Visiting the area and want to give yourself a real treat this is a MUST. THE CUISINE REALLY NEXT LEVEL.
Lini
Date of Visit: June 2, 2025 | Time: 6:10–6:45 PM Location: Nobu at Hard Rock Hotel, San Diego
As someone who has reviewed world-class restaurants across continents, I know that exceptional service is just as important as exceptional food. At Nobu San Diego, the service I received was not only disappointing—it was disturbingly exclusionary.
I arrived with my service dog, as legally permitted under the ADA/HIPPA. To my surprise, I was immediately denied service. I calmly pointed out that I had observed other patrons—specifically, white guests—seated inside the restaurant with their dogs ,for example a 50 pound standard brown poodle. Still, I was asked to leave without any effort to clarify the restaurant’s policy or accommodate my federally protected rights.
The manager, Keeley, responded not with courtesy or professionalism, but with suspicion and invasive questions about my health—an astonishing and inappropriate overstep that ignored ADA and HIPAA protections. There was no empathy, no discretion, and certainly no effort to correct the situation.
Service is not just about presenting a menu or clearing plates—it is about making all guests feel welcomed, respected, and safe. On this evening, Nobu failed entirely. I left not only without a meal, but with a deep sense of being othered in a space that should represent the highest standards of hospitality.
Nobu’s name may be globally recognized, but this location’s disregard for basic service ethics was appalling. Discrimination—whether subtle or overt—has no place in fine dining, or anywhere.
Mark Mulone
Reservations required for the couple of seats at the bar. Nobo style, everything was perfect and it should be the super high prices. Enjoy the atmosphere, service and eclectic menu.
Kent Powell
The food was great the atmosphere was awesome the service was outstanding and the restaurant was clean it was one of the best restaurants we have been to this year I would highly recommend you will not be disappointed let's see we ordered the chilian sea bass we also had the Yellow Tail collard seafood soup spicy seafood soup also the tempura vegetables rice and drinks everything was great I can't say anything bad pricing is far just be careful you can spend a lot of money but we had a great time
Norah Wong
Overhyped restaurant. Overpriced food. Service was amazing but for the price you pay, the food will leave you feeling empty at the end of the meal.
For the night we ordered: Toro tartare Yellowtail jalapeño Black cod Prime tenderloin beef toban Nigiri (Kinmedai, Snow crab, uni) Miso soup Edamame California cut
The portions were small (I get it’s fine dining but still) and the tastes were underwhelming. For the price I paid, I was expecting the food to blow me away but unfortunately it did not. I’ve had better tasting Japanese food for half the price. Our server and the service team were very attentive and helpful, so that somewhat made up for the overall experience.
Justin Rayyan
Phenomenal fish and quick service. Dark ambience.
Katie Mugge
This was such a disappointment for a special event. I have gone to the Chicago location and have raved about my experiences there since but this felt exactly like the chain restaurant in my home town. Every single window had been drawn with double shades, making it very dark at 5pm. I requested to do the Omakase, again because my experiences with it in Chicago were amazing, and I was descriptive on what I was hoping for. Out of the 7 dishes, one was good (the sashimi), the drinks were unfortunate, the ambiance was gross, staff felt sterile, and the only thing I could think about was how much money I was wasting on my birthday. Hopefully the Hotel Del Nobu is nothing like this.
Christopher
Allow the chef to create your dining experience, and you wont't be disappointed! Top meal of my lifetime. Aaron was the perfect bartender and server, and put the evening over the top for exceptional service and experience.
Opentable Diner
The sushi (yellowtail and Japanese red snapper), tempura vegetables, black miso cod and tempura crab were excellent!!! The cocktails were creative and delicious. Don't miss the grapefruit cocktail! Our server was so helpful in all selections for our small group. This is an experience not to be missed!
Andrea
We arrived on time and were assigned to our table 45 minutes later!!!! Terrible service, it was freezing cold and the ambiance not family friendly at all!
