Hey, Weekend: Bites & Bytes

Nobu Palo Alto finds a perfect pairing in high tech and haute cuisine.

Back in the mid-’90s, actor Robert De Niro began a friendship with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa—then known for his Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant Matsuhisa in Beverly Hills. While sushi figured prominently in L.A.’s dining scene, it had yet to achieve a similar status in New York. With De Niro’s encouragement and financial support, Matsuhisa opened the first Nobu restaurant in Tribeca.

After setting Manhattan on fire, the pair branched out with Nobu restaurants and, more recently, hotels worldwide. After years at the Country Mart, Nobu Malibu moved to PCH and also welcomed the nearby Malibu Ryokan—an intimate, 16-room hotel in the Japanese tradition. And just as the partners targeted Hollywood culture with its SoCal destination, they chose an entirely different—and appropriate—industry for their NorCal debut: tech.

Nobu Palo Alto is one of several Nobu properties— piloted by Matsuhisa, De Niro and film producer Meir Teper and featuring both a restaurant and a hotel on a single site. With the signature restaurant on the ground floor, this 73-room Ryokan-inspired getaway puts legendary dining right in the heart of downtown.

A stylish blend of West Coast modern and traditional Japanese design, the elegant, minimalist accommodations in warm woods and natural textures make for a peaceful retreat after an evening of culinary indulgence. True to its location, the rooms and suites feature subtle high-tech amenities, including voice-command shades and lighting, an 80-inch Samsung Smart TV and Toto Neorest washlet toilets. Guest also receive 24-hour butler service, priority seating at the restaurant and executive turndown service.

If work takes you to Nobu Palo Alto, two high-tech meeting rooms await your business. Cycling figures prominently in the Nobu fitness offerings, with Pelotons for an indoor approach or outdoor bike rentals that include gear, nourishment and route assistance via a programed Wahoo GPS.

You may need a workout after a meal or two at the indulgent restaurant. All the favorites are here, including yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño and black cod with miso. If you’ve tried them in L.A., you know they’re out of this world. The menu also features a handful of locally inspired dishes, exclusive sakes and crafted cocktails. They also recently added a sushi bar and extended outdoor seating. Can’t make it down to a table? All good … 24-hour in-room dining is available to all guests. Get connected at paloalto.nobuhotels.com