Nobu Matsuhisa: The Culinary Maestro and His Appreciation for Olive Oil
- Jul 16, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 14
Editor’s Note (Updated 2026):
Since this article was first written, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa continues to use PJ Kabos Extra Virgin Olive Oil in both his professional kitchens and at home, a reflection of his ongoing appreciation for its quality and character — something for which we are both honored and humbled.
Nobu Matsuhisa: The Culinary Maestro Spreading Inspiration Across the Globe
July 2023 Athens, Greece
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa has long valued the role of olive oil in his culinary philosophy, and since being introduced to PJ Kabos, has come to appreciate its particular depth, balance, and character.
Every year the renowned gourmet genius embarks on a journey that takes him to many of his premier Nobu Matsuhisa hotels and restaurants that are strategically scattered in some of the most glamorous cities and idyllic resorts on the planet.
With over 50 exceptional restaurants and a number of exquisite hotels, this kitchen maestro embraces extensive travel. He not only keeps in touch with his culinary empire this way, but also, as naturally as breathing, imbues each location with his infectious energy and indomitable charm. It is an experience that leaves an indelible and awe-inspiring impression on all who meet him—a sentiment I wholeheartedly share.
For those with a refined palate and a passion for exceptional cuisine, a meal at a Nobu Matsuhisa restaurant is a pilgrimage — an experience cherished by those who appreciate the finer things in life. His unique blend of South American with traditional Japanese cuisine is appreciated by those discerning patrons who understand the value and logistics behind delivering to their plates such delectable, visually appealing, nourishing, and healthy foods.
Receiving his mark of approval for PJ Kabos Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a tremendous honor that I hold dear. Ever since he was introduced to it in 2016, he has chosen to incorporate it into his prestigious restaurants worldwide. Each year, he takes the time to savor its flavor, appreciating its consistency and character. For him to find it of a quality worthy of his renowned establishments feels akin to winning the ultimate gold medal in an extra virgin olive oil tasting competition. Actually, it’s a triumph even greater than that.
I count myself among those blessed to have had the pleasure of getting to know the wonderful man that is Nobu Matsuhisa. I greatly look forward to his yearly visit to Greece; like a favorite uncle coming to town. I can personally attest to the profound impact he has on those around him. Not only his unwavering dedication to his craft, and his ability to infuse each of his restaurants with a piece of his soul, but his genuine passion for connecting with people has solidified his status as a legend in the modern culinary world.
This month, with him visiting the stunning Matsuhisa Athens at the Astir Palace Resort was fabulous. Remarkably, he managed to carve out precious moments to explore the renowned Acropolis of Athens as well. His inspiring energy permeated even the atmosphere of that amazing site, infusing it with a sense of excitement and creativity, probably not unlike Phidias as he supervised the architects Ictinus and Callicrates in the building of the Parthenon.
Many thanks, Nobu-san! Until next year!
James
NOBU ATLANTA
NOBU ATLANTIC CITY
NOBU CHICAGO
NOBU DALLAS
NOBU HOUSTON
NOBU INDIAN WELLS
NOBU NEW YORK DOWNTOW
NNOBU NEW YORK FIFTY SEVEN
NOBU LANA'I
NOBU LAS VEGAS AT VIRGIN HOTEL
NOBU LAS VEGAS CAESARS PALACE
NOBU LAS VEGAS AT PARIS
NOBU LOS ANGELES
NOBU MALIBU
NOBU MIAMI
NOBU NEWPORT BEACH
NOBU PALO ALTO
NOBU SAN DIEGO
NOBU SCOTTSDALE
NOBU WASHINGTON D.C.
NOBU LONDON OLD PARK LANE
NOBU LONDON PORTMAN SQUARE
NOBU LONDON SHOREDITCH
NOBU MONTE CARLO
NOBU WARSAW
NOBU TOKYO
MATSUHISA ASPEN
MATSUHISA VAIL
MATSUHISA DENVER
MATSUHISA BEVERLY HILLS
MATSUHISA PARIS
MATSUHISA MUNICH
MATSUHISA ST. MORITZ
MATSUHISA SARDINIA
MATSUHISA ATHENS
MATSUHISA MYKONOS
MATSUHISA ST. TROPEZ
PJ Kabos High-Phenolic Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Your Trusted Oil, Straight from Our Table to Yours.
