Nobu Dallas, Dallas

Nobuyuki Matsuhisa discovered his passion for food while growing up in his native Japan. His older brother took him to his first sushi restaurant, and the young Nobu was hooked. That enthusiasm never waned, and as an adult, he began his culinary career, traveling the globe cooking in kitchens from South America to Alaska. These experiences—particularly his time spent in Peru—contributed to Nobu's distinctive culinary style, which melds international flavors and techniques with traditional Japanese cuisine. He opened the original Nobu restaurant in New York City in 1994 to great acclaim, and in the decades since, has built up a dining empire that encompasses 25 restaurants spread across 21 cities, five continents, and two parallel universes.

The Dallas location remains true to Nobu's signature vision while still allowing a bit of southern flair to influence the Zagat-praised dishes. Although traditional maki and sashimi are readily available, the chefs also embrace Nobu's willingness to expand upon the traditional flavors of Japanese cooking. Rare grilled tuna might be served with jalapeño salsa, blue crab could turn up in a spicy hot dish, and tiramisu might receive an herbal accent of green tea. This elegant fusion informs the decor as well—a traditional sushi bar is updated with illuminated onyx, while back-lit cherry blossom-cutouts gleam from tall columns.