Robert De Niro in Warsaw — Celebrating Nobu’s 5th Anniversary and the Next Chapter in Poland
Robert De Niro returns to Warsaw for the 5th anniversary of Nobu Hotel Warsaw — joined by Nobu Matsuhisa and Meir Teper for the first time in Poland, celebrating harmony, craftsmanship, and the upcoming Nobu Kraków.
A return after decades
A living legend of cinema — Robert De Niro, two-time Academy Award winner — arrived in Warsaw after attending the opening of a new Nobu Hotel in Rome and meeting Pope Francis at the Vatican. His stay was brief, with no time to explore, yet it carried a quiet sense of return; he spoke warmly about being back and expressed a wish to see more of the city next time: “I like Warsaw very much. I was here so many years ago with Meir, and I’d like to see more,” he said.
I like Warsaw very much. I was here so many years ago with Meir, and I’d like to see more.
The last time De Niro was here was in 1989, a moment of transition for Poland. During that visit, he travelled to Warsaw, Gdańsk, and Kraków — visiting exhibitions and screenings of his films, and meeting cultural and political figures, including Lech Wałęsa.
Reflecting on those years, Meir Teper — De Niro’s business partner and co-founder of Nobu Hospitality — has often noted how dramatically the country has changed since then: from lines and uncertainty to a vibrant, confident capital.
Nobu — then and now
On 8 November 2025, De Niro returned for the fifth anniversary of Nobu Hotel Warsaw, which he co-founded with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Meir Teper. This is also the first time all three founders of the Nobu Hospitality brand visited Poland together — joined by the company’s CEO Trevor Horwell.
The celebrations included a music tribute by Tony Yike Yang, the youngest-ever laureate of the International Chopin Piano Competition, who performed three Chopin masterpieces on a C. Bechstein piano.
The event also featured the signature sake ceremony, led by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper — a symbolic act of harmony and community — followed by an exclusive omakase dinner personally curated by Chef Nobu.
Nobu in Warsaw — where it all began
Opened in 2020, Nobu Hotel Warsaw quickly became one of the city’s most distinctive destinations. Its architecture bridges two worlds: the precision of contemporary Japan and the restrained elegance of Warsaw’s modernism. Inside, the restaurant embodies Nobu’s global philosophy — minimalism balanced with emotion, craftsmanship rooted in authenticity.
... the brand’s story here feels more like a continuation than an arrival — a conversation between history, creativity, and the quiet art of hospitality.
Kraków — the next chapter
The next act unfolds in Kraków, where Nobu Hospitality plans to open a hotel, residences, and cultural district. It will be Nobu’s second venture in Poland and the brand’s first residential project in Eastern Europe, featuring 100 luxurious accommodations, 80 exclusive residences, a rooftop pool and fitness centre, and a signature Nobu restaurant.
Located near Błonia Park, the Kraków project reflects Nobu’s growing connection with Central Europe. As CEO Trevor Horwell noted, Poland’s creativity, culture, and dynamic growth make it a natural home for the brand’s next chapter.
Robert De Niro’s visit highlights the growing international interest in Poland and its remarkable development, making it a meaningful part of a wider cultural dialogue.
With Nobu Warsaw thriving and Nobu Kraków on the horizon, the brand’s story here feels more like a continuation than an arrival — a conversation between history, creativity, and the quiet art of hospitality.
