How Nobu Matsuhisa and Robert De Niro built a global luxury empire
- Adam German
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
From humble beginnings in Japan to building a global empire, Nobu Matsuhisa’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and partnership.
After overcoming personal tragedy and business setbacks, the acclaimed chef joined forces with actor Robert De Niro to create Nobu Restaurants, a name now synonymous with modern Japanese cuisine and refined hospitality.
Their collaboration has since expanded into Nobu Hotels and Nobu Residences, redefining luxury living and dining across major cities worldwide.
Bloomberg’s Haslinda Amin sat down with Nobu for a wide-ranging discussion about lessons learned and how despite the growth of the business, cooking with the heart is always at the center of everything.
Topics Covered
Nobu Matsuhisa’s life was shaped by early loss, losing his father at age eight, which inspired his determination to succeed.
After his first restaurant in Alaska burned down, he faced bankruptcy and despair but was saved by his family’s support.
That tragedy became a turning point, teaching him patience, humility, and the power of never giving up.
His motto - “step by step, never rush, never give up” - guided him to rebuild from failure to international acclaim.
Nobu’s breakthrough came with Robert De Niro, who persistently pursued a partnership after meeting him in 1988.
Though Nobu initially declined, De Niro’s trust and persistence led to the opening of Nobu New York in 1994.
Their collaboration grew into a global brand synonymous with modern Japanese luxury dining.
De Niro also proposed expanding into hotels, sparking the creation of the first Nobu Hotel in Las Vegas - now a thriving division.
The Nobu brand today includes around 60 restaurants, 45 hotels, and more than a dozen residences worldwide.
Each Nobu property blends local culture with a consistent philosophy of quality, hospitality, and heart.
Nobu calls his partnership with De Niro a “100% supportive relationship”, combining creativity with trust.
His resilience and global vision have turned his name into a symbol of perseverance, partnership, and Japanese-inspired luxury.
