Four years later than planned, world-renowned Japanese restaurant Nobu is gearing up to open its first Qatar branch by the end of this year, the Four Seasons Doha Hotel has announced.
The restaurant will be the second Nobu in the Middle East, following the opening of one at the Atlantis in Dubai in 2008.
The Doha branch was originally scheduled to open in early 2010.
When asked about the reasons for the delay, a Four Seasons Doha spokesperson told Doha News that changes were made to the materials used for the restaurant’s interior, and that murals and furniture have been brought in from all over the world, including Japan, Thailand and Italy.
She continued:
“There were also delays in construction. The change in technology used played a part due to technological advancements. Building the restaurant on water also made things a little complicated, but as you know, construction deadlines are often missed in this country.”
However, when asked the name of the construction company in charge of building the restaurant, the spokesperson said that information was not allowed to be disclosed.
The restaurant was designed by New York-based architecture firm Rockwell Group, and revolves around a pearl theme — a key part of Qatar’s pearl-diving heritage.
Ribbons of river stone plated with bronze accents make up the building’s exterior, forming a coiled shell.
The restaurant is to be enclosed within a 26,000 square-foot, three-story building that sits on reclaimed land in the Four Seasons Doha marina.
Panoramic views can be seen from the some 280 seats scattered among an interior dining area, a sushi counter and a rooftop lounge area, according to Four Seasons.
With regards the menu, the hotel said in a statement that local culture would be infused with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Japanese cuisine:
“Nobu Doha will showcase Nobu’s signature new style Japanese cuisine, as well as new creations infusing local ingredients representative of the region, such as exotic spices and a bounty of fresh catch from the Arabian Gulf including black-streaked monocole bream and orange-spotted trevally.”
Although Nobu stands separately from Four Seasons, it will not be the first to serve Japanese cuisine there.
Nusantao, a pan-Asian restaurant located within the hotel, also serves Japanese on its menu and has a sushi bar area.
Thoughts?
I WILL PAY UPWARDS OF TEN THOUSAND RIYALS TO HAVE THE FIRST MORSEL OF FOOD OUT OF THIS KITCHEN.
“…. but as you know, construction deadlines are often missed in this country.” Does that make it OK? My boss definitely wouldn’t accept that excuse.
Can’t wait to try this restaurant.
“but as you know, construction deadlines are often missed in this country” What an idiot! Deadlines are missed everywhere. Blame your co. Very stupid and unprofessional statement.
Exactly what we need..another 7 star restaurant.
As opposed to another Hardees or Nando’s or Burger King? Don’t worry, Harry Ramsden is here soon. Maybe it’s actually a good thing to have world class quality chefs open their outlets. Doha is still waiting for it’s first Michelin Star. Nobu has 3 already in other cities. The consumer benefits from ultimately better choices, higher standards and hopefully innovative cooking. We can do the “Only for those that can afford it” in another thread. Nothing above 5 really exists unless it’s in the mind of the marketing team anyway.
No just something that doesn’t cost at least $100 a head for overpriced food.
That normally depends on a persons definition of overpricing. Michelin rated restaurants rarely come in at less, that’s why people go to them and pay a premium. Expectations are high, as is the technical expertise to produce a Michelin rated meal. Lets hope Nobu Doha matches his other outlets.
You know there is a middle ground between junk food and a michelin star that still means great food but at more reasonable prices
Yes, I know the middle ground, but that’s not the reality in this city, although I wish it were not…. I am more interested in improvements in service rather than food to be honest!
Agree. The more choice the better. Unfortunately I often find that any restaurant branch opening here never hits the same mark as their Dubai branch. Which is a great pity and a missed opportunity. What is it I wonder, the quality of the food or the lack of expertise in the chef?
Dubai is a real market that’s why standards are kept high; Doha has no market or a very small one. Plus, Dubai is an international touristic destination.
Alain Ducasse has had 3 Michelin Star restaurants in 3 different cities, the first chef ever to do so, and has had 21 Michelin stars in his career. But has his restaurant Idam at the MIA got a Michelin star yet?
Guy Savoy, under whom Gordon Ramsay trained, has had multiple Michelin stars at his top rated restaurants around the world. But has his restaurant Quisine by Guy Savoy at The Pearl got a Michelin star yet?
Gordon Ramsay has been awarded 15 Michelin stars at his restaurants, but have his restaurants in Doha got any Michelin stars yet?
Jean-Georges Vongerichten has a 3 Michelin star restaurant, but has his restaurant at the W got a Michelin star yet?
But maybe, just maybe, Nobu will be the restaurant that will finally earn Doha its first Michelin star.
Maybe.
Actually, I’d be very happy to see all the fast food joints disappear.
The interior looks less appealing than the original renderings. They will miss that ‘cool factor.’ Nevertheless I cant wait to go there.
What we need to know is when Greggs will open an outlet here.
Le Gregg’s 7 Star Pasty Emporium coming to The Pearl soon.
When will they open a Denny’s?
Stunning place to be!! Bringing more and more excitement to Doha.
OMAKASE me please! Getting truly good sushi is difficult the world over, if there is to be true new style Sushi experience in Doha, all the better. I think statements about cost and price are not relevant as the upper end places tend to drive trends across the spectrum, elevating the cuisine at all levels. I think Nobu will drive up the expectations in both service and quality in Doha, driving greater innovation and competition – both resulting in a better meal with a better experience across the board. Looking forward to it.
Offering a truly exclusive culinary experience, found nowhere else, the
tri-level Nobu Doha boasts the largest of its kind in the world and is
the only Nobu at a Four Seasons in the Middle East. More:http://goo.gl/IzgFa3
Nobu Doha, the largest Nobu restaurant among its 32 locations worldwide, opened April 17 at the Four Seasons Hotel Doha in Qatar. More: http://goo.gl/IzgFa3