Before You Party - Dine Like a Rock Star at Hard Rock Hotel

The long-awaited opening of the San Diego Hard Rock Hotel comes with rock star worthy dining options.

The world-renowned Nobu serves Peruvian-infused Japanese signature dishes and sushi suited for a star in an upscale, nature-inspired environment, while the more casual, '60s-style Maryjane's Coffee Shop serves up hometown favorites and stays open until 3am for those accustomed to all-night rendezvous at Moonstone Lounge and Sweetwater Saloon.

Now San Diego residents and visitors can experience the unique, upscale dining that cities like London, Tokyo, and Las Vegas have raved about for years. It has the essence of another metropolis with soothing décor ranging from leaf printed booths to large box fan ceiling adornments and branch beams that divide the kitchen from the dining area. Warm burgundy hues with notable lighting, down tempo tunes and burnt ashwood tables make for a naturalistic and inviting ambiance.

Begin your palate adventure like you would at any San Diego sushi restaurant, with edamame. Only Nobu serves this longstanding fave alongside shishito peppers that appear to produce an intimidating spice, but it's a gamble. Just one out of ten of these sneaky peppers has the heat to spice up your appetite. This strategically placed Latin-influenced spice can be tasted throughout all the dishes at Nobu.

The wait staff describes the experience as a roller coaster for your taste buds and suggests in which sequence to order what dish. Start with General Manager Yozu Nakaue's favorite item on the menu, the Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno ($18). "The richness of the yellowtail sashimi balances perfect with the acidity of the yuzu-soy, the texture of the serano chili slices and the aroma of the cilantro," she says. "It's simply addictive."

To say that this raw fish dish 'melts in your mouth' would be no overstatement. The Sashimi Salad ($18) features a Matsushisa Dressing (named after Nobu's son) so flavorful it competes with the fish. Even non-sushi lovers will like the Rock Shrimp Tempura with Creamy Spicy Sauce ($19) that puts a twist on tempura and is served over a bed of greens.

Another specialty hot dish not to be missed is the Black Cod with Miso ($22), which is marinated in miso for three days before it hits the plate. Surprisingly, none of these dishes are served with rice, which places sole focus on the seafood and is helpful if you're watching carbs.

Nobu adds a signature flair to the traditional Tuna Tar Tar (pictured), and also serves up a traditional Japanese menu with favorites like a Sushi Dinner ($38) and Beef Tenderloin Teriyaki ($36). While the prices are high, the quality is worth it down to the Green Tea Mochi Ice Cream ($10) for dessert. While it's tempting to splurge, you can save by not spending on alcohol, as mixed drinks go for $15 and the Nobu brand beer, while mighty tasty, is $10 a bottle.

Feel like going for a more casual, home-cookin' dining experience? Flashback to Maryjane's Coffee Shop just next door, for American classic cuisine with a smidge of sophistication.

Maryjane's has the feel of an old-fashioned diner with iconic, purple furniture and silver condiment holders, but with upgraded features of the future like high-tech lighting and flat screen TVs at every booth. Hard Rock flavor carries over into the diner with pop noir paintings of classic rock stars like Mick Jagger.

Dig into diner-style dishes like the award winning Open Face Meatloaf Sandwich on a potato roll with caramelized onions and smothered pan gravy served with salty fries ($11), or Grilled Salmon with Citrus Salsa, mashed potatoes and sweet peas, for the more modern diner. Beware, the Los Wingos... Con No Bonos ($8) are hot no matter how you order them, mild, wild or insane, but nothing that can't be cooled down with an Ebony & Ivory Milkshake ($5).

Maryjane's serves breakfast all day for late-risers or those who want to conquer a cosmo hangover at any hour. Late night menu items include the Control Freak Omelet ($9) and the Country Style Buttermilk Flapjacks served with syrup ($7) that is always fun when ordered with the optional can of whipped cream served tableside for $5.

Save room for childhood memory-inspired desserts like Campfire Girls: whole graham crackers, hot fudge sauce, vanilla ice cream and toasted marshmallow or Strawberry Shortcake; berries and whipped cream served on house baked biscuits ($6). And for those desiring adult desserts, Maryjane's features a fully-stocked bar and drinkers can enjoy the outdoor patio placed in the heart of the Gaslamp District.

While the rooftop Moonstone Lounge and street level Sweetwater Saloon are continually impressing local nightlife enthusiasts, the Hard Rock Hotel dining options are not to be overlooked. Before (or after) you party - dine like a rock star at the San Diego Hard Rock Hotel.