All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Walk into Nobu Milan and you’ll quickly realise this isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a space where flavour, fashion, and finesse come together in effortless harmony. Located in the sleek Armani/Manzoni 31 complex, it brings together the creative minds of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Giorgio Armani, resulting in a destination that blends high fashion with even higher culinary standards.
Design That Speaks Softly but Impresses Deeply
The first thing you’ll notice is how calm it all feels. Downstairs hums with the energy of a lively cocktail lounge, while upstairs is more serene: warm woods, subtle lighting, and those unmistakably clean Armani lines. Nothing screams for attention, yet everything feels beautifully intentional. It’s plush, it’s polished, and it’s got that quiet confidence you only find in places that don’t need to prove themselves.
A Menu Made for Exploring
The food is where things get interesting. Nobu’s signature style — Japanese technique, Peruvian heat, a hint of Milanese flair — comes through in every dish. Plates are made to share, turning the meal into a bit of a journey. For the sweet spot, start with two or three cold dishes, follow with a few hot ones, then move on to sushi and something sweet.
Kick things off with:
- Toro Tartare with Caviar — Silky, finely chopped fatty tuna (toro) topped with luxurious caviar, dressed in a subtle wasabi–dashi blend that cuts through the richness
- Yellowtail Jalapeño — Delicate sashimi of yellowtail paired with garlic purée, jalapeño slices, fresh cilantro, and yuzu-soy sauce—a crisp balance of heat and citrus
- New Style Sicilian Red Shrimp Sashimi — Exclusive to Milan, this standout dish is flash-seared shrimp sashimi with a peppery punch, perfectly celebrating local seafood under Japanese technique
Then warm things up with:
- Rock Shrimp Tempura with Creamy Spicy Sauce — Light, golden-battered rock shrimp drizzled with a silky, tangy-spicy sauce enriched with yuzu and hints of shiitake, served over fresh greens
- Black Cod with Den Miso — Nobu’s signature dish: black cod marinated in sweet-savory Den miso for days, then broiled until meltingly tender and caramelised.
And if you’re into sushi, the counter here doesn’t disappoint. Each piece is a small work of art, whether it’s buttery toro, delicate uni, or salmon finished with a splash of truffle ponzu.
Service That Gets It Just Right
Service is pitch-perfect, warm, observant, and professional without ever feeling stiff. The team knows how to read the room, whether you’re celebrating something special or just dropping in for a casual catch-up. The setting — upstairs or down — always feels easygoing but elevated.
You might spot a familiar face, too. Fashion insiders, globe-trotting creatives, and the occasional celebrity often find their way here, especially during Fashion Week. But no one makes a fuss. It’s just one of those places where good taste speaks for itself.
Still Iconic After 20 Years
In 2022, Nobu Milan quietly marked its 20th anniversary, a real achievement in a city where restaurant trends change like the seasons. With Executive Chef Antonio D’Angelo leading the kitchen and Chef Nobu’s influence never far behind, the restaurant continues to evolve without losing sight of what made it special in the first place.
This milestone wasn’t about flashy parties. Instead, it brought a return to what Italians call essenzialità, stripping things back to what really matters. The food, the setting, and the experience are all fine-tuned, never overworked.
Why It Still Matters
Nobu Milan isn’t just about eating well. It’s about what happens when great food, beautiful design, and cultural creativity come together. It’s Armani’s philosophy, served course by course. If you’re looking for a night that feels quietly luxurious, with dishes that impress without needing to shout, this place still sets the bar.
Location: Via Gastone Pisoni, 1, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
