I think this is a good comparison gauge. I've been to a number of Nobu places (including London, which is right across the street from my London office). Only once on my own accord (many moons ago when I didn't know any better), and other times because it was not my choice and I couldn't really ask the others to do something else. Nobu is a joke and a travesty. Period.

There is a Nobu in Tokyo (don't ask me why), which is widely panned by the local populace, both Japanese and not, and only stays in business because of the tourist traffic. Have never been, but people who have been there tell me there is nothing to recommend about it, and it is very expensive for what you get.

Now, to try the real deal, it doesn't have to be Jiro. As a matter of fact, I'd recommend against Jiro, which is well into its Yogi Berra phase of being so crowded nobody goes there anymore.

And lastly, as for watching your food being prepared in front of you, in Japan this is definitely part of the experience. These guys are artisans running edible performance art installations, not cafeterias.