Highlights
- Great wine list
oChef » Nisei – San Francisco
Nisei - San Francisco
Photo from Nisei
Nisei at a glance
San Francisco Russian Hill
- 🥂 Fine Dining Restaurant
$$$
Price per Person $101+
mentioned by 71 of the guests
#484 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#6 Fine Dining Restaurant out of 18 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.2 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
683
Reviews
80.5%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Innovative Cuisine
- Exceptional Service
Frequently criticized
- Portion Size
- High Cost
The restaurant Nisei invites you to an unforgettable fine dining experience in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Russian Hill neighborhood. You’ll discover a sophisticated ambiance that perfectly complements its renowned great wine list, making it a standout destination for discerning palates.
Prepare for an evening where every detail is curated for your enjoyment, from the moment you step inside.
Overview: Introducting Nisei
Nisei offers a refined dining experience where innovative food and an intimate ambiance often leave a lasting impression. Guests frequently commend the attentive service, which contributes significantly to the overall enjoyment of their meal.
While many appreciate the value Nisei provides for a high-end establishment, some find the overall price point to be a notable consideration. Despite this, the restaurant generally delivers a memorable occasion for those seeking a distinctive culinary journey.
Excellent
8.2
out of 10
683
Reviews
80.5%
Satisfaction
99
negative
34
neutral
550
positive
Nisei earns a solid restaurant score of 8.2, indicating a consistently positive reception from diners. This is further supported by a good customer satisfaction rate of 80.5%, suggesting that the majority of guests leave feeling pleased with their visit.
These insights are drawn from 683 customer remarks, with a clear leaning towards positive feedback, comprising 550 positive observations against 99 negative comments. The Service (8.7) stands out as a particular strength, frequently described as warm and precise.
The Food (8.3) also receives high marks for its unique flavors and presentation, while the Ambience (8.3) creates an intimate and welcoming setting. However, Value (5) presents a more balanced perspective, with opinions varying on whether the cost fully aligns with the dining experience.
What people like
- Innovative, flavorful food
- Attentive, precise service
- Intimate, welcoming ambiance
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- High price point
- Slow meal pacing
Nisei presents a compelling option for those seeking a sophisticated and innovative dining experience. With a strong 8.5 recommendation score, it’s clear that many find the culinary artistry and attentive service to be a worthwhile indulgence.
If you prioritize creative cuisine and a well-executed dining occasion, Nisei is certainly worth considering. However, be prepared for potentially smaller portion sizes and a higher price point, which some guests have noted as significant.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Nisei
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
Diners are consistently wowed by the culinary experience, boasting a good score of 8.3 and a good customer satisfaction of 82.2%. Out of 411 comments, 338 rave about the food's unique preparation, impactful flavors, and stunning presentation. Many praise the remarkable creativity, calling it an exceptional journey for the palate.
However, a smaller number of 52 comments point to some areas for improvement. Some found the food display lacked flavor layers, while others felt the portion sizes were too small, leading to hunger. A few experiences mentioned dishes being oversalted or even a bug in a dish, which certainly dampened the dining experience.
Food
411
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
52
negative
21
neutral
338
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Remarkable creativity
- Unique dish preparation
- Impactful flavors
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Dishes sometimes oversalted
- Lacking flavor depth
Often praised
- foodMy 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.
- dishesMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The dishes were quite different from other high-end Japanese restaurants I've visited, and every single dish tasted great. While a few dishes were slightly too salty, they were still acceptable.
- presentationThe presentation of the dishes, the plates themselves, the cutlery and the way the food was laid out was very pretty and pleasing.
- tasting menuThe dishes were incredibly unique and beautifully plated, from the "salad" to the "pumpkin cheesecake. " Every single dish was also flavorful, which is rare for a tasting menu to have such a high hit rate of dishes we enjoy. The service was personable, fast, and not pretentious at all.
- wine pairingMy experience at this restaurant was one of the best culinary and wine pairing experiences I've ever had. Andre Ivanov truly made our night one to remember.
