Chef Conversations

In the kitchen with Carl Murray of Nobu Scottsdale

By Alison Bailin Batz / Photo by Debby Wolvos

Carl Murray is the executive chef of Nobu Scottsdale, where he crafts an award-winning menu of fine dining Japanese dishes with hints of Peruvian influence.

For those unfamiliar, what is the inspiration behind the Nobu?

It all starts with our founder, culinary icon Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa. Born in Tokyo with a background in cooking across South America and Los Angeles, chef Nobu teamed up with frequent diner Robert DeNiro to open the original Nobu in New York in 1994. Over the past 30-plus years, we have become a worldwide phenomenon by creating a “umami” experience unlike any other restaurant on the planet.

If visiting for the first time, what are the “musts” on the menu?

We are best-known for our black cod marinated in sake, mirin, sugar, and miso before being broiled to caramelized perfection, so I always recommend that first. I am also partial to our New Zealand lamb chops, which I personally developed, as well as our yellowtail jalapeno sushi maki, rock shrimp tempura, and tartare with caviar.

What song best describes your cooking style?

I have to go with Morrissey’s How Soon is Now. It has great riffs and is upbeat with a sense of dry sarcasm. In general, most chefs – me included – always want things now, love a good riff, and are at our best when we keep the kitchen upbeat with a healthy dose of sarcasm when needed.

Tell us about your journey to Nobu.

I am a Texas native (Go, Cowboys!) and was initially studying political science at the University of North Texas with a vision toward a very different life. I was, however, enamored with cooking shows so after I graduated, I enrolled in a culinary apprenticeship program. My first true cooking job was with Nobu in Dallas in 2005. I started as a line cook and worked my way up to executive chef by 2013. In 2020, I moved to Scottsdale to open our Arizona restaurant.

Can you share a fun fact about yourself?

I am a big watch collector. In a world full of technology, I appreciate the art of mechanical watches now more than ever.

Nobu Scottsdale, 7014 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale; www.noburestaurants.com/scottsdale; 480.581.0055.