Author: Tee Johnson

A hotel concept co-founded by Hollywood actor Robert De Niro is coming to Buckhead’s Phipps Plaza, AtlantaFi has learned. The Nobu Hotels brand will grace the 150-room structure in the space formerly occupied by Belk department store.

The hotel will also include a 10,000-square foot Nobu restaurant featuring Japanese restaurant. The space will also have a three-level Life Time fitness athletic club featuring a spa, rooftop pool and kids academy.

The project will be ready to open sometime in 2021, according to The Beck Group, the development’s contractor.  The Beck Group notably was hired by Simon to renovate Phipps Plaza’s facade, modernizing it for new tenants.

Deniro: Reels and Restaurant

Beyond the cameras and awards, De Niro has built a thriving hospitality empire that spans the globe. As a co-founder of the Nobu brand and owner of several high-profile eateries, De Niro’s forays into the restaurant world have transformed him into a culinary mogul.

His ventures emphasize luxury, fusion cuisine, and a touch of celebrity glamour, with expansions reaching as far as Atlanta and beyond. This article explores De Niro’s restaurant journey, from its New York roots to international growth, and highlights the anticipated – and realized – impact in the Peach State.

The Origins: Tribeca Grill and the Birth of Nobu

De Niro’s restaurant adventures began in the late 1980s amid the gritty transformation of New York City’s Tribeca neighborhood. In 1990, he partnered with renowned restaurateur Drew Nieporent to open Tribeca Grill, a New American spot housed in the historic Martinson Coffee Factory building, which also served as the home of the Tribeca Film Center.

The restaurant quickly became a hotspot for celebrities and locals alike, featuring innovative dishes, a stellar wine list, and original artwork by De Niro’s father, Robert De Niro Sr. Over its 35-year run, Tribeca Grill hosted high-profile events, including visits from Nelson Mandela and gatherings for the Tribeca Film Festival, which De Niro co-founded.

However, it was De Niro’s discovery of Chef Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa that would launch his most enduring culinary legacy. In 1988, while dining at Matsuhisa’s Los Angeles restaurant, De Niro fell in love with the chef’s Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine, particularly the signature black cod with miso.

For five years, De Niro persistently courted Matsuhisa to collaborate on a New York venture. Finally, in 1994, the trio of De Niro, Matsuhisa, and producer Meir Teper – with Nieporent as operator – opened Nobu New York in Tribeca.

The 150-seat restaurant was a massive hit, drawing A-listers and spawning Nobu Next Door to handle the overflow.What started as a single location has exploded into a global powerhouse. As of 2025, Nobu boasts over 56 restaurants across five continents, blending Nobu’s innovative flavors with sleek, modern design.

De Niro’s vision extended beyond dining; in 2013, the first Nobu Hotel opened at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, followed by 13 more properties worldwide, including sites in Malibu, London, and Manila. The brand’s success is attributed to its commitment to quality and “sense of place,” with each location tailored to its city.

Expansion Elsewhere: Locanda Verde, Ago, and Global Reach

De Niro’s portfolio extends beyond Nobu. In 2007, he became a backer of Locanda Verde, an Italian trattoria at The Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca, helmed by chef Andrew Carmellini.

Known for its house-made pastas and welcoming vibe, the restaurant has been a neighborhood staple. In a nod to New York’s evolving skyline, a second Locanda Verde opened in November 2024 at Hudson Yards, featuring artwork by De Niro Sr. and a more refined “neighborhood tavern” atmosphere.

De Niro has emphasized the site’s personal significance, noting his father’s nearby studio in the area.Earlier ventures include Ago, a Tuscan-inspired restaurant at Miami Beach’s Shore Club, where De Niro was a key investor in the mid-2000s.

The poolside spot offered upscale Italian fare and became a celebrity favorite, though it has since evolved under different management. De Niro’s involvement in these projects reflects his hands-on approach, often drawing from personal connections and a desire to create communal spaces.

The Nobu empire’s international footprint is equally impressive.

Restaurants and hotels dot major cities like London (two locations), Tokyo, Dubai, and Los Angeles, with recent openings in Doha and Perth, Australia. In March 2025, Nobu Hospitality announced a major deal for a hotel, restaurant, and residences in a £360 million skyscraper in Manchester, UK.

Final Word

Future projects include developments in Madrid, Marrakech, and Tel Aviv, showcasing De Niro’s ambition to make Nobu a “destination lifestyle experience.”

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