
jū-ni
RESTAURANT SUMMARY

Where precision meets intimacy, jū-ni San Francisco transforms twelve coveted seats into a stage for Chef Geoffrey Lee's masterful omakase, redefining fine dining through the ancient art of sushi elevated to contemporary heights.
Founded in 2016 by Chef Geoffrey Lee and partner Tan Truong, jū-ni—Japanese for "twelve"—earned its Michelin star within a year of opening, cementing Lee's journey from humble sushi bars to culinary stardom. The 2016 San Francisco Chronicle Rising Star Chef has crafted a temple to precision in the former Candybar space on Fulton Street, where Eastern-inspired design creates a zen-like sanctuary. Lee's cognitive approach to sushi composition treats each piece as a perfectly balanced bite, harmonizing texture, temperature, and flavor into edible poetry that showcases his deep understanding of Japanese culinary philosophy.
The cuisine centers on a seasonally-driven fourteen-course omakase tasting menu that reads like a love letter to Japan's finest ingredients. Ninety percent of the seafood arrives directly from Tokyo's legendary Toyosu Market, ensuring authenticity that discerning palates immediately recognize. Signature preparations include the ethereal ikura marinated in soy, sake, and honey crowned with shaved ankimo, buttery Hokkaido scallop that melts on the tongue, and sakura masu adorned with salt-cured cherry blossom leaves. The menu evolves constantly, with optional extensions featuring A5 Wagyu beef and premium uni for those seeking the ultimate indulgence. Each course builds upon the last, creating a narrative arc that celebrates both tradition and innovation in this ultra-premium dining experience.
The intimate twelve-seat sushi counter fosters unprecedented connection between chef and diner, with each group of four guests receiving dedicated attention from their personal chef throughout the evening. This interactive format transforms dining into education, as passionate chefs explain sourcing, technique, and philosophy behind each meticulously crafted piece. The serene atmosphere encourages focus on the culinary artistry unfolding before your eyes, while the personalized service ensures every guest feels part of an exclusive culinary inner circle. The carefully curated sake selection complements the delicate flavors, with sommelier guidance enhancing each pairing.
Reservations at jū-ni require advance planning and commitment—non-refundable bookings underscore the restaurant's exclusivity and demand. The intimate setting and chef-driven experience make this San Francisco's most coveted omakase reservation, where culinary mastery meets personal connection in an unforgettable evening that justifies its position among the city's finest restaurants.
CHEF
Geoffrey Lee
ACCOLADES
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(2024) Michelin Plate

(2024) Opinionated About Dining Top Restaurants in North America Ranked #504
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(2025) Michelin Plate