The Most Recent Harvest (2025–26)
Please note: Phenolic levels and profiles vary with each harvest.
Extremely High-Phenolic Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Phenols: 995 mg/kg (HPLC), at production
Hydroxytyrosol (& derivatives): 14+ mg/20 g (far above the EU health claim threshold)
USDA Organic
Kosher
Primary Use: Daily Phenolic Shot
Secondary Use: Finishing, Vinaigrettes
Taste Intensity: Robust +
Very High-Phenolic Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Phenols: 699 mg/kg (HPLC), at production
Hydroxytyrosol (& derivatives): 10+ mg/20 g (well above the EU health claim threshold)
USDA Organic
Kosher
Primary Use: Daily Phenolic Shot, Finishing
Secondary Use: Baking, Cooking
Taste Intensity: Robust
High-Phenolic Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Phenols: 400+ mg/kg (HPLC), at production
Hydroxytyrosol (& derivatives): 7+ mg/20 g (more than meets the EU health claim threshold)
USDA Organic
Kosher
Primary Use: Finishing & Cooking
Secondary Use: Daily Phenolic Shot
Taste Intensity: Medium
High-Phenolic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Phenols: 400+ mg/kg (HPLC), at production
Hydroxytyrosol (& derivatives): 5+ mg/20 g (meets the EU health claim threshold)
No Pesticides
Kosher
Primary Use: Finishing & Cooking
Secondary Use: Daily Phenolic Shot
Taste Intensity: Medium
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Phenols 250-300 mg/kg (HPLC), at production
Hydroxytyrosol (& derivatives): 3+ mg/20 g (below the EU health claim threshold; still an excellent EVOO)
No Pesticides
Kosher
Primary Use: Cooking, Baking
Secondary Use: Finishing
Taste Intensity: Delicate
Contents
PJ Kabos Guide to Olive Oil
Where ancient olive-growing wisdom meets modern science, your guide to choosing, tasting, and enjoying exceptional high-phenolic extra virgin olive oil. We hope it inspires you in your olive-oil journey.
How olive oil quality is defined — and why the difference matters for taste, health, and daily use.
Why extra virgin and high-phenolic olive oils shine in real-life cooking, from sautéing to roasting.
Your simple daily ritual for harnessing the powerful antioxidants in high-phenolic olive oil.
How phenolic compounds support heart, brain, metabolic, joint, and whole-body vitality across the years.
How cholesterol works — and how extra virgin olive oil supports balance and heart health.
A simple guide to the phenolic compounds in olive oil — what phenols and polyphenols are and why they contribute to olive oil’s flavor, stability, and potential health benefits.
VII. What Is a Daily Phenolic Shot of Olive Oil and What Is the EU “Health Claim” Concerning It? | PJ Kabos Guide
How phenolic content varies from oil to oil and from harvest to harvest — and how to choose an olive oil that meets the EU Health Claim.
A clear look at whether extra virgin olive oil contains heavy metals, microbes, or allergens — and how its natural composition, along with laboratory testing, helps us understand what is — and is not — present.
IX. Tasting Notes and Flavor in Olive Oil — What Are They & How to Recognize Them | PJ Kabos Guide
A clear introduction to tasting notes and flavor in extra virgin olive oil — exploring how these natural characteristics arise from the olive, and how bitterness and pungency shape the oil’s character and overall tasting experience.
Subscribe and stay tuned — more chapters coming soon.
Please enjoy having a look around our websites and PJ Kabos Amazon Store for more about our many high-phenolic olive oils, recipes, history, etc.
And follow along with us on Instagram for photos concerning olive oil production, our groves in Greece, articles about olive oil, family history and more.
PJ KABOS is a top, on-line seller of High-Phenolic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. It is: "For those who want to be good to their bodies."