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NOBU Restaurant

General Info

About the Project

Project Description

Nobu Toronto is a culinary landmark, seamlessly blending Japanese heritage with modern sophistication. Designed by Studio Munge, the restaurant’s interiors reflect timeless elegance, inspired by cultural materiality, refined craftsmanship, and an immersive sense of discovery. Guests are welcomed into a world of harmonious contrasts, where natural wood meets stone, and light and dark interact to create a dynamic, inviting space. A grand circular glass atrium, grounded by a polished black granite pond, forms a striking focal point, connecting the restaurant’s two levels of exclusive dining and social spaces. From the bar and lounge to the sushi bar and private dining rooms, every detail is meticulously curated to deliver an unparalleled Nobu experience.

The lighting design of Nobu Toronto is an essential element in crafting its immersive atmosphere. A 28-foot bronze chainmail chandelier, cascading like a shimmering kimono, becomes the restaurant’s signature statement piece, casting intricate shadows that evoke movement and texture. Throughout the space, warmly lit Kawara roof tile pillars celebrate Japanese tradition, while custom porcelain ginkgo tree installations glow under delicate uplighting, adding an ethereal touch. On the terrace, vertical lighting highlights architectural details and lush greenery, transforming the outdoor space into a tranquil garden retreat. With a high-contrast lighting scheme, energy-efficient LED fixtures provide an elegant balance of intimacy and drama, ensuring each space is both visually captivating and sustainable.

Mulvey & Banani Audio Visual designed a seamless sound environment that enhances the restaurant’s refined ambiance. The L-Acoustics X Series system, featuring 22 X8 enclosures, 25 ultra-compact 5XT speakers, and SB10i subs, is discreetly integrated into the architecture, delivering rich, immersive audio. Thoughtfully zoned configurations ensure that sound is balanced across the restaurant, bar, lounge, and terrace, maintaining a sophisticated yet dynamic atmosphere. Whether setting the mood for intimate dining or high-profile events, the system’s clarity, depth, and precision make sound an integral part of the Nobu experience.

Nobu Toronto isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a sensory journey, where light, sound, and design come together to elevate dining into an unforgettable experience.

Image Credit: Joel Esposito & Studio Munge

Scope

Electrical Engineering

Audio Visual

ICT Engineering

Security Engineering

Lighting Design

Final Budget

Primary Sector

Residential & Hospitality

Secondary Sector


Client

Madison Group

Architect

Teeple Architects, Turner Fleischer Architects, ERA Architects

Project Team

Madison Group, Westdale Properties Teeple Architects Turner Fleischer Architects ERA Architects Studio Munge

Key Individuals

Zdravko Crne

Mike Prsa

Stephen Kaye

Shaili Patel

Greg Rushton

Audio Visual

As the Audio Visual designers, Mulvey & Banani Audio Visual crafted an immersive audio environment that complements Nobu’s refined aesthetic. The L-Acoustics X Series system, featuring 22 X8 enclosures, 25 ultra-compact 5XT speakers, and a dozen SB10i subs, is seamlessly integrated into the architecture, delivering even coverage, dynamic background music, and event-ready performance. Multiple zoned audio configurations ensure a perfectly balanced atmosphere across the restaurant, bar, lounge, and terrace, enhancing every moment.

"We landed on L-Acoustics – it is one of Nobu’s existing brand standards – because it blended in perfectly. X Series are high-performance speakers in a very small package. There’s only a handful of manufacturers capable of doing that." – Gregory Rushton, CTS-D, ANP, Vice President, Mulvey & Banani Audio Visual.

This sound system isn’t just heard, it’s an integral part of the experience. With precision, clarity, and depth, it enhances Nobu Toronto’s upscale dining and nightlife, creating the perfect sonic atmosphere for everything from intimate dinners to high-profile events.

Lighting

The lighting design of NOBU Toronto transforms the restaurant into an immersive dining experience, seamlessly blending Japanese heritage with Canadian craftsmanship. Spanning 18,034 sq. ft. across two levels, the space includes a bar and lounge, a sake bar, private dining rooms, a sushi bar, a terrace, and a grand main dining area, providing a tranquil escape within the city.

The abundant lighting design encourages cultural appreciation and community connection. Through the main dining room, the 28-foot bronze chainmail chandelier cascades like a shimmering kimono, casting intricate patterns that evoke movement and texture. Warmly lit Kawara roof tile pillars frame the two-story bar, celebrating traditional Japanese materials while highlighting the skill of local fabricators. Each illuminated element serves as a captivating focal point, casting a warm, inviting glow that enhances the ambiance of each unique space.

Collaboration with local and international artisans was significant to the project’s success. Suspended overhead is a stunning porcelain ginkgo tree installation, crafted by a Canadian artist. This mystic fixture glows under carefully placed up lights, creating delicate shadows. While the terrace, designed as an intimate garden sanctuary, features subtle vertical lighting that highlights architectural details and lush greenery.

Sustainability was a priority for the lighting team who chose energy-efficient LED fixtures. The result is a high-contrast lighting scheme that guides guests through the space while preserving a sense of intimacy.

NOBU Toronto is a luxurious dining destination where illuminated light fixtures transcend function. Each unique lighting fixture becomes integral to a surreal and immersive atmosphere. A testament to the power of lighting, NOBU Toronto’s ambiance evokes a sense of relaxation, casting guests in a warm, sophisticated glow.
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