Nisei is one of the most unique dining experiences I've ever had. The presentation of every dish was beautiful, and I loved learning about the inspiration, story, and thought behind each course. Every dish felt so different and creative, which made the entire tasting menu really fun to experience. The whole meal was 3+ hours, but it never felt like it dragged. The team was also incredibly attentive and knowledgeable throughout the entire experience. Everyone was welcoming and made sure we were taken care of without being overbearing. Definitely one of the most memorable tasting menus I've had, and easily one of the most unique set dishes I've ever experienced. Attached some photos of my favorite dishes that night (with what the dishes are). read more

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Nisei is a treat! It's one of my partner's and my favorite meals in San Francisco. It's not one that you go to often. It is pricey, but it feels luxurious. We recommend walking or taking the bus, although it is also located conveniently on the Polk St bike thoroughfare (though you will probably be dressed kinda nicely.) I recommend starting the night at Bar Iris next door. The dishes are unique. Service is impeccable. Interior (and exterior) design is on point. Menu changes regularly according to the season and they pay homage to San Francisco as well as Chef David's Japanese culture (and his mom, who was a florist! So they have very nice flower decorations as well as some edible ones, yum!) Loved the Sourdough Mochi, Lobster Paitan Butternut Squash Tsukemono Gyoza, soup, and wagyu, shokupan, and omurice--all of which had elevated spins. Will be back and I keep talking and thinking about it! Want a treat when it's not a special occasion? You can also eat at Bar Iris! read more

We enjoyed a fabulous birthday celebration tonight at Nisei. 10/10, would highly recommend!!! The staff was wonderful, attentive, and remembered our names and preferences throughout. We got the non-alcoholic drink pairing to go along with the meal. I definitely recommend this!! The drinks were unique, flavorful and tasty. It is very hard to pick a favorite bite. So many of these were absolute perfection. I didn't expect to enjoy the green zebra tempura tomatoes as much as I did, or the quail bone broth soup. The "cherryayki" sauce for the quail dish was a wonderful theme for that dish. The cucumber trio was absolutely fabulous. The desserts weee as delicious as they were whimsical and fun. Gorgeous, well crafted, and delightful! The pictures will be a wonderful reminder of this lovely meal. One other surprise and delight: they brought out the menu, and when we opted for the non alcoholic pairing, they overlaid a velum sheet, so you could still see the original menu item plus the drinks. The sparkling pear was a new favorite!!! (Christian Drouin Jus de Poire Petillant Normandy, FRA NV (Pear)) read more

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the omurice with caviar was somehow the most disappointing part of this meal since the caviar made the dish way too salty. but the cucumber dishes were phenomenal and the duck liver sandwich slice was amazing. also the dishes were all SO beautiful!! the uni dish was also a bit disappointing (sucks bc my favorite food is uni), but for the NA drink pairing, they made a cute uni colored drink to go with it the quail soup was phenomenal and the quail was pretty good as well overall good experience but maybe not as amazing as hoped? read more

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We had a reservation on Saturday for my girlfriend's birthday. When I booked our reservation, they called ahead to let me know that it's a multiple course meal that spans for 3 hours, parking is atrocious, and to prepare to enjoy ourselves. Definitely a pleasure to get that kind of detailed call and why they have a Michelin star. We arrived a bit early and they were very accommodating to us too! Service was extremely accommodating and made our night feel very special. As for the food, they mention that it's a contemporary Japanese style of food that incorporates local Bay Area components. So our dish had fennel, sun flower seeds, and other local California goodies mixed with Japanese based foods. Definitely Michelin star class food. My favorite of the night was definitely their stuffed quail leg! So juicy and delicious. Overall, will definitely be back for their seasonal differences and would love to try their other recipes! read more

