With 18 hotel locations worldwide and over 50 restaurants globally, Nobu is a globally recognized name synonymous with upscale dining and accommodations. While the hotel brand has taken off tremendously since its founding in 2013, the Nobu brand name was already recognizable by many, thanks to the birth of the Japanese dining concept, which first opened in New York City in 1994.
Situated in a city already renowned for its diverse food scene and architecture crafted by Antoni Gaudí, the opening of a Nobu hotel in Barcelona was an ambitious move. Formerly Gran Hotel Torre Catalunya, Nobu Hospitality took over the hotel with a mission to renovate the space in 2019, blending the minimalist Japanese-inspired retreat the brand is known for with a touch of Catalan flair.
Inside the sake suite
Nobu Barcelona hotel offers a variety of room types, from deluxe rooms with skyline views to spacious suites. Most U.S. travelers have already come to accept that European hotels are painfully small in square feet, with the average hotel room in Europe sitting at about 200 square feet. Here, Nobu Barcelona sets itself apart with its luxurious suite offerings for the upscale guest who wants more space and unmatched views. I stayed in the Sake Suite, designed to create a spacious sanctuary high above the hustle and bustle of the city.
As I first stepped inside the Sake Suite, I was instantly greeted with the same atmosphere and style I felt at various Nobu restaurants I’ve dined at throughout the world. The combination of the multiple bathrooms, lounge space, and bedroom in this suite totals over 1,500 square feet, offering ample room to spread out, relax, and enjoy a quiet escape from the city. What I loved most about the Sake Suite, however, is the small touches of Catalan design (such as the use of warm neutrals and a headboard inspired by Gaudí) fused with Japanese design components.
Spa-like, serene atmosphere
From the living space to the bedroom, the skyline panoramas from the Sake Suite truly steal the show. A stay here is not just attractive for those seeking a luxurious, spacious accommodation, but also for those who want to embrace a luxury, “spa-like” getaway. When you’re done visiting the hectic attractions of Barcelona, like the Basílica de la Sagrada Família and Park Güell, guests can come back to this tranquil suite to unwind in luxury. Other small touches, like the deep-soaking bathtub, in-room mini bar, rainfall shower, and Natura Bissé bath amenities, created a space that felt different than your typical hotel.
Panoramic views from the 23rd-floor Nobu restaurant
Barcelona is undoubtedly a culinary hub, offering both locals and visitors an endless number of options of restaurants to dine at, serving every cuisine imaginable. This means a Nobu situated in a city like Barcelona has to set the bar even higher than those locations situated in areas with fewer competitive luxury dining options, like the Nobu location in the Bahamas.
Barcelona skyline views
Having dined at several Nobu restaurant locations before this visit to Barcelona, I was especially intrigued to discover what sets the Barcelona location apart from the rest. As luck would have it, it only took a few minutes of dining here to easily identify why this location is so special. From an atmosphere and experience standpoint, the location of the restaurant on the 23rd floor of a high-rise building speaks for itself.
The massive windows that surround the space deliver incredible views of the city skyline, no matter which table you’re seated at. In the distance, you can spot views of the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, reminding you that you’re in Spain (which is easy to forget as you step into this Japanese-inspired dining experience).
Creative Japanese menus
The vibe and ambiance of the restaurant are enough to draw in plenty of diners, but it’s the unique food experiences that truly set this restaurant apart. The attention to detail and quality of food came through in every course, creating food that not just looks visually appetizing but also creates a fusion of Japanese and Catalan cuisine.
I tried the Omakase experience, which involves a mystery menu designed by the chef (Omakase, translating to “leave it up to you” in Japanese). The mystery component of this multi-course meal adds even more fun to the dining experience and also allows the chef to highlight the freshest, seasonal ingredients in your experience.
From the mini wagyu beef tacos to the signature Beef Toban Yaki main course, each course of the Omakese experience was mouthwateringly delicious. Though I’ve loved every Nobu restaurant I’ve dined at, I noticed a clear difference in the quality of the food served in Barcelona. While you can find the Nobu classics on the menu here, such as the miso-glazed Black Cod, I recommend trying at least one of the dishes that blend Japanese and Catalan cuisine, such as the Tuna Tataki with Truffle Tosazu. Many of these dishes also use local ingredients, such as locally-sourced eel, that set the menu apart from other Nobu locations worldwide.
