Avant Mar Hotel: Chef Nobu Hosts Sake Barrel-Breaking Ceremony at Matsuhisa Paros

Anna Asimakopoulou (General Manager of Avant Mar Hotels), Natalia Stafti (Deputy CEO of Grivalia Hospitality), Nobu Matsuhisa, Tasos Ioannidis. Photo source: Avant Mar

Esteemed chef Nobu Matsuhisa officially inaugurated the Matsuhisa Paros restaurant on the Greek island of Paros with a traditional Japanese Sake barrel-breaking ceremony, attended by renowned guests.

Located on the premises of the Avant Mar hotel, Matsuhisa Paros welcomed its guests on July 11 to an evening full of flavors showcasing the best of Japanese cuisine.

The Sake ceremony, an ancient Japanese tradition involving the breaking and opening of a round sake barrel lid with a wooden hammer, symbolizes harmony and good luck. This ritual is integral to the official opening of every Matsuhisa restaurant worldwide.

Nobu-style cuisine at Matsuhisa Paros. Photo source: Avant Mar

Since its opening in 2023, Matsuhisa Paros aims to become the new “it” gastronomy destination on the islands, offering unique culinary experiences that blend traditional Japanese cuisine with modern touches.

During the event, guests enjoyed refreshing cocktails and signature Matsuhisa bites while overlooking the Aegean Sea. The ceremony coincided with the Nobu Food Festival, held for the first time on Paros, with Nobu Matsuhisa in attendance.

Lakis Lazopoulos (Greek actor), Merina Matthaiopoulou (Creative Director of Mmk.gr), Nobu Matsuhisa. Photo source: Avant Mar

Harris Davlas (Co-Founder and Managing Director of Davlas PR Agency), Vana Lazarakou (General Manager of NJV Athens Plaza), Merina Matthaiopoulou (Creative Director of Mmk.gr). Photo source: Avant Mar

The Nobu Food Festival is a culinary event that celebrates the fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, a hallmark of the Nobu brand. Typically held at various Nobu locations worldwide, the festival features special menus curated with the distinctive Nobu-style technique.

In Greece, the festival began at Matsuhisa Mykonos, then traveled to Paros, with its final stop being Matsuhisa Athens.

The Avant Mar hotel.

Located within the Avant Mar hotel, in a striking Mediterranean garden by the sea, the Matsuhisa Paros brings Nobu-style cuisine right in the heart of the Aegean. The restaurant encompasses an open kitchen concept, a vibrant sushi bar, Matsuhisa’s signature dishes, special cocktails, a cosmopolitan atmosphere and a resident DJ.

Adding to the existing 14 locations worldwide, the Matsuhisa Paros is the first taste of Nobu-style cuisine on the island.