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One star Michelin in SF, Japanese and very SF local forward menu, and super friendly staff. My friend made a reservation for us 2 for her birthday. I didn't really do much research or look it up prior coming, so I thought there would be more raw fish but there wasn't which I didn't mind. But I enjoyed the sf local spring forward menu and how everything was sf/bay inspired. We shared the zero proof pairing and I really enjoyed it. I couldn't compare or rank which items I ate because they were all so different. They hit you quick in the beginning with the starters then they slow down. The head chefs walked around a lot. The pastry chef is Filipino! It did take about 3 hours but didn't feel too long, only 1 bathroom so you had to find the right time to go like on an airplane haha. By the time the wagyu came I was so full lol but it was good, no extra add ons or additions other than drinks. I got lucky and found a parking spot downtown be street! Also it didn't feel hella long but there was a steady flow and our reservation was at 6 and we got there at 545 and they sat us early before more people came in but they were still having people arrive at like 845. Today was the start of their spring menu and we were their first zero proof spring tasting, soo good. I don't know how I would imagine the tasting without it but I didn't take many pics of the pairing. Meal was like $335 per person and the pairing was $165, we did a split that was only $30 more. It was nice and cozy inside, there was a separate dining area and you can kind of see the kitchen. read more

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From the moment you walk in, the experience is great. We were greeted by friendly staff. All staff members were attentive and knowledgeable. And super friendly too. The chef came out several times to explain his ideas and concepts, which were really nice! Our family all had such a great time! The bar connected to the restaurant Nextdoor was really nice, with a really unique drink menu. read more

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I've been recommending Nisei for the past 2 years since the last time and I finally have had the chance to return. I can probably say that this is the best restaurant in SF right now. If I had to judge solely based on food, it's already top - a killer combination of creativity, presentation, and most importantly, taste. Each dish was better than the last, and the in progression was perfectly planned. The desserts are given attention and weight as well. Highlights on this current menu were the omurice, the dungeness crab ball, the mochi bread, and the tomato. Oh and the octopus! These were the things where I bit into them and was just feeling like I could eat a 100 of each. Honorable mentions to the uni and unagi, but uni is always good and the unagi is their "signature" so already holding it to a very high bar. Apart from food, the service was warm and fun. Everyone knew your name, they joked around with you and made you feel at home. They will have 2 stars soon I believe read more

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Food: love how all the food is majority locally sourced!! It's awesome to learn that they value quality and freshness - as the eel is sourced from the east coast but kept alive so that it's still fresh! My favorite was the uni. So many flavors love so much. Service: enjoyed to learn the background behind each course. Ambiance: as our reservation was late in the night (bed time) it was hard to stay awake ahaha. Dim lit romantic atmosphere. Must be awake to finish!!! Super lovely experience to celebrate birthday and anniversary! read more

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Nisei offers a delightful, artistic Japanese-American experience. We were early and got seated at their cocktail bar (Iris lounge) next door. When it was time, someone picked us up and guided us to our seats. The restaurant itself is very spacious, not a lot of tables for such a large room. Many of the dishes were very flavourful and. They use local products where possible, many of them very pure and rich in flavour. What maybe surprised us the most was the kiwi & foie gras sando towards the end. The service was very attentive and nicely paced.Our server was great, and the conversation with chef David was very enjoyable. They overheard we were there for my birthday, and came with a small extra plate and took a Polaroid picture to take home - very thoughtful! read more

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Amazing experience. Incredibly friendly staff and a very warm and welcoming atmosphere. The food is not pretentious at all and was superb in taste, and the intention behind each dish was explained very well and really came across well - as a Japanese/San Francisco modern fusion restaurant. We really loved how personable they made the experience feel - from the custom printed menus presented at the beginning of the course that welcomed us by name, to the polaroid they took at the end to commemorate. Definitely pricey, but worth a visit! read more

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Great experience for a Michelin starred restaurant, exactly what you would expect, exceeding expectations with detailed service. The wait staff alone is already so attentive, kind and knowledgeable. They make the experience even better. The food is good, of course, playing with flavors Id never put together. If you're looking for a fine dining memorable experience, I highly recommend Nisei. Great ambiance too, not too crowded, with still a good intimate feel. Thank you Nisei staff for making our anniversary dinner very special and memorable. read more

