RD

Film / Restaurateur

Robert De Niro

Two-time Oscar winner, Nobu co-founder, and the man who put Tribeca on the culinary map. Acting legend turned restaurant mogul.

50+
Nobu Locations
Tribeca
Home Base
1994
Nobu Founded

Does Robert De Niro own restaurants?

Yes, Robert De Niro is a major force in the restaurant world. He co-founded Nobu with chef Nobu Matsuhisa in 1994, which has grown to over 50 locations worldwide. In Tribeca, he also owns Tribeca Grill, Locanda Verde, and The Greenwich Hotel with its restaurant. He's credited with transforming Tribeca into NYC's premier dining destination.

Tier A: Verified Owner

The Nobu Empire

How De Niro Built a Global Restaurant Brand

In 1994, De Niro convinced chef Nobu Matsuhisa to open a restaurant in Tribeca. The result transformed celebrity dining:

  • Nobu NYC (1994) - The original Tribeca location that started it all
  • 50+ Global Locations - From Malibu to London to Tokyo
  • Nobu Hotels - Luxury hospitality expansion
  • Signature Dishes - Black Cod Miso, Yellowtail Jalapeno became iconic
Tier A: Business Verified

De Niro's Food Preferences

Japanese Cuisine

His Nobu partnership reflects genuine appreciation for Japanese flavors. Known to order omakase at his own restaurants.

Tier A

Italian-American

Born in Greenwich Village to Italian heritage. Loves classic red sauce restaurants and old-school NYC Italian.

Tier A

Black Cod Miso

Nobu's signature dish. De Niro helped bring this now-iconic preparation to global fame.

Tier A

Simple Quality

Despite owning upscale restaurants, known to appreciate simple, well-prepared food.

Tier B

De Niro's Restaurant Empire

Owned Establishments

N

Nobu Tier A

Tribeca (Original) + Global | Japanese-Peruvian | The restaurant that changed celebrity dining. Co-owner since 1994.
TG

Tribeca Grill Tier A

Tribeca | American | Opened 1990. De Niro's first restaurant venture. Film industry power lunch spot.
LV

Locanda Verde Tier A

Tribeca | Italian | Inside The Greenwich Hotel. Andrew Carmellini's rustic Italian.
GH

The Greenwich Hotel Tier A

Tribeca | Hotel/Restaurant | De Niro's luxury hotel with multiple dining options.

NYC Favorites (Non-Owned)

Beyond his own establishments, De Niro frequents other classic New York institutions.

R

Rao's Tier A

East Harlem | Italian | Legendary invitation-only spot. De Niro is among the elite regulars.
IM

Il Mulino Tier B

Greenwich Village | Italian | Classic NYC Italian power dining.
C

Carbone Tier B

Greenwich Village | Italian-American | Major Carbone's modern red sauce temple.

Tribeca Transformation

How De Niro Changed a Neighborhood

Robert De Niro's impact on Tribeca extends beyond restaurants:

  • Tribeca Film Festival - Co-founded in 2002 to revitalize the area post-9/11
  • Real Estate - His investments helped transform warehouses into luxury lofts
  • Restaurant Row - His establishments drew other high-end restaurants to the area
  • Celebrity Magnet - Made Tribeca the neighborhood for A-list New Yorkers

"I wanted to bring people downtown and show them what Tribeca could be."

Tier A: Documented Impact

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Robert De Niro own Nobu?
Yes, Robert De Niro is a co-founder and co-owner of Nobu Hospitality. He partnered with chef Nobu Matsuhisa and producer Meir Teper to open the first Nobu in Tribeca in 1994. The brand now includes over 50 restaurants and luxury hotels worldwide.
What restaurants does Robert De Niro own?
Robert De Niro owns or co-owns Nobu (global chain), Tribeca Grill, Locanda Verde, and The Greenwich Hotel with its restaurants in Tribeca, NYC. He's one of the most successful actor-restaurateurs in history.
Where does Robert De Niro eat in NYC?
De Niro is frequently seen at his own Tribeca establishments - Nobu, Tribeca Grill, and Locanda Verde. He's also a regular at Rao's in East Harlem and other classic NYC Italian restaurants that remind him of his Greenwich Village roots.
What is Robert De Niro's favorite food?
De Niro appreciates both Japanese cuisine (evident in his Nobu ownership) and Italian-American food from his heritage. He's known to enjoy Nobu's Black Cod Miso and classic Italian dishes. Despite owning upscale restaurants, he's also known to appreciate simple, well-prepared meals.
How did Robert De Niro start Nobu?
De Niro discovered chef Nobu Matsuhisa at his small LA restaurant Matsuhisa in the late 1980s. Impressed by the food, De Niro spent years convincing Nobu to open a NYC location. In 1994, they opened Nobu in Tribeca, which became an instant sensation and launched a global empire.