Decorated like in 1980s sports bar the restaurant was a real disappointment. I've been to other Nobu's which were fantastic. The food was mediocre and not very well prepared or presented. Expensive, over $350 for two. I know I will return to a Nobu somewhere in the world, just not this one!
Matthew Segars
My family and I go here on our birthdays. Love the food, drink and the fun we have.
Reeta
Dined early anniversary celebration. Rushed service. Sashimi of various fishes piled together and plate of sushi dropped off w wrong identification. Greasy veg tempura w 4in pieces sent back. Spicy tuna crispy rice was good. No black bean flavor at all in cod dish. Date cake was excellent. Drinks were good. Nice they took the inedible tempura off the check. What a disappointment after going to the Nobu in NY years ago. Mediocre at best.
Nicole Parra
I’ve been to this location, and other Nobu locations, several times and this was a disappointing experience. My friend and I didn’t have enough time but still wanted to eat dinner, so we opted for a quick happy hour. We got there right at 5:30 and the restaurant was empty. The hostess asked where we wanted to sit, and we said the sushi bar was fine. The first server at the sushi bar was nice, until we asked about happy hour. We were relocated to the “lounge” which was fine, but we apologized to the server because we didn’t know we had to sit in a specific place for happy hour. She said nothing and walked away. Our server at the lounge during happy hour was very friendly. He’s the only reason I’m giving it 2 starts instead of 1. If you’re going to be mad at customers for choosing happy hour maybe you shouldn’t offer it. Visited on 03/31 at 5:30 PM
Jackie K
It’s been a while since I visited Nobu. Today, with my kids at a neighbor’s, my husband and I decided to stop by for a quick snack and a hot sake. Nobu has always been a great spot for food, and my last visit was before the pandemic. This time, I realized that for two people, spending at least $300-$500 is recommended if you want to fully enjoy the meal and atmosphere. Without it, you might miss out on the experience.
Overall, Nobu is still a great place, but to truly appreciate it, a proper budget is needed.
Visiting the area and want to give yourself a real treat this is a MUST. THE CUISINE REALLY NEXT LEVEL.
Date of Visit: June 2, 2025 | Time: 6:10–6:45 PM
Location: Nobu at Hard Rock Hotel, San Diego
As someone who has reviewed world-class restaurants across continents, I know that exceptional service is just as important as exceptional food. At Nobu San Diego, the service I received was not only disappointing—it was disturbingly exclusionary.
I arrived with my service dog, as legally permitted under the ADA/HIPPA. To my surprise, I was immediately denied service. I calmly pointed out that I had observed other patrons—specifically, white guests—seated inside the restaurant with their dogs ,for example a 50 pound standard brown poodle. Still, I was asked to leave without any effort to clarify the restaurant’s policy or accommodate my federally protected rights.
The manager, Keeley, responded not with courtesy or professionalism, but with suspicion and invasive questions about my health—an astonishing and inappropriate overstep that ignored ADA and HIPAA protections. There was no empathy, no discretion, and certainly no effort to correct the situation.
Service is not just about presenting a menu or clearing plates—it is about making all guests feel welcomed, respected, and safe. On this evening, Nobu failed entirely. I left not only without a meal, but with a deep sense of being othered in a space that should represent the highest standards of hospitality.
Nobu’s name may be globally recognized, but this location’s disregard for basic service ethics was appalling. Discrimination—whether subtle or overt—has no place in fine dining, or anywhere.
Reservations required for the couple of seats at the bar.
Nobo style, everything was perfect and it should be the super high prices.
Enjoy the atmosphere, service and eclectic menu.
