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Sensei Asian Bistro, Gainesville, FL

Sensei Asian Bistro

4.8
4.8
245 Reviews
$50 and over
Contemporary Asian
4860 Steve Spurrier Way, Ste. 10, Gainesville, FL 32608

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 5 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Romantic
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Good for special occasions
At Sensei, tradition meets innovation. Our menu blends timeless Asian techniques with modern culinary artistry, all set in a sophisticated yet welcoming space designed for both casual gatherings and special celebrations.

Led by Chef Xiaoqian Hu, our kitchen is known for standout creations like our A5 Wagyu tasting, fresh catch flown directly from Toyosu Market in Tokyo, and refined tasting plates.

Golden Hour (4:30 PM–6:00 PM)
Savor our exclusive early evening menu featuring hors d'oeuvres, tasting courses, and seasonal seafood sourced directly from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market—perfectly complemented by sommelier-selected wines, handcrafted cocktails, and premium drafts. A graceful start to your evening awaits.

Celebrating something special? Let us know your details—we love creating personal, memorable moments for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and beyond.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary Asian, French / Japanese, Cocktail Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Mon, Tue, Thu, Sun 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Xiaoqian Hu
  • Neighborhood
    Gainesville
  • Cross street
    Across Street from Regal Cinema at Celebration Pointe
  • Parking details
    Free Parking Lot
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, High Tea, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Gift card

Gift card

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Experiences

  • Chef’s Tasting Menu

    $95.00 - $295.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Multiple dates available
    Experience a culinary journey with our Chef's Tasting Menu. Meticulously crafted by chef Hu and his team, each course is a harmonious blend of contemporary Asian flavors, seasonal ingredients, and innovative techniques. This exclusive dining experience offers a multi-course exploration of our signature dishes, designed to delight your senses and leave a lasting impression.
    Chef’s Tasting Menu Photo
  • The Commencement

    $145.00 per person

    Prepaid

    May 1, 2025 - May 4, 2025
    Celebrate graduation at Sensei with a specially curated sharing menu designed exclusively for this special milestone. Featuring three thoughtfully crafted snack courses, two inspired main courses, and one delightful dessert, our contemporary Asian dishes are perfect to enjoy course-by-course or shared family-style at your table. Immerse yourself in an elegant ambiance, celebrating today's achievement and tomorrow's exciting adventures, whether you're gathering leisurely or dining on a tight schedule.
    The Commencement Photo
  • The Heart of Home | Mother's Day

    $145.00 per person

    Prepaid

    May 9, 2025 - May 11, 2025
    Honor the love, care, and strength at the center of every home with The Heart of Home, a special Mother’s Day menu crafted to celebrate the women who inspire us. This thoughtfully curated multi-course experience blends seasonal ingredients with Sensei’s signature contemporary Asian approach—elegant, warm, and memorable. Whether gathered for a long-awaited reunion or a quiet moment of thanks, this experience invites you to share a meaningful celebration in the spirit of home.
    The Heart of Home | Mother's Day Photo

What 245 people are saying

Sensei Asian Bistro reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Orlando / Central Florida East

    Healthy

  • Orlando / Central Florida East

    Romantic

  • Ocala / Gainesville

    Best Overall

  • Ocala / Gainesville

    Best Food

  • Ocala / Gainesville

    Best Service

  • Ocala / Gainesville

    Best Ambiance

  • Ocala / Gainesville

    Innovative

  • Ocala / Gainesville

    Healthy

  • Ocala / Gainesville

    Great for fine wines

  • Ocala / Gainesville

    Romantic

  • Ocala / Gainesville

    Lively

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Sensei Asian Bistro offers an extraordinary Asian-fusion experience with "superb service" and "delicious food." Renowned for its "elaborate menu" and "artistic food presentation," it is ideal for special occasions. Patrons appreciate the "relaxing and upscale atmosphere" and "perfect ambiance" for an intimate dining setting.