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I returned for the Winter 2025 menu and left even more impressed than the first time. What stood out most was how personal and intentional the entire experience felt. You could feel the care behind every course. I especially appreciated the storytelling woven throughout the evening and the way the team connected certain dishes to the chef's background. It added a thoughtful layer that made the experience feel even more cohesive. The Omurice with Caviar was comforting and beautifully refined. The Black Cod was executed perfectly. The Wagyu with Luna Koshihikari rice was rich, layered, and deeply satisfying. Each dish felt considered and purposeful. The dessert progression was just as memorable. The Silken Tofu with dragon jasmine tea and the final Wagashi selection showed precision and balance, along with creativity and heart. It is rare to see that level of thoughtfulness carry all the way through the final course. Service was warm, knowledgeable, and seamlessly paced. You can tell this is a team that truly cares about what they are creating and presenting. This is the kind of dining experience that stays with you long after the evening ends, and one well worth seeking out. read more

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Such a special experience, make sure to set aside time for this because our dinner on a Friday evening lasted about three hours. I got there earlier than my friend and I asked to be seated because they were a couple minutes away. They told me I could stand outside or at Bar Iris next door, which was not an expected answer for me. Honestly, it put me off a bit that they couldn't just let me sit down or have a seating area where I could wait. I stood outside to wait and they came out a couple minutes later to say it was fine if I sat down and waited for my friend. Unsure if the employee was new or just didn't know the protocol, but appreciate that they switched up. A few courses that stuck out to me were: - dungeness crab andagi, yuzu kosho: um yum! yuzu kosho is an ingredient I'm not super familiar with and haven't enjoyed it during other times I've had it but paired beautifully with the crab here - eat more uni!, foraged seaweed, almond: the almond is such an unlikely compliment to the uni and was rly unique - meadowood shungiku cod, shiso miso, herb oil: cod was cooked perfectly, literally feels like it's so tender you don't need to chew at all - wolfe ranch quail, cocoa miso, cherry, umezuke yakuzen: insane, I loooooovvvveee wolfe ranch quail and it's always so amazing every time, Nisei had two courses tn with the quail and it was so decadent A couple other notes about: - the tako, green strawberry, magnolia, firefly squid course: comically large square "plate", rly interesting plating, the squid was insanely good, didn't taste like squid at all and like nothing I've had before - omurice, caviar, vegetable demiglace course: personally was a little let down, came off as a little too oily for me - shokupan, duck liver, raspberry, blueberry: reminds me of when Rachel from Friends puts beef in a berry trifle, like yes but no? - the desserts: overall was a let down for me, I def have a sweet tooth and out of all the sweet treats the flavor of the hoshigaki was the best by far, the cheese tree dessert thing was cute but felt one note/too basic - the talking: ok so I've had a lot of Michelin tasting menu experiences and understand they always explain the drink pairing and course which I love,,, butttt Nisei talks so much like more than the average dinner which is probably how it ended up being longer than a typical Michelin dinner, it got kind of annoying at a couple points because it's so much talking you can't help but space out sometimes - the menu: surprisingly pretty pescetarian which I really enjoyed, I feel like a majority of the courses weren't too out there and felt like real food and not gimmicky Overall, open to coming again. Just felt the seating thing in the beginning, a few courses, all the talking, and the desserts were unideal for me personally. A totally amazing dinner aside from those details and the staff was really friendly which I appreciate. read more

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Nisei, an intimate One Michelin-Starred restaurant in San Francisco. I got to experience their Winter 2025 - 13 course menu! This is my second time coming here this year because I love the experience, service, and how the chefs make various different flavors come together cohesively, and the presentation speaks for itself. As a photographer and creator, it is fun to have beautiful food be your muse. You will also leave here feeling satisfied and full by the end of your 13 course. And there's a story behind every dish, and all the ingredients are carefully sought out and used purposefully on each plate. Until next time. read more

