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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.
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
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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
3 months ago
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
3 months ago
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
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
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
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
5 months ago
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
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
5 months ago
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
6 months ago
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
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
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
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
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
7 months ago
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
2 months ago
5 months ago
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
2 years ago
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
2 years ago
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
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
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
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
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
9 months ago
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
2 years ago
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
7 months ago
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
4 months ago
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
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
2 years ago
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
10 months ago
Astonishing meal. I think this place deserves two Michelin stars. - Everything was just amazingly delicious. The cod and the mochi sourdough. The tuna bite. The pine nut soup. The uni dish. No false notes, nothing that was so-so - everything was just extremely tasty at a gut level, which is ultimately the most important thing to me even at the highest end places. Many of the dishes also had an amazing level of complexity. - The pacing was super on point. No long waits between anything. - Plating was all gorgeous and inventive. Beautiful use of flowers. - Sat at counter (recommended). All the waitstaff were great. Got to chat w Chef David at the end. - At a broader conceptual level, I appreciated the 'nisei' theme - Japanese-California, not really an omakase per se, but a very distinctive meeting point of Japanese influence and California ingredients. It all really came together in a unified way, lots of very original dishes exploring this concept. Amazing level of consistency across all the dishes. I'm a tough customer but I'm just super impressed. This meal was straight up better than a number of 2 star and 1 star Michelin places I've been to in SF. Will def be back. read more
Nisei is another great modern Japanese restaurant where both the food and the space are artfully designed. Every dish feels thoughtful and beautifully crafted. Great place to impress someone. That said, portion sizes lean on the lighter side, so some diners might leave still feeling a bit hungry after a full tasting menu. So not an ideal spot for everyday dining when hungry. read more
5 months ago
Every dish was fragrant, some actually did contain flowers. It was a very enjoyable meal. The corn dish was exquisite and absolutely yummy, texture and flavor. The salt water eel is really good, flaky and very very tender. The pine nut soup is a staple, with marinated pine nuts, cauliflower mushroom with unique texture, pine nut milk, miso, and watercress oil. The dessers were great for Asian palette, not too sweet but very texture. Certainly not filling if you have a pretty big appetite. read more
What an experience! Dining at Nisei was quite nice - loved the food. The majority of the food was delicious, the presentation gorgeous. The sourdough mochi? AMAZING. it was my favorite thing. So worth getting the caviar add on. But if you get it, don't do the obvious thing and put half the butter and caviar on one mochi and the other half on the other. That will result in waaaay too much butter, which will wash out the other flavors and leave your mouth feeling greasy. I'd recommend tearing it into smaller pieces and using the butter part of the caviar more sparingly. The service was excellent, albeit slow. Love that they answered our questions and explained everything, but our dinner took 3 and a half hours. We spent some time sitting between courses and ended up being the last of two groups. I got kinda anxious because I hate keeping the staff there late buuut it's not like we could do anything. I'm surprised it took so long between our last served food and the dessert trolly - everything was literally sitting there already. I don't know what happened, but something with the dessert trolly happened and the one dessert that I had been really looking forward to (when the cart came to the table next to us) was the ramune sweet, but they were all out which was incredibly unfortunate. The others were alright, except one dessert was a single raspberry. Just one. Maybe covered with a gold flake if you were lucky. They bought them from the farmers market and I was like um lol I could go buy this myself and get the whole basket. But also, if it's one raspberry, I was expecting it to be the best goddamn raspberry. It wasn't. It didn't even taste sweet. I would not have purchased that pack of raspberries. I am overindexing on the raspberry, but since that was the one of the last things we ate, it was memorable. Had this not been there, I would have said great value for $, but this made it feel like not as much. Everything was pretty and like... kinda small, but I ended the meal feeling not stuffed so that was nice. But some of the things were TINY - like that crab dumpling lol. But everything was well presented and had interesting texture and color contrast. But I wanna go back for that sourdough mochi lol. read more
Just a little bit of a disappointing experience from the food aspect. Service and ambiance were fine, and the dishes looked really pretty and seemed to be thoughtful. Unfortunately, all of the dishes appealed visually way more than taste-wise. Every dish was REALLY small, despite the menu being nearly 200$ (250$ after service fee and tax). A lot of the flavors too were just mild and regular, sometimes it didn't mesh too well like the crunchy fish (just my opinion), but nothing here made me think "wow I really want another bite of this". For dessert while I appreciate simplicity, one of the options was literally a single raspberry, to which it was quoted "one of the most delicious and finest ..." (it tasted like a regular raspberry). Overall, food was mid, and with the price point, it's preposterous Service was pretty chill though, waiters were nice, although it was REALLY REALLY slow. I think it was around 20 min between the final savory dish and dessert, and a lot of the times between dishes I was just watching the other tables eat. The dinner service took 2.5 hrs total but there was so much waiting. I actually fell asleep twice. Food looks really great for pictures, but if you want something delicious, I think there are other options that are more bang for your buck read more
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More info about Nisei
2316 Polk St
San Francisco, CA 94109
Russian Hill
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(415) 827-6898
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https://www.restaurantnisei.com/samplemenu
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Ask the Community - Nisei
Where is best place to park?
I forget the garage we parked at but it was several blocks up the hill about a 5-10 minute walk.
How much is per person?
As of 1/3/23 our menu is $223 per person. The price of a tasting menu is not inclusive of tax or service charge.
My table was told there was a 20% service charge that did not include tip. Is this true?
I was just there and asked the same thing. I was told the service charge was to help staff have a livable wage... which sounds like a tip. It sounds like a way to ensure an extra tip.
What is the current price of their fixed price kaseiki?
$157/person + a 20% gratuity and tax. You prepay when you book through Tock.
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Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
9 reviews that are not currently recommended
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Nisei - japanese - Updated August 2026
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