NOBU Hotel Atlanta opened its doors last week, making it the brand’s 15th hotel and the first location in the state of Georgia. The state’s first NOBU Restaurant opened as well, bringing internationally renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s famous flavors to Atlanta.
Inside NOBU Hotel Atlanta
“Nobu Atlanta has chosen Buckhead because it offers the perfect blend of business, residential and entertainment,” NOBU Hotel Atlanta’s General Manager Michael Chin told us. “The Buckhead traffic continues to attract international travelers. Another draw is the proximity to the world’s busiest airport and the ever-growing global business markets. We’re excited to be part of the continued growing attraction that is Buckhead.”
The property’s public areas and 152 guestrooms and suites were designed by Rockwell Group. The firm is known for its stylish expertise and has designed properties all around the country, from New York City to Las Vegas. Fans of the NOBU brand can also find nods to the classic design elements and to the property’s home city. “While we will be focusing on the classics as the restaurant opens, we plan to incorporate a multitude of Atlanta influences,” Chin explained. “We will also have a variety of different dining options available for banqueting and private dining that will offer both local and global flare.”
The Design
“Atlanta is known as the “city in a forest” because of the exceptionally lush canopy of trees, including magnolias, dogwoods, Southern pines, and oaks, that cover much of the city,” Chin said of the city and hotel’s unique style. “Nobu Atlanta draws inspiration from Atlanta’s verdant landscape and Japanese arts and crafts to create a design that continues Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s imaginative and innovative culinary offerings. Nature is celebrated and integrated through different wood tones and grains, the creation of pocket gardens, and ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging. The ninth floor features a rooftop pool, bar, and lounge area. An Atlanta exclusive includes a custom Grand piano on the ninth floor, an exclusive 2,138 square-foot Nobu Villa— which features an impressive entryway and plenty of room to entertain guests, including a media lounge with a TV, a dining and bar area and ample seating in the living area.”
The Food
NOBU is known for some of the best food, which is evident in the brand’s growing portfolio. At NOBU Hotel, guests have access to the delicious offerings at the hotel’s restaurants and via the in-room dining options. “Guests will have access to most of the Nobu menus throughout the day; however, we wanted to offer some comforting and approachable items as well,” Chin told us.
The restaurant also features a few hidden surprises. “There will be an Atlanta-specific menu, though the goal is for our team to be trained on the Nobu classics before rolling out the location-specific items,” Chin explained. “Nobu is such an iconic brand, and so many people know what we do that it is essential that we deliver on our promise. Certainly, in time we will begin injecting new preparations to distinguish ourselves from other locations.”