Sensei Asian Bistro

We attended the Christmas Eve chef tasting experience and I must say that was the best dining experience I have ever had. (And I have been to plenty of places, restaurants etc). For private reasons I won’t display the photos of each courses, but if you attend such experience here you will receive surprises after surprises. Everything is exquisite from start to finish. They went above and beyond to deliver an unforgettable fine dining experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Accidentally discovered this place and it was a phenomenal experience. Everything that came out was amazing and probably the best Chilean sea bass I’ve had. The ambiance and service was also incredible.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We spent our anniversary here - the service, food, timing, and overall hospitality were outstanding. They made extra effort for us to have a special night, and its one of the more memorable meals weve had in gainesville.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Highly Recommended!

The environment at Sensei Asian Bistro is vibrant and relaxing, with plush seating that beckons you to stay. Our Omotenashi, Kiki, was exceptional, very knowledgeable, attentive, and made sure our evening was a relaxing and pleasant experience. The food is a fusion of traditional and modern Asian cuisine with robust flavors skillfully and artfully crafted.

We made reservations at Sensei Asian Bistro last night, for our anniversary, to experience “The Discovery” Chef’s Tasting. This is a five-course immersive meal showcasing signature flavors during a one-and-a-half-hour experience.

The evening began with four beautifully crafted hand-held bites, artfully and individually presented, full of texture and flavors ranging from salty, sweet, spicy, and smoky. The Wagyu on the pillowy steamed bun was by far my favorite.
The meal continued with three small, elegantly plated dishes featuring fresh seafood consisting of Kumamoto oysters, Hamachi nigiri, and Tuna maki. Each dish demonstrated the subtle precision and skill of our Chef and their masterful balance of bright, clean food.
Our main course was A5 Wagyu served with black truffles and fried rice. The beef was savory, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth tender. To close the evening, our dessert was decadent yet straightforward. A house-made vanilla cryo gelato with Japanese caramel, topped with a chocolate mint.

Through the meal, our dishes were paired with a selection of drinks. We started with Bushido Sake, which presents notes of tart raspberry, Asian pear, and watermelon. A second pairing, Nigori Sake, an aromatic, creamy, and sweeter sake, presents with hints of melon, banana, and coconut. The third pairing, Justin Cabernet Sauvignon, presented with hints of spice and dark fruits, and perfectly complemented the Wagyu.

We highly recommend Sensei Asian Bistro and look forward to returning.
Christina & Jason

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Pleasantly surprised by the exceptional food quality, presentation, and ambiance. The sea bass is out-of-this-wold amazing. And we have tried a lot of them all over the states. Liked the ceviche and truffle tofu also. Beautiful quiet place. Outdoor dining options.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Mediocre at best. Service and Atmosphere are amazing. Food lacked flavor and was extremely overpriced for what you get. First and last time.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 5

Seriously the best meal I've had since Manuel closed down.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I think this might be the best restaurant in Gainesville.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

One of our new FAVORITE places to dine!!!! Kiki was our server- what a sweet, knowledgeable, gracious young lady. She knows her stuff and based on ur likes and dislikes, she figures out the best appetizers, entrees and desserts for u-WAIT- cocktails too!!! The ambiance was very relaxing and inviting. Probably- THE BEST meal we have ever had!!! Highly recommend- you won’t regret it- thanks again Kiki and chefs!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Xinjiang Rack of Lamb, Steak

We LOVED the food. The presentation was GREAT. What was bad was that we were a group of 5, so they didn't accommodate us indoors saying putting extra chairs would block the way. We sat outdoors in the summer heat at around 6:30 pm, and flies showed up when our food arrived. We told them about it, and they gave us an insect repellent spray and put some bug repellent smoking incense stick (something like that) under our table. It did not help and completely ruined our experience. We had flies hovering and even sitting in our plates. The fact that they didn't try accommodating us indoors despite this made no sense. Bad experience with the staff, but the food was SOOO GOOD, it was hard to stay mad. ?

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 5

Service: 2

Again!! Such a treat. We are treated so warmly by the entire staff! And because it is my birthday both my sister and I were treated to a wonderful after dinner aperitif- wholly unexpected and a perfect ending to a memorable meal. We, 3 of us, started with sharing the steak tartar and burrata salad, beautifully plated, and moved on to 1 entree of filet mignon rare for hubby with a side of wilted greens and a share plate of duck breast confit and fois with a side of Asian sweet potatoes for sister and myself. Not a bite left! Having plenty of time before the theater we ordered a finish of dessert each! Sister's was a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a shaken mix of Frangelico & Baileys & espresso poured over. Hubby had The Mango - a concoction of fresh mango, coconut and chocolate - beautifully presented and I ordered the Yin-Yang Tart which is 2 tarts, one being a yuzu (a mildly sweet citrus fruit) and one being a black sesame tart - not just a feast for the eyes!! Our waitress offered the accompaniment of an Austrian aperitif I'd not ever had but greatly enjoyed!! Thank you again Sensei staff for a most wonderful experience!! We'll be back soon!

Celebrated birthday here. Arrived to a sweet table with birthday sign. Quaint yet stylish! Location fantastic! You're in the middle of lively center but once inside Sensai smooth atmosphere. Food was sublime from apps to entree to desert . Our waitress Kiki was engaged but also allowed us to have privacy! Will def recommend to others visiting Gainesville.

Such beautiful presentation, and delicious food. A unique dining experience, nothing quite like it here in Gainesville. Definitely will be returning to try more of their dishes!

It’s very expensive, but the food is good. Make sure to come during golden hour because a lot of the appetizers and drinks are half off. Golden hour is from 4:30pm - 6:00pm. Thh apps I got were the lobster wontons, the king crab dumpling, and the wagyu nigiri. The lobster wonton was the best, but the wagu wasn’t worth the price

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A super unexpected pleasure in the middle of a college town. Very high quality food and prep and a really nice ambiance. Started with very pleasant service from the phone (spoke with owner maybe?) and followed through to arrival and meal service. Our server fell a bit short in knowledge and execution, but she meant well. Definitely will return on our next Gainesville trip.