trying to snag a table, or tickets to a coldplay concert? you'd wonder given the recent debut of nobu 57. yes, it's gotten an uptown makeover, and it's sleeker than the original. but be prepared: although the opening was soft, the crowds already have a hard-on for the reservation line, including tony shafrazi, tori spelling, and a slew of others who dined last night. busy, busy. wait 50 minutes. just like downtown.

so the truth? you'll feel special walking into a roomfull of waiters welcoming in japanese, and the service is what you'd expect at $200 per person. waitresses seem especially cool in their adidas-like black uniforms, and your napkin may get folded three or four times during seating. but the rockwell design seems lukewarm for all the hype. (at least you can hear yourself think, so kudos for that.) old staples are still there. drew. matsuhisa. but like typical uptown things, there's a nip here, a tuck there, mostly on the menu. don't freak, the black miso cod hasn't gone anywhere, nor has the baby abalone or jalapeno yellowtail. and be sure not to miss the fluke tiradito with sea salt and citrus, the washu beef served new sashimi style, or the extensive tempura menu.

then start calling again for your next reservation.

nobu
40 west 57th street
between fifth and sixth
212.757.3000

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