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insane dining experience, felt so taken care of and at peace for the 3+ hours, beautiful classy dark interior with perfect lighting, clean. each server knew their role so well like a well-oiled machine each creative dish expertly explained with elaborate backstories. highlights matcha black sesame goat cheese Japanese bonsai layered cheesecake, creamiest caviar omurice, duck liver pate raspberry blueberry mini sando on japanese milk bread hit so hard we ordered twice..but everything soo flavorful and fresh. the most interesting combinations that woudn't seem to work that just melt perfectly in the mouth!! also printed a menu for birthday just for us with our name, gifted a polaroid..and the chocolate cake at the end so decadent. read more

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Nisei absolutely lives up to its one michelin star acclaim. Our tasting menu consisted of 11 courses. 1st course consisted of 4 bite sized dishes and the last course was an assortment of sweets. Each course was beautifully plated and showcased some rich and complex flavors. Uni, omurice + caviar, unagi, and wagyu were my personal favorites. The other courses were just as amazing. They also have a wide sake and whisky collection to complement your tasting menu. The service was overall great but the music was a bit loud so it was really hard to hear when our servers were describing each dish. Overall it was a memorable dinner. Highly recommend. read more

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I would give it a 3.5, but didn't feel like I could round up to a 4. For being a Michelin star establishment, I was disappointed in a lot of the dishes, service and the overall experience. I am no stranger to fine dining either. The ambiance was nice. Since the restaurant is small, it's quiet and has a calm vibe. The omurice was amazing and such a fun, fancy spin on a classic Japanese staple. The demi glaze the take 3 days to make if I remember correctly and was a nice touch to the dish. I also enjoyed their spin on cioppino. The broth had great flavor and the fish was cooked perfectly. I was very disappointed in the oyster/noodle cold dish. It was one of the most fishy oysters I've ever had and it was hard to eat that dish. The chichi dango dessert I could not finish because the texture was hard, cold and had almost a savory flavor. The ramune dessert had a hard texture, unlike jello and was unpleasant to eat. Most of the other dishes were very underwhelming and for the price I don't think I would go back. I thought the people who worked there were nice, but seemed a little inauthentic, like they were trying too hard. I found that offputting and odd for such an upscale restaurant. A few of my dishes fell over too when they were being brought out, so they had to bring it back to the kitchen. I also noticed Chef David came out to serve food to just about all the other tables except for ours, just an observation. read more

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Delicious Japanese tasting menu. Service was great. Sake was great. We had a great time. read more

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Maybe should rate this as 3 stars, but I'll stick with the 4 stars. Staff knowledge and attention - fine just like the rest of the fine dining restaurants. Food was okay at best, but I guess I just didn't have the palate for this Japanese Michelin Star restaurant. Nothing wowed us! Price is fair for a Michelin rated restaurant. However, if it wasn't a Michelin rated restaurant, I'd say it's overpriced. Definitely not as intimate as other Michelin star restaurants I've been to. Music was extremely loud. I'd say there's better options out there. I've mentioned to my friends who enjoy going to Michelin rated restaurants that I'd skip this place. read more

We celebrated our engagement here and it couldn't have been more special. Every single person we interacted with was so warm and friendly -- they kept congratulating us throughout the night and even called us by our names, which made it feel so personal. It honestly felt like everyone was celebrating with us. The food was not only beautiful but absolutely delicious. The only small hiccup was that they brought over two already-open bottles (one non-alcoholic) and asked if we wanted some. We assumed it was complimentary since they were already open, but later saw it on the bill. A little disappointing, but honestly, the kindness of the staff and how they made us feel so celebrated far outweighed that. Such a memorable night! read more

