THE DISCIPLINE OF EDOMAE. A VOICE OF HIS OWN.
Chef Jason Sen Li’s most significant recent influences are Yoshitaka Ishibuchi of Sushi Sanshin, Osaka’s internationally acclaimed sushi counter, and Soshi Satani of Soshi in Hiroshima. Both have taught him directly, sharing advanced techniques and signature preparations that have deepened his understanding of sushi.
At Sushi Kinsen in Redwood City, his seasonal omakase reveals each ingredient’s fullest natural flavor through precise technique and restrained creativity. With his mentors’ encouragement, he draws on that foundation to express a style distinctly his own, paying particular tribute to Ishibuchi.
Sunny Noah, who has worked with leading Bay Area chefs and founded Ren, Iki, and Tancho, affectionately calls Jason a “sushi nerd.” He has followed his chefs from their early days at the counter and knows their training, influences, and work through preparation and service. In his view, Jason’s Edomae knowledge and command of demanding preparations set him apart among the chefs at these restaurants and Kinsen—a judgment shared by many chefs and seasoned connoisseurs who have dined across these restaurants and leading sushi counters worldwide.
At Kinsen, Sunny serves as Jason’s consultant and personal supporter, with no ownership interest.
Reservations & Important Notes
Hours & Seating
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday–Sunday
5:30 PM & 8:00 PM · Up to 10 guests per seating
Closed Monday and Thursday.
Walk-ins
Limited walk-ins before each seating, with the best availability on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Not guaranteed.
Corkage
* Up to 750 ml: $65 per bottle
* 751–1,800 ml: $125 per bottle
* Fourth bottle onward, per party: standard corkage plus $50 per bottle
Late Arrivals
Service begins promptly. A 15-minute grace period applies; later arrivals may be declined or receive a shortened service with missed courses. Allow extra time for traffic and parking, especially for the 5:30 PM seating.
Cancellations & Reservation Changes
Cancellation fees per guest, based on notice before your seating:
* More than 48 hours: No charge
* More than 24 hours, up to 48 hours: $100
* 24 hours or less, or no-show: $235 (full menu price)
Rescheduling or transferring a reservation requires at least 48 hours’ notice.
Dress Code
Business casual; elegant attire encouraged.
Children
Mature children comfortable with the full omakase experience are welcome. Not recommended for young children.
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible. Contact us in advance for accessibility assistance.
Private Events & Buyouts
Contact sushikinsen@gmail.com.
Dietary Restrictions & Allergies
Our fixed Edomae menu allows limited adjustments. We cannot accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, fish-free, seafood-free, or extensive shellfish-free requests.
Minor adjustments for sensitivities may be possible with advance notice. Substitutions are not guaranteed.
Severe allergies: contact us before booking. Our menu and shared preparation areas may prevent safe accommodation.
Consumer Advisory
Consuming raw or undercooked seafood or eggs may increase the risk of foodborne illness, especially for individuals with certain medical conditions.
Our dishes include these ingredients and may contain or come into contact with dairy, eggs, soy, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish.
