San Francisco · Kaiseki · omakase
Nisei
Japanese ContemporaryOmakaseFine DiningJapanese-AmericanTasting MenuMichelinMichelin StarRussian Hill
Nisei is San Francisco's fastest-to-Michelin-Star restaurant, where chef David Yoshimura's 13-course Japanese-American tasting menu fuses Northern California produce with Japanese technique.
- Price
- ¥¥¥¥
- Area
- Russian Hill
- Since
- 2022
- Chef
- David Yoshimura
Plate № 03
About
Opened in 2022 in San Francisco's Russian Hill neighborhood, Nisei was awarded a Michelin Star within its first year of operation — making it one of the fastest Michelin-starred debuts in the city's history. Chef-owner David Yoshimura, a third-generation Japanese-American (Nisei refers to American-born children of Japanese immigrants), channels both his cultural heritage and his rigorous culinary training into a 13-plus-course tasting menu that pairs Japanese precision with the finest Northern California ingredients. Yoshimura's approach bridges boldness and subtlety — anago with fiddleheads, kakuni-glazed pork belly, and seasonal wagashi reflect a synthesis that is deeply personal and technically accomplished. Nisei has retained its Michelin Star in 2023, 2024, and 2025, cementing its place as one of San Francisco's essential fine-dining destinations.
Neighborhood & visiting
Nisei sits in Russian Hill, one of San Francisco's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused kaiseki counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional kaiseki restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- Michelin 1-Star for three consecutive years (2023, 2024, 2025) — among the fastest Michelin debuts in SF history
- Chef David Yoshimura's Japanese-American identity is the creative and philosophical backbone of every course
- Northern California's finest seasonal produce interpreted through Japanese culinary technique and precision
- Intimate Russian Hill dining room with counter seats offering a direct view of the kitchen in action
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Frequently asked
About Nisei
- Is Nisei an authentic japanese contemporary restaurant in San Francisco?
- Yes — Nisei is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese contemporary in San Francisco: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused kaiseki format.
- Where is Nisei located?
- Nisei is located at 2316 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109, San Francisco, USA in the Russian Hill neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Nisei?
- Nisei accepts reservations online. For an authentic kaiseki experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
- What is the price range at Nisei?
- Nisei sits in the ¥¥¥¥ price range — typical for japanese contemporary of this format in San Francisco.
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