Ate here once before was outstandingLast week I got two orders of uni $27.00/order very disappointedI thought I had found quality sushi I guess I was wrongAsked to speak to owner never didOnly one other customer at 11 am on Friday
Mindy Le
Unfortunately, this restaurant's pricing is too ambitious for the quality and portion sizes. I was expecting much better quality given the menu descriptions and price, especially when seeing how small the portions are. I especially do not recommend the Japanese Scallops (more egg white foam than actual scallop) or sashimi trio (the fatty tuna looked grey and did not taste fresh, and the presentation was not superior to other sushi restaurants in town, whose quality and price are better). The roast duck dumplings were quite small and overcooked (hard shell, did not taste any flavorful duck), and the lobster wontons were overpowered by cream (tasted like crab rangoons). The entrees were a bit salty during the visit (e.g. fried mushrooms), although the wagyu fried rice (a bit wet/soggy) and applewood filet mignon were OK. If you come here, the mixed drinks are good, and the service is very pleasant.My most shocking moment was when the filet mignon came with one small cup of white rice, and any extra rice for the table was $3 EACH for a tiny cup of white rice. At that point, I really questioned our dining experience, but was thankful that our server was transparent about the cost. I think the location and idea of this restaurant is promising for what Gainesville needs, but unfortunately at the moment our experience in price-point and food quality felt more predatory than upscale.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Debra ..
Amazing food, service was unbelievable and the ambiance was incredible The price is quite high but worth it! We will definitely be back !!!!
Beulah Augustin
The food was pretty bland. Atmosphere and service was pretty good.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
Chloe Bellas
Came here for dinner on a Saturday. We ordered the fois gras, tom yum soup, applewood filet mignon, and the saffron risotto with duck. First things first, the food was pretty good especially the fois gras, soup, and filet. However, the filet was more saucy hibachi style and we felt that they used filet mignon as more of a buzzword (and to charge more) than a necessity for a good dish. Additionally, we got the risotto as a recommendation from a friend and besides the duck it was very bland (we believe they forgot to add saffron/other seasoning based off our friends description of the meals presentation/flavor). Our server was lovely though, and took a percentage off for that dish. We finished with the tiramisu which was very very good. All in all, the restaurant definitely overcharges for their food, and would probably only come again for the tapas/appetizers. I just could not recommend this restaurant over Spurriers considering the price points, quality of the food, and the fact that it is right next door. I will give it four stars regardless because I genuinely do think they just forgot some stuff and it was overall a good experience.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
John Polefko, Sr
It's pricey but outstanding in every way. I don't think there is anything quite like it in the area. Knowledgeable and friendly staff, great atmosphere, excellent food and drink. A+!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rosalba Walker
The best restaurant in Gainesville.Everything is perfect, the best atmosphere, service and food.Everything is well thoughtIt gets busy so if you are coming with a group I will recommend a reservation.The have some happy hours if sitting on the patio.Definitely coming back
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jennifer Trepanier
Great service with a simplistic and modern atmosphere, the food here is just mediocre and not memorable for the price that it costs. For what we paid, I expected to be more blown away. The sake was very good and the jasmine rice was splendid! I wanted to love it, but there are much better restaurants in Gainesville that are less expensive.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
John Shaffer
Went in expecting something simple across from where we were staying and found a fantastic restaurant (food, ambiance, and service).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
KimC
Sensei has a wonderful, varied menu that breaks away from being just another restaurant with the same menu you see all over Gainesville. Excellent food, beautifully composed dishes, and you can actually have a conversation without raising your voice! The oysters, Wagyu tataki and foie gras are personal favorites.
Everything is thoughtfully prepared using quality ingredients and allowing them to shine. The service was wonderful. I am super excited to visit again and work my way through their menu!
JoSa
Food was amazing! Cocktails were delicious. We enjoyed our apps (foie gras, stuffed avocado and tofu)! Entrees were beautifully presented and delicious, tomahawk pork chop, duck and ‘eggs,' and filet! Lastly we enjoyed our desserts, matcha affogato and red bean crepe cake! A bit pricey, but worth it!
Nhi D.
Awesome food and services!!! It is my go to place for a date night spot! I love the lobster fried rice. The shishito peppers are to die for. They are not overly salty, cooked to perfection. Their rolls are also good. Not a sushi connoisseur but their fish is fresh, doesn't smell like the bad stuff you get at Publix on a Wednesday afternoon.
Jenny529
This restaurant, though on the pricier side, is well worth the splurge. Their menu offers relatively unique asian dishes and always super delicious. Their decor and ambience is really nice too! The restaurant is on the quieter side and I hope more people check them out because they're well worth the night out.