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Excellent option for a special occasion / splurge meal. I liked it as much, if not more, than some 2 and 3 Michelin star meals I've had in SF. This review is long overdue, so honestly don't remember the details of everything we had, but I recall highlights being the omurice (such creamy egg paired with caviar), the beef heart that was seared on a hot stone at your table, and the pumpkin cheesecake, miso mousse, pepita praline that looked like a mini garden and tasted delicious. Seriously that dessert is still probably the most impressive dessert I've ever had. They do a lot of stuff tableside (almost every course seemed to involve pouring of a sauce on your plate), which perhaps can feel a bit much, but does make the meal a lot more interactive and fun. read more

My husband and I came here for Valentine's Day and it was a great dining experience! I didn't know it had a Michelin Star since my husband booked it, but everything from food and service showed it to be. Our favorite dishes were the Black cod with shirako, ichiban "chowder," and sourdough mochi, omurice with caviar, and pine nut miso soup. Everything had a unique taste, some more complex than others. Presentation was beautiful. I was full by the end of the courses so I'm glad the dessert was small. Tiny and mighty. The edible tree was perfectly executed. The ambiance is dim and sexy; perfect for a date night. The staff were wonderful as well. I recommend it if you're looking for a Michelin experience! read more

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Nisei was a really enjoyable, nice fine dining experience for those who are a fan of japanese and japanese american cuisine. Their spin on the omurice was very good, same with their uni dish - I almost wish I could order another a la carte, and the sf sourdough inspired mochi was also a big highlight. The artistry behind the dishes was fun, all dishes were beautiful to look at and good for photos. As for portions, I had a varied group of quests from small to large appetites and all of my party members left full. Things to note, this is priced like a high end fining experience, but guests celebrating will not be offered a complimentary dessert like other fine dining establishments do. They did gift polaroid photos to celebrating party members, but cake will need to purchased separately, and not available by the slice, you have to buy the whole opera cake. Additionally, if you were hoping to try cocktails from their neighboring establishment, Bar Iris, you may not. The cocktail menu is limited on the Nisei side, so if you were eyeing anything at Bar Iris, you should visit before your service at Nisei. The dinner is also prepaid with no cancelations. If you choose to purchase any bottles from their beverage pairings, you are able to get a small discount. Overall I was pleased with my meal and the service. Staff were attentive, pleasant, and friendly. I can see why they are not yet at the 2 star mark, but it is a very good food and honestly enjoyed it more than two/three star establishments within the bay. I hope to be able to visit again in the future! read more

Nisei - "eat more uni" - not just uni in a cup. the accoutrements enhanced the uni and this was an exceptional dish. one of my favs of the meal! - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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We made a last-minute decision to celebrate our anniversary at Nisei, and I'm incredibly thankful they were able to accommodate us on short notice. From the very beginning, the hospitality stood out. I received a thoughtful call from Anna, the sommelier, just a few minutes after booking--checking for any allergies and making sure everything was set for our visit. That level of detail and care really set the tone. We arrived a bit early and were warmly greeted and promptly seated by both Anna, Anna, and Fiona, which I truly appreciated. The ambiance was calm and elegant, with a quiet confidence that reflects the ethos of the restaurant. The Spring 2025 menu was a beautifully curated representation of spring in Japan. Each dish felt purposeful and seasonal, with delicate flavors and striking presentation. I especially appreciated the way the tasting menu highlighted the rice varietal--a thoughtful nod to the roots of the cuisine. The use of ingredients like garlic and onion, often overlooked, was done with such elegance that it added depth without overpowering anything. The wagyu, caviar, fishes were all nice and all. I appreciate the details, the foundations: rice, garlic, onions. We opted for the sake pairing, and I'm so glad we did. The sake selections were so crisp, clear, and nuanced--they felt even more refreshing than water. The pairing really elevated the entire meal, and Anna's knowledge and presentation made it all the more engaging. She and Fiona ran the floor with such grace and attention to detail--it was impressive to watch, and comforting to experience. All in all, this dinner was a beautiful experience from beginning to end. The food, the sake, the service--everything came together to make our anniversary night feel truly special. Thank you, Anna, Anna and Fiona, for making it so memorable, you gals are the best. Thank you for having us. I tasked my husband to take the photos as I try to be present, grounded, and as mindful as possible, it deserving of gratitude, and eventually the courses were so delicious he started feed himself first than his camera. read more

