Nobu Ryokan | Malibu, California
A private walkway leading from Carbon Beach to the suites at Nobu Malibu Ryokan. (Photo by Jenn Tanaka)
STAY LIKE A ROCKSTAR
The exclusive Nobu Ryokan gives visitors a taste of what it’s like to live like a rockstar.
The intimate 16 suite Malibu hideaway features traditional Japanese teak soaking tubs, indoor/outdoor fireplaces, Italian bed linens by Anichini. The enclaves are accented by sandy-colored limestone walls and sleek finishes. TAL, Studio PCH, Montalba Architects, and CW Eisner collaborated on the design. When staying at Nobu Malibu Ryokan, guests indulge in the local Southern California laid-back lifestyle with a refined Japanese twist.
From impossible-to-get reservations at Nobu Malibu to the most stunning views of the Pacific, the Nobu Ryokan is a luxury staycation worth the splurge.
Date Cake at Nobu Malibu Ryokan
DINE : Nobu Malibu Ryokan Room Service
Securing a reservation at Nobu Malibu is nearly impossible. Tables are secured for A-listers and celebrities.
Do you want to know the secret to getting a table?
Stay at Nobu Malibu Ryokan.
As a guest of the ryokan, I contacted the concierge for a table. They secured us a prime spot on the patio for lunch the next day. My parents joined us for sushi. As we dined, a pair of dolphins playfully swam by the restaurant. They jumped in the blue seawater, splashing and making ripples in the ocean. The normally too-cool-for-anybody crowd suddenly lowered their sunglasses and took in the moment. For a split second, Mother Nature stole the show. All eyes were on the water. In a flash, the cameo was over and everyone continued with lunch.
Our meal included Nobu classics — plus, a personal favorite, the warm mushroom salad with crisp shiitake slices. The fish and chips were lacking that crunch the day we dined. But the seasonal sticky toffee pudding-like date cake dessert delighted everyone.
If you’re seeking a special night in, order room service at the ryokan. Several of Nobu’s most popular signature dishes are available on the menu. One warm evening, we ate warm date cake with creme fraiche and hints of Japanese whiskey, after we emerged from the large soaking tub on our private oceanfront balcony. As we sipped Champagne, my husband and I agreed that this was one of our best staycation treats. The next morning, we ordered a beautifully prepared Japanese breakfast along with two delightful bacon and egg sliders. Then, we walked outside our suite and strolled along the Carbon Beach shore.
Jenn Tanaka walking along the beach in Malibu.
(Photo: Daniel Harsadi)
EXPLORE: CARBON BEACH
Carbon Beach in Malibu is also known as Billionaire’s Beach for the famous celebrities and CEOs who own properties in the area. The south-facing, mile-long beach stretches from Malibu Pier at Surfrider Beach to Carbon Canyon Road. When staying at Nobu Ryokan, this soft sandy playground overlooking the Pacific is your backyard. Guests stroll along the shore before ordering morning room service. Later in the day, they continue luxuriating with a massage, a scenic drive along the coast, partaking in a quick game of racquetball, or enjoying another tony activity planned by the Nobu concierge team.
A patio bathed in rays of sunlight overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The space is available to guests of the Ryokan. (Photo: Jenn Tanaka)
Nobu Ryokan feels like an intimate sanctuary. Guests stroll through a relaxing zen garden as they make their way to their suites. The Ryokan is located within walking distance to Nobu Malibu. (Photo: Jenn Tanaka)
Carbon Beach in Malibu, CA (Photo: Jenn Tanaka)
A personal favorite: Nobu’s warm mushroom salad with crispy shiitake. (Photo: Jenn Tanaka)
ROOM SERVICE: The exquisite Japanese-style breakfast at Nobu Ryokan. (Photo: Jenn Tanaka)
ROOM SERVICE: Delicate breakfast sandwiches at Nobu Ryokan (Photo: Jenn Tanaka)
WAKE: We slept in the cozy bed and listened to the waves crashing against the shore. When we awoke, we marveled at the shining sun and the glistening azure ocean. We hastily made the bed then set out to walk along the beach.
(Photo: Jenn Tanaka)
ROOM SERVICE: Dessert cigars called “XURRO” with dulce de leche dusted with cinnamon-sugar and stacked on cocoa nibs at Nobu Ryokan.
(Photo: Jenn Tanaka)
Nobu-style sashimi tacos with tuna. An order consists of 2 tacos. Diners may choose from lobster, caviar, wagyu, ribeye, and tuna.
I can easily eat a plateful of these tacos! (Photo: Jenn Tanaka)
Nobu Fish n Chips: This dish had so much potential. The presentation was fun, but the flavor was lacking. Maybe it was an off afternoon service. Unfortunately, our French fries were soggy and the fish was under-seasoned.