- FoodFood:5
- mealDon't think there was a single bite I didn't enjoy
- dessertsChef Ellie Estrada-Londo's desserts are terrific as well
- flavorsFrom the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed by subtle touches and a precise attention to detail. Chef David Yoshimura's kitchen delivered a meal that was artfully layered with flavors and showcased exceptional culinary skill. Standout dishes included the amuse bouche of Satsuma imo soufflé, a rich pine nut miso soup, an expertly seared scallop, and perfectly lacquered smoked squab.
- menuMy experience at this restaurant was a delightful evolution of their unique Japanese-American tasting menu. Previously impressed by their fresh perspective on California cuisine, I was pleasantly surprised by how much the menu had matured during my last visit. The integration of California ingredients and Japanese technique was more cohesive, and the presentation marked a noticeable leap forward.
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was visually stunning; it's a gorgeous restaurant. However, for the price point, I found the food could be better. The portions were very tiny, to the extent that someone in my party had to have a second dinner.
- dishesall the dishes is very very small for a person
- portion sizesEvery 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.
- riceI couldn't believe the poor quality, flavour and dry texture of the rice that accompanied the eel.
- OmuriceOmurice has a strong eggy taste, not taste good.
- Santa Barbara UniSanta Barbara Uni taste really bad/stinky
- UnagiUnagi need to put more sugar in it.
- Wagyu beefDo not get the Wagyu beef it’s basically $96 per person for 3 pieces of burnt beef
- beefBeef has no taste, grilled poorly not crispy on the outside.
- beef cheekprefer beef cheek cooked in a way just melted in the mouth
If you're seeking a highly creative and visually stunning culinary journey with unique flavors, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for potentially smaller portion sizes and a few isolated flavor missteps, but the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive.
Service (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
The service at this establishment truly stands out, earning a fantastic score of 8.7 and leaving a remarkable 86% of customers satisfied. Based on 148 positive remarks out of 172 total, guests consistently praise the attentive service, knowledgeable staff, and the personal touch from the whole team, making every visit feel special. However, a few of the 19 negative comments point to some areas for improvement.
Concerns included occasional issues with meal pacing, questions around gratuity, and isolated instances of staff being perceived as pretentious or having an unpleasant odor, which slightly detracts from an otherwise stellar experience.
Service
172
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
19
negative
5
neutral
148
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, knowledgeable staff
- Personalized guest experience
- Seamless team effort
What people don't like
- Inconsistent meal pacing
- Gratuity policy issues
- Occasional staff pretentiousness
Often praised
- serviceMy 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.
- staffI celebrated my birthday at Nisei last week, and I can’t say enough nice things about the amazing food and beverage pairing, the kind staff, and the overall experience! Each dish had unique flavors and textures that highlighted the seasonal ingredients.
- ServiceService is warm, precise, and perfectly paced
- Chef DavidThe 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.
- attention to detailwith subtle touches and a precise attention to detail
- hospitalitymastered that elusive trifecta of service, hospitality and cuisine
- teamHowever, the service was great. The team that helped us was fantastic, thank you for a lovely night of laughs though. The only downside to the service was one guy who smelled like a dirty gym bag.
- Chef David YoshimuraWe had the pleasure of chatting with Chef David Yoshimura
- attentive servicewere so attentive and responsive and on top of every detail.
- chef Davidthe chef David even came up to us and started a conversation!
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe service was not perfect in many details
- apologizeThe food was overly salty and nothing special. To make matters worse, there was a hair in the pickled dish, and the staff's response was appalling; they didn't even apologize, with the waitress stating, "thank you for your understanding. " The service was awful overall, and the staff came across as pretentious.
- checks during flower preparationwhy someone wasn't checking for potential contaminants when prepping the flowers
- checks during platingplating the dish, and approving for service
- customer experienceshocked that a Michelin-starred restaurant handles customer experience in this way
- feel rushedAt NO moment, did we have the feel rushed to finish all courses
- gratuityhad to tip extra, my wife is very mad about asking for extra gratuity
- guyThe team that helped us was fantastic, thank you for a lovely night of laughs though. The only downside to the service was one guy who smelled like a dirty gym bag.
- mealEvery 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.