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Very cute place. Small and more private of some of the places which I like! Makes it feel special. ( don't expand ) Service is always top notch at Michelins The food was incredible. The displays were some of the best! Thoroughly enjoyed the meals! And the drinks omg! Incredible. I will be back. If anything I want 10 of the omelets yum! Also if u get more stars.. down lower ur quality. What I was noticing is... the more stars a place gets the worse the quality and more food... more food doesn't equate to better food. read more

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I've been here twice. Once in 2024 & the second just a week ago for another birthday celebration. Both times, same guests. First time Incredibly WOWED -- every course surprised us! Loved it! Second time, just last week-- also very good! We started out thinking, "can we have more of this... I'm still hungry." And then moved on to "ok, getting full...!" To, I can no longer eat any more I'm not sure who is complaining about insufficient food -- I'm a big girl & not sure where that's coming from read more

Nisei is a Japanese fusion restaurant that serves about 12-14 different dishes for you to try. You will not leave hungry, towards the last 3 dishes I needed the help of my husband to make sure nothing goes to waste! They do have accommodations for allergies, so if you don't eat beef or seafood, never fear! My husband got us a reservation for our anniversary and they sat us at a window table for special occasions. Their service was top notch and they try to be so accommodating whenever you need. The ambiance is a bit dark, dreamy, and romantic. My favorite dishes were the uni, eel, and tuna bites. The dessert that looks like a tree changes every so often. I definitely recommend if you're seeking a romantic date night! read more

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I came here for Valentine's Day earlier this year. I'm sorta hesitant to review this place because it was like, the worst Valentine's Day ever, but it wasn't really Nisei's fault, I think. It was a fantastic meal - I loved the sake pairing, and because it was Valentine's Day, there was a complimentary champagne and caviar course! So good. But let's just say the meal didn't taste as good the second time coming up. I think that's mostly my fault - I don't do too well with a lot of richness and sweetness, and I think the meal + the sake + Lyft ride through the hills was too much. And I was maybe having some stomach issues at the time? Woe is me. Bizarre though, I still don't know what happened because the meal felt really light. Even with the terrible aftermath though, I think it was worth the dinner. read more

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Wow our experience was 11/10! Thank you Fiona and our server! Like wow Even a portable charger and a candle for my for my friends birthday . Just wow. Best restaurant experience yet read more

I came here for a date night and didn't realize it was a Michelin Star. Good: - So much variety with the courses - we started with small bites and ended with giant portions of meat and 3 dessert courses - The dishes all were so pretty and aesthetic - Super nice service - each waiter was incredibly nice and helped us - the chef David even came up to us and started a conversation! We felt like we were royalty there - The uni cocktail was amazing - it was nice that we shared it with 2 people - The ambiance is so nice, we were there for almost 3 hours and felt like we had a private conversation Bad: - Expensive! $37 for one drink Overall this was an amazing experience, I felt from start to finish that it was a unique food journey. read more

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Dinner review. Asian-american. Michelin* Kaki Tea Ikebana. seasonal greens. pear. salted cherry Pumpkin miso tart Sakura shrimp. tomato. local seaweed Sawara. misozuke apple. shiso Ochazuke. Hog Island oyster. matcha. cucumber. pine Venison tataki. ponzu. gooseberries. geraldton wax flower Omurice. cavair. vegetable demi-glace Pine nut miso soup. pickled pine nut Liberty Farm duck. persimmon. hatcho miso. pickled fennel Charred sweet onion. Japanese black curry. Jimmy Nardello peppers. cilantro. beef heart Unagi. wasabi radish. misozuke garlic Sweet nori. shoyu egg custard. uni Pumpkin cheesecake. miso mousse, pepita praline Bartlett pear. buttermilk. ginger. pine Assorted wagashi Salmon furikake. nori. sesame Overall, the unagi dish in particular was amazing. "As good as it gets." read more

