Chef Deniz Sezer

Chef At Home In Sf

Passionate and skilled private chef with over 13 years of experience working in world-renowned Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels. I have honed my craft in prestigious 3-star Michelin establishments, including Quique Dacosta in Spain and Osteria Francescana in Italy, as well as at Sorrel in San Francisco and La Cabra in Spain. My culinary journey has taken me from the finest kitchens in Europe to the dynamic food scene of the Bay Area.

Currently, I am the Executive Chef and Owner of Bistro Ember in San Francisco, where I have been leading the kitchen for the past 2.5 years. My cooking style is a fusion of Turkish, Mediterranean, Asian, and Californian influences, focusing on vibrant, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients.

I take pride in creating elevated, memorable dining experiences tailored to my clients' tastes and preferences. Whether it's an intimate dinner or a festive gathering, I bring a unique blend of tradition and modernity to every dish, ensuring a culinary experience that leaves a lasting impression. Let me bring the art of fine dining to your home!

For me, cooking is...

For me, cooking is a passion-driven art, blending tradition and innovation to create unforgettable experiences.

I learned to cook at...

I learned to cook from my family, embracing Turkish flavors, and later honed my skills at Michelin-starred kitchens like Quique Dacosta and Osteria Fr

A cooking secret...

My secret in the kitchen is balancing tradition with creativity to craft unforgettable flavors.

My menus

THE SPICE OF CALIFORNIA: AN INDIAN-CALIFORNIAN TASTING EXPERIENCE

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Mini Samosa Cones – Spiced potato & peas in crisp phyllo cones, mint chutney

Tandoori Deviled Eggs – Egg yolk with yogurt, garam masala, mustard seed oil

Paneer Caprese Skewers – Marinated paneer, heirloom tomato, basil, tamarind glaze

Mini Dosa Taco Shells – Coconut dosa crisps filled with mango slaw

Cauliflower Poppers – Tandoori-roasted florets, cilantro crema

Spiced Grape & Cheese Skewers – Black grapes, chili salt, local cheese

Pani Puri Bites – Crisp shells filled with avocado mash, spiced tamarind water pearls

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Grilled Peach & Paneer Salad – Arugula, pistachio, lime-honey vinaigrette

Coconut Curry Corn Soup – Sweet corn, coconut milk, ginger, Thai basil oil

Tandoori Chicken Skewer – Yogurt-marinated chicken, slaw, cilantro aioli

Burrata Chaat – Creamy burrata, crispy papdi, chutneys, microgreens

Aloo Tikki Chaat – Spiced potato cakes, yogurt, tamarind

Lamb Kofta – Mint yogurt, pickled onions

Spiced Beet Tartare – Finely chopped beets, cumin, orange zest, avocado purée

Crispy Shrimp Pakora – Bay shrimp, chickpea batter, curry leaf aioli

Eggplant Fries – Lightly battered, turmeric-lime yogurt dip

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Coconut Curry Halibut – Wilted greens, lemon rice

Tamarind BBQ Short Ribs – Slow-braised, served with spiced sweet potato mash

Chili-Garlic Prawns – Basmati rice, stir-fried vegetables, sesame, and curry leaf

Tandoori Tofu – Basmati rice, pickled cabbage, cilantro tahini

Goan-Spiced Grilled Chicken – Coconut-chili marinade, herb salad, avocado raita

Aloo Gobi "Steak" – Cauliflower steak, cumin mashed potatoes, tomato curry drizzle

Vegetable Kofta in Coconut Gravy – Served with lemon basmati rice

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Masala Chai Panna Cotta – Cardamom cream, cinnamon dust

Chai-Spiced Rice Pudding – Poached raisins, almond crumble

Chocolate-Garam Masala Cake – Dark chocolate, flaky salt, pistachio

TASTE OF THE SEASON: A MODERN ITALIAN TASTING EXPERIENCE

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Smoked Eggplant Arancini: Crispy risotto balls filled with smoked eggplant and feta, served with roasted red pepper aioli