- pacingPacing on the slower side
If you're looking for an experience where you feel genuinely cared for by an attentive and knowledgeable team, this is definitely the place to go. While there are minor notes on pacing or gratuity, the overwhelmingly positive service makes it a highly recommended visit.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 48% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this place really hits the mark! With a good score of 8.3 and a good customer satisfaction of 81.5%, its clear most guests are loving the atmosphere. Out of 65 remarks, a whopping 53 were positive, praising the Atmosphere, decor, and vibe, often describing it as having an intimate and luxurious feel that makes for a fantastic dining experience.
However, its not entirely without its quirks. While only 9 remarks were negative, some found the interior design a bit cold and plain, and a few mentioned an odd seating layout. There were also comments about a single washroom causing queues, and some room tones contributing to noise, suggesting a few areas for refinement.
Ambience
65
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
9
negative
3
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Intimate, luxurious feel
- Tasteful decor, vibe
- Relaxed atmosphere
What people don't like
- Cold, plain interior
- Odd seating layout
- Limited washroom
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at the restaurant was amazing! We celebrated a birthday and were so happy with our experience. The service and food were outstanding, and the atmosphere was perfect for our celebration.
- Atmosphereexcellent Atmosphere
- ambianceambiance is intimate, modern without pretense
- experienceIt made me very happy to be there to witness and be a part of it all. It was such a joyful, wonderful experience that we came back this month for Nisei's one-year anniversary, which was no small thing for us. We had only ever spent this much money at a restaurant once before and here we eagerly made a second reservation within a month's time just because we loved the food, the people, and the experience so much.
- vibeThe vibe was elevated and welcoming
- Bar IrisBar Iris next door is also nice
- barI also highly recommend the drink pairing; it was spot on and truly enhanced the food, unlike other tastings I've experienced where pairings didn't always feel complementary. Although the bar wasn't open when we visited, it looked pristine from the street. I'm looking forward to checking it out on our next visit!
- bathroomI wish I could give this place a zero. Everything but the bathroom was absolutely crud. I have never had a worse meal for that price in my entire life, maybe even at all other price ranges.
- decorThe decor likewise balanced traditional Japanese austerity and California quirks
- decor / aestheticDecor / aesthetic of the place is great.
Frequently criticized
- cookscooks serving a few of the plates with soiled aprons
- dining experienceNothing was a deal-breaker, just a handful of minor gaffes and inconveniences typical of newly opened restaurants. Atmosphere: The boxy layout with modern furnishings contributes to a somewhat noisy dining experience. The restroom was reasonably clean.
- interior designinterior design felt a little cold and plain
- roomThe only negative point for us was the room, very dark
- room tonesroom awash in unattractive dark taupe brown tones
- seating layoutodd seating layout (if you’re in the middle tables)
- soiled apronscooks serving a few of the plates with soiled aprons - taking away my appetite
- space between tablesand without enough space between tables
- washroomonly one washroom so there was a bit of a queue
Overall, the ambience here is a major draw, offering a sophisticated and welcoming backdrop for your meal. If youre looking for a place with a great atmosphere and tasteful decor, youll likely be very pleased, though be mindful of potential seating arrangements or a busy washroom.
Value (5 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found the experience truly worth it, especially for a special occasion at a Michelin-starred establishment. They praised the value for money and even highlighted the price value of the wine pairings. Out of 35 total opinions, 11 customers felt they got their money's worth.
However, the overall sentiment leans towards disappointment, with a customer satisfaction of just 31.4%, which is quite poor. Many felt it was a very expensive meal and even a disgusting rip off, questioning the value for quality due to hidden add-ons and a hefty service fee. With 19 negative opinions, the score of 5 (average) reflects this mixed but largely critical view.
Value
35
Reviews
31%
Satisfaction
19
negative
5
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the price
- Michelin value
- Good wine value
What people don't like
- Too expensive
- Poor quality value
- Hidden fees
Often praised
- priceIt was such a joyful, wonderful experience that we came back this month for Nisei's one-year anniversary, which was no small thing for us. We had only ever spent this much money at a restaurant once before and here we eagerly made a second reservation within a month's time just because we loved the food, the people, and the experience so much.