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Our meal here overall was fine but it wasn't that impressive to me. Throughout the meal, I thought about how much I preferred most of the other fine dining restaurants we've been to both with and without Michelin stars. Of course Nisei was unique to these but this was comparing how much I enjoyed the experience. Obviously I don't have the most refined taste but I didn't really appreciate the flavors here except for the desserts, which were my favorite. There are many times in general that I might not enjoy the flavors of dishes but I can still appreciate them. This was not the case for me with a lot of the courses here. We also added the caviar and sourdough mochi supplement which I regretted wanting to get. I even had my fiancé finish my portion because I didn't appreciate the mochi's flavor and it was too greasy and salty for me. Plating was pretty which was an expectation but also not that impressive to me except for the desserts again. The service was very nice but the wait time between each course was extensive and very noticeable. We were excited to try out Nisei but the meal and experience was underwhelming in my humble opinion. Starting from a few courses in, my fiancé and I agreed this was definitely on the lower end of other Michelin rated restaurants we've tried together and unfortunately that still held true at the end of our meal. I personally wouldn't be excited to come back here again. read more

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A few years prior, I was already impressed with Nisei's unique Japanese-American tasting menu that offered a fresh perspective on California cuisine. During my last visit, I was pleasantly surprised to see how much the menu had matured. Not only were California ingredients and Japanese technique incorporated in a more cohesive way, the presentation was also a noticeable leap beyond my original experience. Nisei quickly earned a Michelin star within a year of opening, but it seems clear to me that chef David Yoshimura and team have their sights focused on even more. Between the approachable service and story-telling, combined with intentional presentation and execution, I thoroughly enjoyed the late spring menu. I found myself audibly wow-ing at the visual feast that was this 15+ course tasting menu. I appreciated the dreamy, garden cohesiveness in the presentation, with plenty of greenery and floral accents. The first bite is an edible bouquet, a nod to ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement. Other courses were served on a bed of pine needles, including a decadently creamy pine nut miso soup that I still salivate over. The lovely venison tataki with hues of pink and artfully placed flowers and greens was a visual standout. I could see myself hanging a photograph of this on my wall. And as a pork belly fiend, I loved the crispy kakuni, a contrasting twist on the traditionally braised, soft pork belly dish. Not to be outdone, pastry chef Ellie Estrada-Londo matched the energy with an incredibly detailed mini bonsai tree presentation that was an enjoyable black sesame cheesecake course, with pillows of goat cheese foam. And the dessert wagashi cart had two of my favorite fruits, mulberries and hachiya persimmons (in hoshigaki form, stuffed with blue cheese). read more

Nisei - Black sesame cheesecake, strawberry, fresh goat cheese - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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One of the best meals I have had in a while was here this past weekend. I had a wonderful dinner and overall experience at Nisei from the minute I arrived till the minute I left. The staff was wonderful attentive and knowledgeable. The food exquisite well thought menu and I was blown away by the preparation and execution of all the dishes. My favorites being the Uni and the Unagi dishes. I am going back for the dessert tasting and I am definitely making this restaurant one of my favorites for future visits. Also I will check out their siter restaurant Bar Iris next door. You can't go wrong booking a reservation here don't hesitate to do so. read more

