were okay sitting at the bar.  I was.

Getting there just after 6 eased my peace of mind. My travel companion and I were seated immediately at the bar, which was really a small round table near the bar. Everyone we interacted with was lovely. Our waitstaff was very nice and eager to answer questions. They explained dishes, demonstrating their detailed training on the menu. This was one my few sushi experiences above the grocery store options, so I wanted to try as much as possible. You could think of it like a collection of Japanese tapas that are shareable. Here is what we ordered:

• Okra Tempura with Spicy Tosazu- yum. Problem was, I was eating it with chopsticks. Each time I took a bite, the whole okra left it’s tempura shell behind. It was delicious, but a struggle for a novice like me.
• Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna- Just go ahead and get a second order of just the crispy rice. You’re gonna need more to finish the bowl of tuna. And because it’s addicting, you’re going to want more anyway.
• New Style Sashimi- It was high grade salmon
• House roll- Big difference from the grocery store sushi I had been eating, unashamedly. This is why sushi should cost more
• Wagyu Short Rib Dumplings- I wasn’t a fan. But if you love wagyu and wish it had a few more carbs, this is for you.
• Vegetable Hand Roll with Sesame Miso Sauce- I didn’t realize this as one uneducated in all things sushi, this is not shareable, unless you want to take turns taking bites with your dinner companion
• Chocolate Sata-Andagi- like little munchkin donuts with delicious sauce and ice cream. How could you not like it? (Don’t answer that.)
• Lyre-liar- A delicious virgin cocktail that I would travel down there for, or at least search for a dupe recipe and make at home.

As delicious as it all was, the bill could put you off. Never in my life have I ever had a $200 dollar meal that didn’t feed $40 people. And this is where the dilemma comes. At that price, is it worth it?

Yes, but maybe not.

Here is why yes: It was delicious. It had a great atmosphere. The staff were amazing. The ingredients are high quality.

Here is why no: It is a lot of money. It is hard to get a reservation.

I would personally go again. I think it’s worth it, but at that cost I would have to rethink how to experience it. That would include ordering fewer plates and just focus on savoring that. Or going with a group of friends and sharing in the different flavors. Or maybe just going all out and enjoying every minute of the experience.