The food was great the atmosphere was awesome the service was outstanding and the restaurant was clean it was one of the best restaurants we have been to this year
I would highly recommend you will not be disappointed let's see we ordered the chilian sea bass we also had the Yellow Tail collard seafood soup spicy seafood soup also the tempura vegetables rice and drinks everything was great I can't say anything bad pricing is far just be careful you can spend a lot of money but we had a great time
Overhyped restaurant. Overpriced food. Service was amazing but for the price you pay, the food will leave you feeling empty at the end of the meal.
For the night we ordered:
Toro tartare
Yellowtail jalapeño
Black cod
Prime tenderloin beef toban
Nigiri (Kinmedai, Snow crab, uni)
Miso soup
Edamame
California cut
The portions were small (I get it’s fine dining but still) and the tastes were underwhelming. For the price I paid, I was expecting the food to blow me away but unfortunately it did not. I’ve had better tasting Japanese food for half the price. Our server and the service team were very attentive and helpful, so that somewhat made up for the overall experience.
Phenomenal fish and quick service. Dark ambience.
This was such a disappointment for a special event. I have gone to the Chicago location and have raved about my experiences there since but this felt exactly like the chain restaurant in my home town. Every single window had been drawn with double shades, making it very dark at 5pm. I requested to do the Omakase, again because my experiences with it in Chicago were amazing, and I was descriptive on what I was hoping for. Out of the 7 dishes, one was good (the sashimi), the drinks were unfortunate, the ambiance was gross, staff felt sterile, and the only thing I could think about was how much money I was wasting on my birthday. Hopefully the Hotel Del Nobu is nothing like this.
Allow the chef to create your dining experience, and you wont't be disappointed! Top meal of my lifetime. Aaron was the perfect bartender and server, and put the evening over the top for exceptional service and experience.
The sushi (yellowtail and Japanese red snapper), tempura vegetables, black miso cod and tempura crab were excellent!!! The cocktails were creative and delicious. Don't miss the grapefruit cocktail! Our server was so helpful in all selections for our small group. This is an experience not to be missed!
We arrived on time and were assigned to our table 45 minutes later!!!! Terrible service, it was freezing cold and the ambiance not family friendly at all!
Restaurantji Recommends
Decorated like in 1980s sports bar the restaurant was a real disappointment. I've been to other Nobu's which were fantastic. The food was mediocre and not very well prepared or presented. Expensive, over $350 for two. I know I will return to a Nobu somewhere in the world, just not this one!
My family and I go here on our birthdays. Love the food, drink and the fun we have.
Dined early anniversary celebration. Rushed service. Sashimi of various fishes piled together and plate of sushi dropped off w wrong identification. Greasy veg tempura w 4in pieces sent back. Spicy tuna crispy rice was good. No black bean flavor at all in cod dish. Date cake was excellent. Drinks were good. Nice they took the inedible tempura off the check. What a disappointment after going to the Nobu in NY years ago. Mediocre at best.
I’ve been to this location, and other Nobu locations, several times and this was a disappointing experience. My friend and I didn’t have enough time but still wanted to eat dinner, so we opted for a quick happy hour. We got there right at 5:30 and the restaurant was empty. The hostess asked where we wanted to sit, and we said the sushi bar was fine. The first server at the sushi bar was nice, until we asked about happy hour. We were relocated to the “lounge” which was fine, but we apologized to the server because we didn’t know we had to sit in a specific place for happy hour. She said nothing and walked away. Our server at the lounge during happy hour was very friendly. He’s the only reason I’m giving it 2 starts instead of 1. If you’re going to be mad at customers for choosing happy hour maybe you shouldn’t offer it. Visited on 03/31 at 5:30 PM
It’s been a while since I visited Nobu. Today, with my kids at a neighbor’s, my husband and I decided to stop by for a quick snack and a hot sake. Nobu has always been a great spot for food, and my last visit was before the pandemic. This time, I realized that for two people, spending at least $300-$500 is recommended if you want to fully enjoy the meal and atmosphere. Without it, you might miss out on the experience.
Overall, Nobu is still a great place, but to truly appreciate it, a proper budget is needed.
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