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The most disappointing Michelin one star fine dining experience I've ever had. TL;DR: Nearly half of the menu does not meet Michelin standards, or even fine dining standards. From ingredients to preparation, presentation, seasoning, and knife work, many dishes felt cheap and poorly handled. We visited to celebrate my husband's birthday and ordered their New Year Osechi Ryori set. Prior to booking, I reviewed their regular menu online, which looked quite promising. Unfortunately, this New Year's special menu fell far short of expectations. The Osechi menu is intended to showcase traditional Japanese New Year cuisine. While I understand that some dishes are meant to be simple and symbolic, simplicity should not translate into cheap ingredients or careless execution, especially at nearly $300 per person before tax and service. Appetizers Overall, the appetizers were acceptable. I would rate them 3.5-4/5. The datemaki and smoked trout roe were the highlights and genuinely enjoyable. After that, however, the experience declined sharply. Savory Courses Ebi no Umami. Namasu -- 1/5 The poached shrimp was the worst I've had. It tasted noticeably fishy, and the fried head was bitter. Poor execution for such a basic dish. Toshikoshi Soba. Kamaboko -- 1/5 Completely unremarkable. This soba could easily be found at a casual neighborhood Japanese restaurant for under $20. Ozoni. Mochi. Unagi -- 4.5/5 This was the standout dish of the meal. The mochi had an excellent soft texture, the unagi was well grilled, and the broth was clean and comforting. The pickled lotus root added a nice balance to the overall seasoning. Wagyu Short Rib. Tataki Gobo. Kinpira Gobo -- 2/5 This did not taste like wagyu, nor like a proper short rib. My piece contained a thick tendon and was extremely difficult to chew. I had to spit it out. Even aside from that, the meat lacked tenderness and aroma, with no depth of flavor. Chikuzenni. Stewed Vegetables. Stuffed Chicken Wing -- 2/5 While the seasoning was acceptable, this dish felt entirely home-style and uninspired. The ingredients were cheap, repetitive, and inelegantly cut. The stuffed chicken wing was especially disappointing--very dry, tough, and lacking flavor. This marked the end of the savory courses. The dessert was decent but forgettable. Aside from a verbal birthday wish, there was no additional acknowledgment of the occasion, such as a candle, plated message, or any small gesture, despite this being noted as a birthday celebration. To be fair, the restaurant does make an effort to explain Japanese culture, including a small glossary attached to the menu describing the meaning behind each dish. That educational element was thoughtful. However, food quality should always come first. Many of the main courses were not elevated at all, with flat flavors that could easily be found elsewhere at a fraction of the price. In summary, this was an extremely disappointing experience that does not justify its Michelin star nor its pricing. I would not recommend this Osechi menu, and unfortunately, it has made me hesitant to return. read more

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Delicious food in a beautiful setting. We were in the private back room for an event. The high ceilings and decor gave it an intimate and luxurious feel. Perfect for special occasions. The food was stellar - from the karage chicken to the goat cheese infused shishitos to the delicate dessert. The service was attentive and friendly. All in all, they deserve the accolades they've received! read more

I had a wonderful dinner experience here. Hubby made reservations for seating at the bar and we thoroughly enjoyed the night. Service was top notch and was nothing short of what a Michelin starred restaurant should be. The food was delicious and innovative. I loved all the homage they paid to Bay Area and Japanese culture. I left with my heart and stomach feeling full and intrigued by what food can do for not only my palette but the intense passion the chef and crew had to make our night unforgettable. It's all about the details and complexity of flavors that were brought out to the table. Thank you Nisei. read more

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This was a great experience into Michelin star fine dining. I joked that I would need Taco Bell afterwards for the typically fine dining small portions but this was a lot of food. I was a bit hesitant of the $251.59 price but it was absolutely worth it. The service was very attentive checking up on us and folding our napkins whenever we got up. Every dish had a unique blend of ingredients that all complemented each other well all while being aesthetically plated. At the end of the night, they give you complimentary matcha soy cold brew along with a printed menu of your dining experience to take home. read more

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Love the emphasis on a seasonal menu. Everything tasted super fresh. My favorite dishes were 1. the dessert tree cake, which was super unique, 2. the fish on a cracker and 3. the pine nut soup. The service was amazing. Everyone was attentive and charming. Overall really enjoyed the experience. The alcohol selection was also delicious. Maybe my favorite michelin star restaurant i've been to. Definitely very expensive but had an amazing time read more

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