Located along Four Seasons Hotel Doha’s private shoreline, with its sweeping panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, Nobu Doha is the first and only restaurant of its kind located at a Four Seasons in the Middle East region. If the prestige of the name and location isn’t sufficient, internationally-acclaimed architect and founder of The Rockwell Group, David Rockwell, is behind its design …
Nobu Doha marks the second partnership between chef, Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa and luxury hospitality brand Four Seasons, following the successful 2012 launch of Nobu Lanai at Four Seasons Resort Lanai in Hawaii.
At 26,000ft², the restaurant is the largest of its kind in the brand’s global portfolio, offering a 192-seat interior dining area, an intimate 10-seat sushi counter, two exclusive private dining rooms, and a one-of-a-kind 82-seat rooftop lounge.
Elliptical ribbons of river stone capped with bronze accents form the exterior of Nobu Doha, resembling a coiled shell and creating the three-tiered levels of the restaurant.
Through the coiled exterior, the slats of bronze framing the window system and a stacked basalt tower at the open-air core of the building are visible, all permeating every floor of the building.
A reflecting pool surrounds the perimeter of the building, accentuating the connection to the unique waterfront site. At night, carefully-designed lighting illuminates the distinct and subtly complex forms of the building.
The Nobu dining experience begins with the redesigned landscape and lighting of the existing causeway, dramatically leading guests by car from the Four Seasons Hotel Doha to the restaurant. After crossing a bridge over the reflecting pool moat, guests arrive under the broad cantilever of the building above, in an entry court which evokes elements of a Japanese garden.
Central to the composition is the bronze clad atrium and prominent stacked stone waterfall feature that sets the mood of the restaurant.
Inviting guests towards the monumental arced timber staircase is a gargantuan suspended installation. Formed from hundreds of pieces of iridescent pieces of porcelain made to resemble fish scales, it was created specifically for Nobu Doha by the Canadian artist, Pascale Girardin.
On the second level is the lofty double-height main dining room, which is framed by woven abaca panels custom-made by Philippine artist Ken Cobonpue. Featured throughout the space are end-grain wood floors, columns clad in white sea shells, and a field of spherical glass light fixtures of various sizes custom-crafted by the Canadian artist Ken Gangbar. Seating in the main dining room extends to a generous terrace area with expansive views of the harbor.
This level also boasts the White Pearl Bar with an oval-shaped bar and complementing canopy, both made of alabaster with bronze inserts. The canopy is filled with a collection of custom pearl-shaped light fixtures also by Ken Gangbar, while the bar back features accents of antique mirror and bronze. Serpentine banquettes and white granite floors provide a casual yet elegant space for drinking and dining.
Moving through the spiral staircase to the upper-most level, guests can enjoy a spectacular outdoor lounge with commanding views back towards the Doha skyline, the Corniche and the harbor.
Individual sculptural resin canopies made by Kenneth Cobonpue, and custom globe floor lighting provide a sense of intimacy at each of the tiered platforms of this evening lounge.
Rooftop guests also have access to the Black Pearl Bar, the inverse of the White Pearl bar below, with similar materials but in dark hues. Bush-hammered travertine flooring is used throughout the space, making room for a fire pit and ample teak seating for large parties.