Lamb Kofta Sliders: Mini lamb patties with sumac onions, tahini yogurt, and pickled cucumber on soft brioche

Grilled Halloumi Skewers: Seared halloumi, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with pomegranate molasses

King Prawns Crostini, creamy mushroom, chives

Truffle Hummus Tart: Creamy truffle hummus in a crispy filo cup with roasted garlic and fresh herbs

Chili-Spiced Octopus Bite: Tender octopus marinated in harissa, served on a crisp polenta disk with preserved lemon. (GF)

Mushroom Bruschetta: Toasted ciabatta with creamy porcini mousse, black truffle oil, and Parmesan crisps. (VG)

Burrata with Charred Peppers: Creamy burrata with roasted bell peppers, basil oil, and aged balsamic drizzle. (VG, GF)

Salmon Carpaccio: Thinly sliced cured salmon, citrus segments, fennel salad, and Sicilian olive oil. (GF)

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Whipped Feta with Roasted Beets: Creamy whipped feta, honey-drizzled roasted beets, pistachio crumble, and orange zest

Chilled Cucumber Avocado Soup: Silky cucumber and avocado puree, dill oil, and a hint of green chili. (VG, GF)

Saffron Lobster Risotto: Creamy carnaroli rice with poached lobster, saffron, and chive

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Seared Branzino with Fennel: Pan-seared Mediterranean sea bass, fennel purée, roasted cherry tomatoes, and lemon caper sauce. (GF)

Pistachio-Crusted Lamb Chops: Grilled lamb with pistachio crust, roasted garlic mash, and balsamic reduction

Veal Saltimbocca: Tender veal medallions wrapped in prosciutto, sage, and a light Marsala reduction

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Tiramisu in the Air: Pick, Dip, and Wow! Espresso-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and sabayon

Chocolate Mousse Cake: zesty lemon curd, fresh citrus segments, berry sorbet, dark chocolate sauce, hazelnut

Cheesecake Stone fruits, madacasgar vanilla ice cream, citrus

OMAKASE / SUSHI MENU

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Chawanmushi Silky steamed egg custard with seasonal seafood and mushrooms

A5 Wagyu Tataki Lightly seared Japanese Wagyu beef with ponzu sauce and grated daikon

Smoked Uni Toast Smoked sea urchin atop crispy rice cracker with a hint of yuzu

Spicy Tuna Tartlet Spicy tuna and avocado nestled in a crispy nori shell

NORI CAESAR little gem, crispy anchovy, parmesan

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Hamachi Jalapeño Thinly sliced yellowtail with jalapeño, cilantro, and yuzu soy

Miso-Marinated Black Cod Tender black cod fillet marinated in sweet miso, then broiled to perfection

Shiitake Gyoza Pan-seared dumplings filled with shiitake mushrooms and served with truffle soy, bok choy

RIB-EYE KATSU SANDO Breaded Certified Rare Angus Beef Sandwich, Au Jus, Cabbage with Ginger Dressing

SEARED SCALLOP Maine Scallop, Corn Puree, Brown Butter Soy Cream

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Omakase Nigiri Selection Chef’s choice of seasonal 3 piece of nigiri, highlighting the freshest fish

Sashimi Trio An assortment of three types of sashimi, showcasing different textures and flavors

Signature Rolls: Rainbow roll, tuna roll, vegetable roll

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Matcha Tiramisu A Japanese twist on the classic Italian dessert, infused with green tea

Black Sesame Panna Cotta Creamy panna cotta infused with roasted black sesame, topped with a hint of caramel

Anatolian Sunsets: A Seasonal Journey from East to West

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Menemen Crostını: Turkish summer tomato ,pepper and onion scramble egg, tulum cheese crumble, crispy bagette bread

Lentil Köfte Lettuce Wraps – Red lentils, fine bulgur, pomegranate tahini, crispy shallots

Babaganush & Tomato Bruschetta

Pickled Melon & Feta Skewer – Compressed melon, feta cube, Aleppo chili honey drizzle