245 Reviews
  1. Kenneth

    Tampa1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 15, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing as always! Service was stellar Food was delicious

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  2. Cheryl

    Philadelphia3 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on April 12, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    the greeting as we arrived was exceptional and general service superb. The food was creative and beautifully displayed, very artistic. the unusual tastes for example lemon on the lamb chops made us raise out eyebrows. Two areas of disappointment 4 out of 5 of out meals arrived together but the 5th meal was almost 10 mins late. Bit awkward for everyone waiting and the usual fuss about please start no we will wait etc. The drinks were great but the bill steep.

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  3. Richard VIP

    Miami3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 11, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    After arriving in Gainesville for a brief stay, I searched for an Asian-Fusion type restaurant to enjoy. Sensei Asian Bistro immediately caught my eye. It did not disappoint, and frankly knocked it out of the park. The food was delicious, the menu was elaborate, and the ambiance was ideal. However, it was our food server who truly enhanced the evening. I highly recommend Sensei and will return when back in town.

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  4. Christina

    Orlando1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The best place to treat yourself in Gainesville! We loved the wagyu fried rice, lamb chops, and sea bass. We have been back three times within the past couple months and everything we have ordered has not disappointed.

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  5. J

    Orlando1 review

    2.0

    Dined on April 7, 2025

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    Waiter spiled my wine on my hand and on the tabletop and outside the bottle on TWO ATTEMPTS until I showed him how to pour it INto the wine glass. Rack of lamb was as tough as shoe lesther. Waiter offered to take it away, but I don’t waste any food at all, so the price was reduced by 50%. The “diver scallop and one big shrimp” on the menu came out with several small shrimp and several tiny scallops. The four samples of sake were the very best I’ve ever enjoyed. It took too long for the waiter to bring my wine because he was preoccuoied speaking with a bartender. THE RACK OF LAMB WAS SERVED WHILE I WAS ONLY 1/3 THROUGH MY APPETIZER!!! The lobster wonton had no pieces of lobster, stuffing was a lobster-tasting paste. Lobster wonton and the 4-sake selection and the very friendly employees would bring me back. A Yamaha keyboard instrument was haphazardly parked, but I was told that its music would occur only on Mothers Day. Waiter was very friendly, informative, respectful! No one sang happy birthday to me. Just a “happy birthday” sign and a nice complimentary dessert. I will take my ladyfriend elsewhere for her birthday.

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  6. michelle VIP

    Tampa6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 25, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything was delicious and the service excellent. Would definitely stop back in next time I’m in Gainesville. 😊

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    Jacksonville8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 21, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We Celebrate our anniversary here, and the food is alway so amazing. We love coming here

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  8. Robin

    Washington DC11 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great staff (especially Brandon). Excellent ambiance! Food was outstanding!

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  9. Gina

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined on March 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As always Kiki and everyone at Sensei delivered amazing service and delicious food. I always look forward to dining at Sensei.

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  10. Melissa

    Orlando2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 9, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fabulous meal. It was our first time there and we will for sure be back. If you can, request Liam as your server. He’s funny, super knowledgeable, and we were never without drinks. He was the perfect mix of - there when we needed him but not overbearing. 10/10 experience!

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FAQs

Sensei Asian Bistro offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (352) 214-1239.

Sensei Asian Bistro is rated 4.8 stars by 245 OpenTable diners.

Sensei Asian Bistro does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Orlando / Central Florida East
  4. Ocala / Gainesville
  5. Gainesville

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 5 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Sensei Asian Bistro

4860 Steve Spurrier Way, Ste. 10, Gainesville, FL 32608

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Across Street from Regal Cinema at Celebration Pointe
  • Neighborhood
    Gainesville
  • Hours of operation
    Mon, Tue, Thu, Sun 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $50 and over
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary Asian, French / Japanese, Cocktail Bar
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Free Parking Lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Xiaoqian Hu
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, High Tea, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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