Nobu cofounder Drew Nieporent shares the 3 dishes he always orders at the famous restaurant

Original story by: Business Insider Last updated: Oct 22, 2025

Context: Drew Nieporent, a co-creator of the globally renowned Nobu restaurant empire, shared his three essential dishes to order. These selections highlight the restaurant's innovative fusion of Japanese and South American flavors. Nobu, founded in 1994, has grown into an international brand with over 50 restaurants and numerous hotels.
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Detailed Summary:
- Drew Nieporent, alongside chef Nobu Matsuhisa and actor Robert De Niro, launched the first Nobu restaurant in New York City in 1994.
- The restaurant's success led to its expansion into a global luxury brand with over 50 restaurants and more than a dozen hotels worldwide.
- Nieporent noted that customers historically came with pre-researched "how-to-order" guides, a precursor to modern online reviews.
- Nieporent's top three recommended dishes are: Yellowtail Sashimi Jalapeño: Described as "the greatest dish in America," it features thinly sliced yellowtail with a yuzu-ponzu sauce and jalapeños. This dish was an early highlight that impressed Nieporent at Matsuhisa's original restaurant, showcasing the chef's fusion of Japanese and South American ingredients.
- Whitefish Tiradito: This dish, learned by Matsuhisa in Peru, consists of fresh whitefish sashimi dressed with yuzu and lemon juices, topped with rocoto pepper and soy salt.
- Black Cod Miso: Widely considered Nobu's most famous dish, it is praised for its sweet and savory, umami-rich flavor profile.