Housed in what used to be an IHOP, Nobu's Japanese Restaurant is minimally decorated with wood and white paint and is crowded with tightly placed tables. Excessive ambiance is unnecessary when you can watch, admire and taste the artfully prepared sushi and other dishes from chef/owner Noboru "Nobu" Kidera. A Kobe, Japan, native, Nobu has been meticulously slicing and serving up the bounty of the ocean for devoted St. Louisans since 1983, first on Delmar Boulevard and now at the bigger, more accessible Nobu's. Sushi novices will enjoy maguro (tuna), ebi (shrimp) and sake (salmon). Those with more experienced palates should consider awabi (abalone), hirame (fluke) and aoyagi (orange clam). There's also a good variety of makimono (rolled sushi), such as the ume shiso roll with sour plums and shiso leaves. Nobu's regularly offers exotic types of fish not typically found in St. Louis such as salmon belly, yellowtail jaw and mackerel. Named Best Sushi by Riverfront Times in 2007. Beer, wine and sake available. Serving lunch Mon–Fri, dinner nightly. Closed between meals.