Mini Lahmacun Crisp – Spiced lamb on a cracker-thin crust, herbs, and sumac onions (DF)

Sujuk-Stuffed Dates – Wrapped in eggplant, labneh drizzle, mint oil (GF)

Crispy Sprill Roll: Feta cheese, spinach, sweet chili

Charred Corn & Chili Hummus Tartlets – Smoked paprika oil, pickled onion (VG)

Halloumi Skewer – Grilled stone fruit, pistachio dukkah, chili honey (GF, VG)

Zucchini Fritters: With carrot labneh dipping sauce

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Summer Peach & Tomato Salad – Goat cheese mousse, za’atar croutons, basil oil

Cucumber-Yogurt Cold Soup – Smoked yoghurt, Barley, mint oil, pickled onion (GF, V)

Aegean Octopus Ceviche – Citrus-cured octopus, grilled corn, tomato water vinaigrette

Manti “Ravioli” – Filled with summer mushrooms & ricotta, tomato-lamb jus, smoked yogurt

Calamari with Harissa Butter – Served over green lentil tabbouleh (GF, DF)

Roasted Stone Fruit with Halloumi – Mint gremolata, walnut molasses, charred red onions (GF, VG)

Stuffed Summer Squash – Turkish-style rice and herbs, Sungold tomato sauce, crispy chickpeas (V, GF)

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Sumac-Grilled Branzino – Peach chutney, slow barised baby fennel, lemon olive oil

Ribeye with Aleppo Jus – Smoked potato purée, red plum, pickled shallot

Lamb Chops French fınger potato purée, Blackberry Lamb jus, honey glazed summer vegatables, chili oil

Falafel Kebab Bell Pepper, sweet onion, cherry tomato, tahini amba sauce, toasted sesame dukkah V

Stuffed Cabbage: Stuffed with chickpea, baldo rice, turkish spices, pine nut, golden raisin, serving with creamy yoghurt sauce, sundried pepper pasta sauce

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Tiramisu in the Air: Pick, Dip, and Wow! Espresso-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and sabayon

Turkish Coffee Chocolate Cake : strawberry sorbet, hazelnut, salted caramel, Turkish coffee sauce

Coconut Panna Cotta: Almond Biscuit Crumble, Peach Coulis, Shaved Peach ice

THE SPICE OF CALIFORNIA: AN INDIAN-CALIFORNIAN TASTING EXPERIENCE

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Mini Samosa Cones – Spiced potato & peas in crisp phyllo cones, mint chutney

Tandoori Deviled Eggs – Egg yolk with yogurt, garam masala, mustard seed oil

Paneer Caprese Skewers – Marinated paneer, heirloom tomato, basil, tamarind glaze

Mini Dosa Taco Shells – Coconut dosa crisps filled with mango slaw

Cauliflower Poppers – Tandoori-roasted florets, cilantro crema

Spiced Grape & Cheese Skewers – Black grapes, chili salt, local cheese

Pani Puri Bites – Crisp shells filled with avocado mash, spiced tamarind water pearls

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Grilled Peach & Paneer Salad – Arugula, pistachio, lime-honey vinaigrette

Coconut Curry Corn Soup – Sweet corn, coconut milk, ginger, Thai basil oil

Tandoori Chicken Skewer – Yogurt-marinated chicken, slaw, cilantro aioli

Burrata Chaat – Creamy burrata, crispy papdi, chutneys, microgreens

Aloo Tikki Chaat – Spiced potato cakes, yogurt, tamarind

Lamb Kofta – Mint yogurt, pickled onions

Spiced Beet Tartare – Finely chopped beets, cumin, orange zest, avocado purée

Crispy Shrimp Pakora – Bay shrimp, chickpea batter, curry leaf aioli

Eggplant Fries – Lightly battered, turmeric-lime yogurt dip

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Coconut Curry Halibut – Wilted greens, lemon rice

Tamarind BBQ Short Ribs – Slow-braised, served with spiced sweet potato mash

Chili-Garlic Prawns – Basmati rice, stir-fried vegetables, sesame, and curry leaf

