Nobu co-founders Hollywood star Robert De Niro and Meir Teper, plus eponymous chef Nobu Matsuhisa have visited EA Rooftop at the Empire ahead of the official launch of the world’s highest Nobu restaurant in the heart of Bangkok.

With unparalleled dining experiences with breathtaking panoramic views of the Bangkok skyline and the Chao Phraya River, Nobu Bangkok is set to open in September this year.

Wallapa Traisorat, CEO and president of Thailand’s integrated lifestyle real estate group, Asset World Corporation (AWC), welcomed her guests marking a milestone of the shared vision between AWC and Nobu to establish a new benchmark in the F&B industry.

“We all have very fond memories of visiting Bangkok before, and we are excited to come back to this dynamic and modern global city, still rich in culture and tradition,” the founders of Nobu Hospitality said in a statement.

“The Empire is the perfect spot for the Nobu Bangkok, with its stunning 360-degree views and central location. Our Nobu experience will include an amazing rooftop bar, and terraces with views of the Chao Phraya River and the Green Lungs.

“We are pleased that both local Bangkok residents and travelers will be able to enjoy our Nobu culinary experience, whether for dining or events in the various areas of this unique destination. Alongside AWC, we are also working hard on the development of the Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa New York.

“In Bangkok, we are similarly focused on the development of The Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa Bangkok on the Chao Phraya River and the adjacent Nobu Hotel Bangkok. With AWC as our nationwide and special partner in Thailand, we are also identifying more Nobu Hotel and Restaurant locations in other parts of this vibrant country.”

Nobu Bangkok to set a benchmark for Thailand

Traisorat said the new restaurant will set a benchmark for Thailand’s culinary landscape.

“Moreover, the opportunity is limitless,” she said. “AWC has partnered with Nobu Hospitality to create an integrated experience that spans from cuisine to hotel, encompassing the essence of three iconic buildings, which are Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa New York, The Plaza Athenee Nobu Hotel and Spa Bangkok and Nobu Hotel Bangkok as well as many other exciting projects.

“These initiatives aim to create long-term sustainable value for the global hospitality industry. Developing these exceptional hotels in two major global destinations will enhance AWC’s strengths by integrating the uniquely modern luxury lifestyle of the Nobu brand, offering best-in-class products, services and sharing happiness to global travellers.”

Chef Nobu. Image: Facebook

Sky high views with vintage style

Nobu Bangkok rises from the 57th to 60th floor of EA Rooftop at The Empire. Designed by the New York-based Rockwell Group, the design concept references three distinct landscapes found in a vintage map of Thailand: Urban, River and Mountain.

The design blends Thailand’s artisanal techniques, like hand-woven textiles and wood carving, with traditional Japanese arts such as Kintsugi and calligraphy.

Upon arrival, guests will first be welcomed to the 57th floor, where they can enjoy a beverage lounge featuring a sculptural bar with semi-gloss black plaster and gold relief wrapping around the perimeter, forming a reflective metal grid containing shimmering crystal light fixtures, provides a delightful start to the evening.

The journey then continues to several private dining rooms inspired by the tea ceremony concept. The private dining suite, inspired by contemporary Japanese sake rooms, offers stunning views of Bang Krachao and seating 42. The outdoor area features lighter color palette, with yellow cream, and light wood, creating a serene and elegant ambiance.

The 58th floor features a custom lacquered wood host stand and carved wood art. The adjacent lounge boasts banquettes framed by curving metal, adorned with Thai-inspired floral embroidery and blue leather with seating for 80. The highlight is a captivating sushi bar, the centerpiece of Nobu, adorned with glowing onyx stone and a sculptural installation with graceful gold lines hanging from a ceiling clad in smoky mirrors that reflect the sky.

The double-floor outdoor terrace with every seat facing the view, totals 126 seats with a central bar with a sculptural design and integrated lantern fixtures in the banquettes enhances the experience.

The food and wine experience

The 60th floor, the highest Nobu rooftop bar offers an open-sky rooftop circular space framed by organically shaped infinity pools, with 54 seats. A feature bar is topped with a monumental, curved arch, a giant sculpture that helps frame the view in a crackled, gold mosaic.

At Nobu Bangkok Restaurant and Rooftop Bar, chefs skillfully craft the Japanese-influenced menu, serving highlight dishes such as Toro Tartar, finely minced with garlic and onion in a wasabi soy sauce, topped with caviar and spring onion; Yellowtail Jalapeno, sashimi set in yuzu soy sauce with jalapeno, garlic puree, and coriander; and Beef Toban Yaki, grilled beef tenderloin with garlic puree, flamed with sake and deglazed with yuzu soy sauce, served with white onions, haricot vert, enoki, and shiitake mushrooms, and many more. Guests can also enjoy a variety of signature sakes, champagne, martini and a diverse drinks menu.

Nobu Bangkok will officially open on September 20, 2024.