Golden Globes menu goes viral: sushi, caviar and luxury bites spark reactions

The 2026 Golden Globes didn’t just spark award season headlines, the menu itself became a trending topic online as celebs tucked into a spread crafted by Nobu Restaurants and chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa. Social media users weighed in on the offerings, with some praising the luxury and others joking that the food looked more like hors d’oeuvres than a full dinner.

For the third year in a row, the Golden Globes partnered with Nobu on its in‑ballroom menu, which included signature highlights from the chef’s global repertoire. Dishes served during the ceremony reportedly featured items such as a caviar cup, yellowtail jalapeño, lobster salad with spicy lemon dressing, a variety of nigiri and miso black cod, classic Nobu staples reimagined for one of Hollywood’s biggest nights. Dessert included white chocolate mousse, pistachio sponge and ceremonial matcha cake accompanied by a special ‘Golden Nobu’ coin garnish. Champagne was flowing courtesy of Moët & Chandon, which offered both Impérial and Rosé Impérial variants.

Online, reactions were mixed. Many commenters noted that the cuisine looked light and minimalist compared with what you might expect from a gala event, with one quipping that celebrities would be “hungry again in 15 mins,” and another noting that sushi and small bites felt more like plane food than a red‑carpet feast. Some users joked that the menu was “salty af” and pondered whether blinis or heartier options were missing, while others pointed out that the focus was clearly on elegant, bite‑size luxury appropriate for a long awards show.

Food and lifestyle outlets covering the menu highlighted how the sushi‑heavy lineup echoed Nobu’s signature style, celebrating refined Japanese‑Peruvian fusion. The event’s culinary choices seem tailored for a crowd sipping champagne and moving between speeches, interviews and applause rather than sitting down to a traditional multi‑course meal.

This buzz around the menu comes alongside other Golden Globes chatter about fashion, winners and live broadcast decisions, making it clear that the awards night is as much about experience and spectacle as it is about trophies.