- Michelin star restaurantsWe’ve had better food at Michelin star restaurants in San Francisco for half the price
- Michelin-starred establishmentsThere's a good mix of high-brow courses and common foods, creatively prepared in ways that are surprisingly effective. Nisei is probably one of the most affordable Michelin-starred establishments in the city, offering extraordinary value for the service, ambiance, and quality of work served.
- Worth itWorth it.
- price valuethe price value was incredible
- special occasionDefinitely a very occasional meal
- valueThere's a good mix of high-brow courses and common foods, creatively prepared in ways that are surprisingly effective. Nisei is probably one of the most affordable Michelin-starred establishments in the city, offering extraordinary value for the service, ambiance, and quality of work served.
- value for moneyMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! Although it was very expensive, it was definitely worth it. The drinks and food were amazing!
- wine pairingsIn terms of wine pairings in general, this one ranks pretty high in value
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by excellent service. However, the overall value was not worth the price for me. Specifically, the tea we ordered, priced at $33, was so bad that we couldn't finish it.
- $250 a personcompared to $250 a person for a dinner, the small portion is unacceptable
- ExpensiveExpensive! $37 for one drink
- add-onsShould be more transparent on the price of the add-ons show the price to customer, don't fake it as complimentary.
- disgusting rip offTruly a disgusting rip off
- expensive servicePay for the expensive service not the food
- food and beverage minimuma $3,500 food and beverage minimum
- menuEven for San Francisco, we thought this was a very pricey menu
- money that I paydisappointing dinner I have compared to the money that I pay
- price-pointfor the same price-point
If you're planning a special occasion and are prepared for a significant splurge, some found the experience worth it. However, be aware that many customers felt the overall value for quality was poor, citing a very expensive meal and hidden add-ons. Proceed with caution if budget is a concern.
How are the prices at Nisei?
You’re looking at roughly 108 per person – reported by 71 diners. That puts it in the $101+ category. For a Fine Dining Restaurant, that’s definitely on the higher end, promising a premium experience.
Looking at the numbers, almost all guests (68 out of 71!) are spending in that $101+ range, meaning prices are quite consistently on the higher side, not spread out across cheaper options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 71 reviews.
A look at how this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Fine Dining Restaurant in San Francisco, and the pricing is consistently at the higher end, wed say the pricing feels fair for the premium experience it likely offers. It’s an investment in a memorable meal!
Customer Reviews: what people think about Nisei
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Exceptional Birthday Dinner Experience
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！
- dishes10
- starter bites9
- vegetables9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
9
Incredible Nisei & LURRA Collab, Minor Wait Times
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.
- dishes10
- service10
- staff8
- meal4
- washroom5
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Breathtaking Japanese Food & Welcoming Vibe
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.
- food10
- Japanese food9
- atmosphere9
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Exceptional Birthday Dinner at Nisei
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.
- dishes10
- miso soup10
- Omurice9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
10
Exceptional Dining Experience at Nisei
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.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere9
What Nisei offers
Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
Offerings
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Trendy
FAQs
Do you need reservations to dine at Nisei?
Yes, reservations are required to secure your table at Nisei. It is highly recommended to make dinner reservations in advance, especially given its popularity as a fine dining destination in San Francisco. You can plan your visit accordingly.
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at Nisei?
At Nisei, you can anticipate a romantic and trendy atmosphere, perfect for an intimate evening. The restaurant offers a comprehensive selection of beverages, including wine, coffee, beer, and cocktails. You can also inquire about their private dining room for special occasions.
What is the overall dining experience like at Nisei?
Nisei offers a highly regarded dining experience, reflected in its overall restaurant score of **8.2** and a good customer satisfaction rate of **80.5%**. Guests particularly commend the **Service** (8.7), **Food** (8.3), and **Ambience** (8.3), though opinions on **Value** (5) are more varied.
Is Nisei considered good value for money?
While Nisei is praised for its innovative cuisine and excellent service, opinions on its **Value** (5) are mixed. Some guests find it to be an affordable Michelin-starred option, while others perceive the **price** and **portion sizes** to be on the higher side.
How is the service at Nisei?
The **Service** (8.7) at Nisei is consistently highlighted as a strong point. Diners describe the staff as warm, precise, and attentive, providing excellent hospitality that significantly enhances the overall dining experience.