In the sleek, artful space of Nisei in Russian Hill, Chef David Yoshimura serves a stunning, seasonal 12-course tasting menu that artfully blends Japanese tradition with bold Californian flavors.
"Ever since opening its doors in 2021, Nisei, the brainchild of chef David Yoshimura, has been a stylish special occasion restaurant worthy of parting with $300-plus per person — plus $77 Wagyu supplement, if you’re feeling especially festive. The elaborate tasting menu is a love letter to Japan, with nods to the San Francisco dining scene: Unagi with milk bread and tomato, Liberty Farm duck with persimmons, and anything else on the menu, arrive at the table theatrically presented and artfully plated. Service is always impeccable, and the jewel box-like dining room adds intrigue to the whole experience. Earlier this year, the one Michelin-star restaurant partnered with star designer Noz Nozawa on an artful update of its dining area." - Flora Tsapovsky, Eater Staff
"David Yoshimura of San Francisco’s Michelin-starred Nisei was among the first to respond to Blvck Svm's proposal. The rapper filmed videos here for his album, with scenes of kitchen activity featuring prominently." - Adrian Spinelli
"This Japanese fine dining restaurant in Russian Hill is doing a $275 tasting menu on the 31st, and calling it their “most luxurious menu to date,” which is saying something, because the prix fixe dinner at this place always makes you feel like royalty. Prepare for crab, multiple types of truffle, caviar, and champagne. " - julia chen 1
"Capacity: 6-20 Nisei’s impressive Japanese tasting menu is matched by an elegant dining room, complete with artistic murals, dark gray walls, white banquettes, and velvet accents. The stately style continues in the private Kimono Room, which can seat 8-20. Booking out the entire Russian Hill restaurant is another way to show your friends you can step it up, as is hosting a cocktail reception in their intimate Bar Iris next door. " - lani conway
"Chef David Yoshimura spent time cooking at two-Michlin-starred Californios before striking out on his own to open Nisei, his fine-dining Japanese restaurant on Polk Street. The inky black space allows the food, beverage, and service to shine, and the tasting menu puts a modern twist on familiar Japanese dishes — for example, sourdough mochi served with koji butter and caviar or rich miso broth made creamy by local pine nuts. Don’t skip the sake pairing, and for a quick bite with an excellent cocktail, there’s always sister spot Bar Iris just next door." - Lauren Saria, Eater Staff