April Joy M.
The food is superb and the service is excellent! We went for lunch to avoid the crowd. It's worth a visit.
Ate here once before was outstandingLast week I got two orders of uni $27.00/order very disappointedI thought I had found quality sushi I guess I was wrongAsked to speak to owner never didOnly one other customer at 11 am on Friday
Unfortunately, this restaurant's pricing is too ambitious for the quality and portion sizes. I was expecting much better quality given the menu descriptions and price, especially when seeing how small the portions are. I especially do not recommend the Japanese Scallops (more egg white foam than actual scallop) or sashimi trio (the fatty tuna looked grey and did not taste fresh, and the presentation was not superior to other sushi restaurants in town, whose quality and price are better). The roast duck dumplings were quite small and overcooked (hard shell, did not taste any flavorful duck), and the lobster wontons were overpowered by cream (tasted like crab rangoons). The entrees were a bit salty during the visit (e.g. fried mushrooms), although the wagyu fried rice (a bit wet/soggy) and applewood filet mignon were OK. If you come here, the mixed drinks are good, and the service is very pleasant.My most shocking moment was when the filet mignon came with one small cup of white rice, and any extra rice for the table was $3 EACH for a tiny cup of white rice. At that point, I really questioned our dining experience, but was thankful that our server was transparent about the cost. I think the location and idea of this restaurant is promising for what Gainesville needs, but unfortunately at the moment our experience in price-point and food quality felt more predatory than upscale.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Amazing food, service was unbelievable and the ambiance was incredible The price is quite high but worth it! We will definitely be back !!!!
The food was pretty bland. Atmosphere and service was pretty good.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 4
Came here for dinner on a Saturday. We ordered the fois gras, tom yum soup, applewood filet mignon, and the saffron risotto with duck. First things first, the food was pretty good especially the fois gras, soup, and filet. However, the filet was more saucy hibachi style and we felt that they used filet mignon as more of a buzzword (and to charge more) than a necessity for a good dish. Additionally, we got the risotto as a recommendation from a friend and besides the duck it was very bland (we believe they forgot to add saffron/other seasoning based off our friends description of the meals presentation/flavor). Our server was lovely though, and took a percentage off for that dish. We finished with the tiramisu which was very very good. All in all, the restaurant definitely overcharges for their food, and would probably only come again for the tapas/appetizers. I just could not recommend this restaurant over Spurriers considering the price points, quality of the food, and the fact that it is right next door. I will give it four stars regardless because I genuinely do think they just forgot some stuff and it was overall a good experience.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
It's pricey but outstanding in every way. I don't think there is anything quite like it in the area. Knowledgeable and friendly staff, great atmosphere, excellent food and drink. A+!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The best restaurant in Gainesville.Everything is perfect, the best atmosphere, service and food.Everything is well thoughtIt gets busy so if you are coming with a group I will recommend a reservation.The have some happy hours if sitting on the patio.Definitely coming back
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great service with a simplistic and modern atmosphere, the food here is just mediocre and not memorable for the price that it costs. For what we paid, I expected to be more blown away. The sake was very good and the jasmine rice was splendid! I wanted to love it, but there are much better restaurants in Gainesville that are less expensive.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Went in expecting something simple across from where we were staying and found a fantastic restaurant (food, ambiance, and service).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sensei has a wonderful, varied menu that breaks away from being just another restaurant with the same menu you see all over Gainesville. Excellent food, beautifully composed dishes, and you can actually have a conversation without raising your voice! The oysters, Wagyu tataki and foie gras are personal favorites.
Restaurantji Recommends
Everything is thoughtfully prepared using quality ingredients and allowing them to shine. The service was wonderful. I am super excited to visit again and work my way through their menu!
Food was amazing! Cocktails were delicious. We enjoyed our apps (foie gras, stuffed avocado and tofu)! Entrees were beautifully presented and delicious, tomahawk pork chop, duck and ‘eggs,' and filet! Lastly we enjoyed our desserts, matcha affogato and red bean crepe cake! A bit pricey, but worth it!
Awesome food and services!!! It is my go to place for a date night spot! I love the lobster fried rice. The shishito peppers are to die for. They are not overly salty, cooked to perfection. Their rolls are also good. Not a sushi connoisseur but their fish is fresh, doesn't smell like the bad stuff you get at Publix on a Wednesday afternoon.
This restaurant, though on the pricier side, is well worth the splurge. Their menu offers relatively unique asian dishes and always super delicious. Their decor and ambience is really nice too! The restaurant is on the quieter side and I hope more people check them out because they're well worth the night out.
The food is superb and the service is excellent! We went for lunch to avoid the crowd. It's worth a visit.