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Nisei combines refined cooking technique, Japanese-American flavors and California’s finest local ingredients to provide an experience unlike any other. The restaurant is an expression of Michelin-Star Chef David Yoshimura’s unique experience as a chef and second generation Japanese American, or Nisei. Nisei is nestled in the beautiful neighborhood of Russian Hill in San Francisco, sitting proudly next to our sister bar, Iris.
Hours
| Friday | 5–9 PM |
| Saturday | 5–9 PM |
| Sunday | 5–9 PM |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 5–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 2316 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: (415) 827-6898
Website: https://www.restaurantnisei.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gbp-website-link
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: restaurantnisei.comopentable.com
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Related Web Results
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Reviews
Paul Cheong
Had a lovely time at this place. The service was amazing. We got there a bit early and they gave us a table at their bar next door while waiting, then brought us to the restaurant via the back door. They were attentive enough to notice I was wearing black pants, and gave me a black napkin as opposed to white to prevent lint from showing up.
The vibe was relaxed and quiet. The decor was eccentric with risqué paintings in Japanese style. It was edgy as if to signal that there would be surprises in the meal.
The meal was excellent. Many dishes were quite creative. All delicious! What I didn’t love was the lengthy explanation of each dish. While I understand the why, they took away from the experience because some felt like lectures.
Overall, we had a great time here.
… moreThe vibe was relaxed and quiet. The decor was eccentric with risqué paintings in Japanese style. It was edgy as if to signal that there would be surprises in the meal.
The meal was excellent. Many dishes were quite creative. All delicious! What I didn’t love was the lengthy explanation of each dish. While I understand the why, they took away from the experience because some felt like lectures.
Overall, we had a great time here.
Jenn
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.
… moreThis 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.
Sharvari Deshpande
I visited Nisei for their Imoto (dessert) experience. It was such a well crafted menu with flavours that were intricately balanced. Chef Ellie’s personal description of all the courses presented was a very nice touch and helped us understand the soul of the various dishes being presented to us. Our server was really great as well. All in all, the entire experience was memorable and I highly recommend the Imoto experience.
… moreMike Henderson
Excellent all around experience from food to service to atmosphere. Whether you’re at the counter or table in Nisei, or in the more casual Iris lounge, you’ll get the same very personable and attentive service, and lovely food.
Service: We sat at the counter and were served by wait staff, hosts, and kitchen staff interchangeably. Each was really easy to just chat with, no one tried to be overly “fine dining haughty” – if you joke with them, they’ll give it right back. If you prefer the atmosphere buttoned up, they will follow suit. Service was always very attentive and not rushed.
Atmosphere: cozy, not too stuffy, plenty of spacing without being sparse. Not too noisy, but not library quiet, either.
Food: Chef David Yoshimyra’s cuisine is every bit a one star Michelin meal. Fresh ingredients, familiar yet super creative twists on dishes. Food was not overdressed nor over seasoned, portions were generally spot on for a 13+ course tasting menu. Most dishes were balanced very well, a couple were intentionally “homey”, like the phenomenal Japanese curry, but still distinctive. Delicate ingredients like scallops were left to shine on their own, but with delicious garnishes and sauces if you so choose. Chef Ellie Estrada-Londo’s desserts are terrific as well, no crushing sweetness, great fusion of cultures, plenty of flavor and balance, and such great textures.
Overall, delightful, and a great stop in San Francisco.
… moreService: We sat at the counter and were served by wait staff, hosts, and kitchen staff interchangeably. Each was really easy to just chat with, no one tried to be overly “fine dining haughty” – if you joke with them, they’ll give it right back. If you prefer the atmosphere buttoned up, they will follow suit. Service was always very attentive and not rushed.
Atmosphere: cozy, not too stuffy, plenty of spacing without being sparse. Not too noisy, but not library quiet, either.
Food: Chef David Yoshimyra’s cuisine is every bit a one star Michelin meal. Fresh ingredients, familiar yet super creative twists on dishes. Food was not overdressed nor over seasoned, portions were generally spot on for a 13+ course tasting menu. Most dishes were balanced very well, a couple were intentionally “homey”, like the phenomenal Japanese curry, but still distinctive. Delicate ingredients like scallops were left to shine on their own, but with delicious garnishes and sauces if you so choose. Chef Ellie Estrada-Londo’s desserts are terrific as well, no crushing sweetness, great fusion of cultures, plenty of flavor and balance, and such great textures.
Overall, delightful, and a great stop in San Francisco.
Nicholas Pezarro
Came here for the Nisei and LURRA collab.
A absolutely incredible experience, every dish was wonderful, the service was perfect.
Only downsides were
1) It took four hours for our meal to complete which was a bit long
2) There’s only one washroom so there was a bit of a queue at times (but the staff were great about letting us know when it was available).
Would highly recommend coming here.
… moreA absolutely incredible experience, every dish was wonderful, the service was perfect.
Only downsides were
1) It took four hours for our meal to complete which was a bit long
2) There’s only one washroom so there was a bit of a queue at times (but the staff were great about letting us know when it was available).
Would highly recommend coming here.
Gina Mariko Rosales
Breathtaking food! Beautiful plating and imagination. As a nisei myself, I have so much reverence for Japanese food and love Chef David’s unique take. Love that the vibe isn’t so stuffy and felt like I could be myself. Team was so caring and kind!
… moreYinan Zhou
A unique dining experience with a variety courses of innovative and tasty Japanese-American fusion dish. Very attentive staff, and Chef David personally delivered and interacted with guests.
… moreSun Oh
We visited for wife’s birthday, and enjoyed ourselves immensely. The dishes, from first to last bite were inventive, well-balanced and enjoyable. The starter bites showcased a full palate range. 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 in Osaka.
The non-alcoholic pairing was also superb, and I daresay edges out the sake pairing.
Service was excellent with a few minor mistakes – judging by the standards they want to perform to- no complaints from us. The host made us feel welcome, head chef came by to check in on us, and staff helped make the occasion special.
ご馳走様でした！
… moreThe non-alcoholic pairing was also superb, and I daresay edges out the sake pairing.
Service was excellent with a few minor mistakes – judging by the standards they want to perform to- no complaints from us. The host made us feel welcome, head chef came by to check in on us, and staff helped make the occasion special.
ご馳走様でした！
Anderson Angkeyile (Flying Sailor)
Nisei is another 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.
… moreColin Armstrong
Exceptional fine dining. Probably my favorite Michelin star in the Bay Area.
The dishes were extremely unique and well-plated, from the “salad” all the way through to the “pumpkin cheesecake”. Every single dish was also flavorful – it’s rare for a tasting menu to have such a high hit rate of dishes we enjoy.
Service was personable, fast, and not pretentious at all. The meal pacing was also perfect – dishes were brought out at an appropriate pace.
The wine pairing was also done very well.
Overall, a stellar gastronomical experience and one of my favorite in the Bay Area.
… moreThe dishes were extremely unique and well-plated, from the “salad” all the way through to the “pumpkin cheesecake”. Every single dish was also flavorful – it’s rare for a tasting menu to have such a high hit rate of dishes we enjoy.
Service was personable, fast, and not pretentious at all. The meal pacing was also perfect – dishes were brought out at an appropriate pace.
The wine pairing was also done very well.
Overall, a stellar gastronomical experience and one of my favorite in the Bay Area.