Chopin and Nobu: Warsaw’s Unexpected Harmony

It was 30 years ago in Manhattan, New York. I led a small group of journalists to a revolutionary dining venue. Our host was Drew Nieporent, founder and driving force behind the Myriad Restaurant Group. The setting: Nobu, a restaurant where food lovers had to book a table weeks in advance.

His partners? None other than Robert De Niro, co-founder, and  Nobu Matsuhisa, the Japanese chef behind the exquisite cuisine. That evening – luxurious, bold, and innovative – left an imprint for life. The dishes fused classical Japanese techniques with daring Peruvian flavors, resulting in a cuisine that was both elegant and approachable.

What began as a bold culinary experiment quickly captivated the world with its refinement, innovation, and simplicity. As international acclaim followed, Nobu expanded across the globe. Opening in London, Malibu, Tokyo, Dubai and eventually into luxury hospitality with the launch of Nobu Hotels.

Warsaw, the capital of Poland, is one of those unique destinations. And in 2025, I was curious to experience Nobu hospitality in this evolving city.

Tacit Investment S.A. served as the local investor and developer behind Nobu Hotel Warsaw, the first Nobu hotel in Poland. They own the property and collaborated closely with Nobu Hospitality to bring the vision to life.

Located in downtown Warsaw, the hotel blends minimalist Japanese design with touches of Peruvian flair, creating a luxurious yet inviting atmosphere. The interiors are warm light woods, private dining options, a sushi bar, and a vibrant main restaurant. To mirror the calming aesthetics of water and air.

“It was Robert De Niro who told his partners: we have a place to eat, but no place to sleep,” says General Manager Stefan Bauer, when I asked how the hotel idea began. The charming, energetic Austrian smiles as he shares Nobu Warsaw’s story: “We’ve been on the capital’s hospitality map since 2019, with 115 rooms and suites. Our Nobu restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and thanks to our exclusivity and focus on privacy, we mostly attract guests who truly value that spirit.”

Our guest room was spacious, quiet, and exceptionally comfortable with excellent sleep quality. Breakfast was a highlight, especially the signature Matsuhisa Benedict: poached eggs on brioche toast with spinach, crayfish, Shiso Hollandaise sauce, and a salmon egg on top. Just divine. Original, unexpected, and unquestionably a memorable morning dish for lovers of creative gastronomy.

Bauer acknowledges the challenges of Warsaw’s image, still shadowed by its turbulent history. A city completely destroyed during WWII, Warsaw continues to reinvent itself through remarkable restoration and bold modernism. With years of experience at Hilton Hotels, Bauer was drawn to SLH – Small Luxury Hotels of the World, a curated collection of over 600 boutique properties across more than 90 countries. SLH recently partnered with Hilton, allowing Hilton Honors loyalty program members (over 226 million strong) to earn and redeem points at SLH hotels. “We’re the only hotel in Poland within this unique SLH-Hilton Honors network, which is heavily favored by U.S. travelers. The results so far are very promising,” he tells me.

We came to Warsaw with another mission: to follow the footsteps of the city’s most beloved son – Frédéric Chopin.

The composer and Warsaw are deeply connected. Chopin spent his formative years in this city, and today, his presence is everywhere – in music, monuments, and memory. He holds a revered and symbolic place in Polish national identity.

Our journey began upon arrival at Warsaw Chopin Airport, named in 2001 to honor the 50th anniversary of the composer’s reburial in his homeland. Although he died in Paris aged 39, his heart, per his final wish, is interred in Warsaw’s Church of the Holy Cross. Visiting the church and observing the column that holds his heart is a moving experience.

Just a short walk away, we entered a musical district anchored by the Chopin University, which often hosts open rehearsals and public recitals, and the extraordinary Chopin Museum, one of the most advanced biographical museums in the world, housed in the historic Ostrogski Palace.

We spent hours there, time-traveling through the life and legacy of an artist who gave an emotional voice to a nation. Visitors can immerse themselves in Chopin’s music, known for its lyrical intimacy, technical brilliance, and deep emotional resonance. The museum shop overflows with Chopin merchandise, but don’t miss reading the heartfelt entries in the guest book and adding your own.

A short ride brought us to the iconic Chopin Monument in Łazienki Park, crafted in Art Nouveau style by Wacław Szymanowski. The sculpture depicts Chopin seated beneath a windswept weeping willow, whose branches arch above him like the hand of a pianist, symbolizing the unity of music and nature. Originally unveiled in 1926, destroyed during WWII, and rebuilt in 1958, it remains a cherished landmark in Polish cultural heritage. Tourists and locals alike gather here, soaking in the beauty of the park and the enduring spirit of Chopin.

Nearby, the Wisła River, lined with a modern promenade, has inspired artists for centuries. It flows through the heart of the city, shaping life and creativity alike. Daily recitals in museums and galleries continue to celebrate Chopin’s work.

We were fortunate to attend an emotional piano concert by Ewa Beata Ossowska, a Warsaw-born pianist and graduate of the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music. “Chopin has been with me since I was born,” she told me afterward. “He’s always been part of my soul.” The venue? A captivating ecclesiastical museum beside St. John’s Archcathedral in the Old Town. A true hidden gem.

On our final evening, we returned to where the story began, this time in Warsaw, not Manhattan. The Nobu Signature Tasting Menu awaited. A three-hour omakase-style experience (the chef selects and serves a series of dishes of his choosing) that brought everything full circle.

Six courses. Each a surprise. Each a story.

Our top three:

• Toro Tartare with Caviar – Finely chopped, melt-in-your-mouth fatty tuna, gently seasoned with onion and garlic, bathed in Nobu’s wasabi soy sauce, and crowned with Imperial caviar. Pure indulgence.
• Beef Toban Yaki – Marinated in Nobu’s signature Japanese–Peruvian flavors, grilled and served sizzling on a traditional ceramic toban plate. Unforgettable.
• Chocolate Bento Box – A 72% dark chocolate fondant paired with matcha ice cream. Rich, velvety, and beautifully balanced. A dessert that transcends taste.

A farewell dinner at 100 euros per person. An experience worth every moment. A perfect ending to the city of Chopin and a memory forever.