Nisei - Reviews

We visited for my wife's birthday and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The dishes, from the first to the last bite, were inventive, well-balanced, and enjoyable. Our starter bites showcased a full palate range. The vegetables were almost melt-in-your-mouth, the uni (Santa Barbara!) dish was sublime, and the preparation of the wagyu finally topped our most memorable experience in Osaka. The non-alcoholic pairing was also superb, and I daresay it edges out the sake pairing. Service was excellent, with only a few minor mistakes; judging by the standards they aim to perform to, we had no complaints. The host made us feel welcome, the head chef came by to check in on us, and the staff helped make the occasion special. ご馳走様でした！

My experience at the restaurant was an absolutely incredible experience, especially for the Nisei and LURRA collab. Every dish was wonderful, and the service was perfect. The only downsides were that it took four hours for our meal to complete, which was a bit long, and there's only one washroom, leading to a queue at times. However, the staff were great about letting us know when it was available. I would highly recommend coming here.

My experience at this restaurant was truly breathtaking! The food was exceptional, with beautiful plating and a lot of imagination. As a nisei myself, I have so much reverence for Japanese food, and I absolutely loved Chef David's unique take on it. The atmosphere was also a highlight; it wasn't stuffy at all, and I felt completely comfortable being myself. The team was incredibly caring and kind, making the overall service experience wonderful.

We celebrated my wife's birthday at Nisei on Sunday night, and it was truly an exceptional dining experience from start to finish. Every dish that arrived at our table was both creative and delicious, showcasing incredible attention to detail and flavor. The entire meal was so outstanding that choosing a favorite dish became nearly impossible. My wife was particularly blown away by the miso soup, it was unlike any we've had before and truly memorable. For me, the Omurice was the standout, though honestly, every course was wonderful. We also opted for the alcohol-free pairing, which was just as thoughtfully crafted as the food itself. It perfectly complemented each dish and made the experience feel complete. The service and staff were excellent throughout the evening, attentive without being intrusive. We especially appreciated Chef David taking the time to stop by our table, it was a nice personal touch. Nisei delivered exactly what you'd hope for in a special occasion restaurant: impeccable food, creative presentation, and excellent meal. Highly recommend. Also, they deserve more than 1 Michelin star.

My experience at Nisei was excellent all around, from the food to the service and atmosphere. Whether seated at the counter or a table, the service was consistently personable and attentive. The staff, including wait staff, hosts, and kitchen staff, were easy to chat with and avoided being overly "fine dining haughty, " reciprocating jokes and adapting to the desired atmosphere. Service was attentive and never rushed. The atmosphere was described as cozy and not too stuffy, with good spacing, and a noise level that was neither too loud nor library quiet. Chef David Yoshimyra's cuisine was a one-star Michelin experience, featuring fresh ingredients with creative twists. The food was well-balanced, not overdressed or over-seasoned, with appropriate portion sizes for the tasting menu. Dishes ranged from intentionally "homey" like the phenomenal Japanese curry to delicate ingredients like scallops left to shine. Chef Ellie Estrada-Londo's desserts were also terrific, offering great flavor, balance, and textures without excessive sweetness. Overall, it was a delightful stop in San Francisco.

I had the pleasure of attending a private event in Nisei's back room, and my experience was nothing short of exceptional. The service was immaculate, truly a gold-medal performance. Every dish arrived and was cleared with perfect timing, demonstrating incredible coordination. The Sommelier was a standout – knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely focused on our preferences, offering bullseye recommendations without any pressure. The dishes themselves were impeccable, each well-balanced with unique notes and a beautiful twist. Standouts for me were the Pine Nut Miso Soup with Pickled Pine Nut and the Takoyaki Strawberry lio Jozo Beniimosu Black Sesame Arare for dessert.

My experience at this restaurant was marked by delicious and innovative food. The excellent wine list was a highlight, and I was intrigued by their three different pairing options: wine, sake, and non-alcoholic. While we opted for bottles from the wine list this time, I'm eager to try the sake pairing on a future visit. The service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect score.

My experience at Nisei was truly special. The tasting menu was both thoughtful and artistic, featuring standouts like the anchovy with eggplant and mint, and the American unagi with fresh wasabi – both were unforgettable. I appreciated their commitment to hyper-local sourcing, showcasing seasonal California produce and even real, locally grown wasabi. The service was warm, precise, and perfectly paced. It's a must-visit for anyone who loves fine Japanese-inspired dining in San Francisco.

My experience at Nisei was that of a great modern Japanese restaurant where both the food and the space are artfully designed. Every dish feels thoughtful and beautifully crafted. That said, portion sizes lean on the lighter side, so some diners might leave still feeling a bit hungry after a full tasting menu.

My experience at the restaurant was truly exceptional. The food was exquisite, and the service was very hospitable, with a personal touch that made the staff feel like they were genuinely invested in my experience. The ambiance was relaxing and welcoming, creating a perfect atmosphere for dining. I am truly recommending this experience with Chef Yoshimura and his team! 😁