Tandoori Tofu – Basmati rice, pickled cabbage, cilantro tahini

Goan-Spiced Grilled Chicken – Coconut-chili marinade, herb salad, avocado raita

Aloo Gobi "Steak" – Cauliflower steak, cumin mashed potatoes, tomato curry drizzle

Vegetable Kofta in Coconut Gravy – Served with lemon basmati rice

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Masala Chai Panna Cotta – Cardamom cream, cinnamon dust

Chai-Spiced Rice Pudding – Poached raisins, almond crumble

Chocolate-Garam Masala Cake – Dark chocolate, flaky salt, pistachio

TASTE OF THE SEASON: A MODERN ITALIAN TASTING EXPERIENCE

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Smoked Eggplant Arancini: Crispy risotto balls filled with smoked eggplant and feta, served with roasted red pepper aioli

Lamb Kofta Sliders: Mini lamb patties with sumac onions, tahini yogurt, and pickled cucumber on soft brioche

Grilled Halloumi Skewers: Seared halloumi, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with pomegranate molasses

King Prawns Crostini, creamy mushroom, chives

Truffle Hummus Tart: Creamy truffle hummus in a crispy filo cup with roasted garlic and fresh herbs

Chili-Spiced Octopus Bite: Tender octopus marinated in harissa, served on a crisp polenta disk with preserved lemon. (GF)

Mushroom Bruschetta: Toasted ciabatta with creamy porcini mousse, black truffle oil, and Parmesan crisps. (VG)

Burrata with Charred Peppers: Creamy burrata with roasted bell peppers, basil oil, and aged balsamic drizzle. (VG, GF)

Salmon Carpaccio: Thinly sliced cured salmon, citrus segments, fennel salad, and Sicilian olive oil. (GF)

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Whipped Feta with Roasted Beets: Creamy whipped feta, honey-drizzled roasted beets, pistachio crumble, and orange zest

Chilled Cucumber Avocado Soup: Silky cucumber and avocado puree, dill oil, and a hint of green chili. (VG, GF)

Saffron Lobster Risotto: Creamy carnaroli rice with poached lobster, saffron, and chive

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Seared Branzino with Fennel: Pan-seared Mediterranean sea bass, fennel purée, roasted cherry tomatoes, and lemon caper sauce. (GF)

Pistachio-Crusted Lamb Chops: Grilled lamb with pistachio crust, roasted garlic mash, and balsamic reduction

Veal Saltimbocca: Tender veal medallions wrapped in prosciutto, sage, and a light Marsala reduction

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Tiramisu in the Air: Pick, Dip, and Wow! Espresso-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and sabayon

Chocolate Mousse Cake: zesty lemon curd, fresh citrus segments, berry sorbet, dark chocolate sauce, hazelnut

Cheesecake Stone fruits, madacasgar vanilla ice cream, citrus

OMAKASE / SUSHI MENU

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Chawanmushi Silky steamed egg custard with seasonal seafood and mushrooms

A5 Wagyu Tataki Lightly seared Japanese Wagyu beef with ponzu sauce and grated daikon

Smoked Uni Toast Smoked sea urchin atop crispy rice cracker with a hint of yuzu

Spicy Tuna Tartlet Spicy tuna and avocado nestled in a crispy nori shell

NORI CAESAR little gem, crispy anchovy, parmesan

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Hamachi Jalapeño Thinly sliced yellowtail with jalapeño, cilantro, and yuzu soy

Miso-Marinated Black Cod Tender black cod fillet marinated in sweet miso, then broiled to perfection

Shiitake Gyoza Pan-seared dumplings filled with shiitake mushrooms and served with truffle soy, bok choy

RIB-EYE KATSU SANDO Breaded Certified Rare Angus Beef Sandwich, Au Jus, Cabbage with Ginger Dressing

SEARED SCALLOP Maine Scallop, Corn Puree, Brown Butter Soy Cream

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Omakase Nigiri Selection Chef’s choice of seasonal 3 piece of nigiri, highlighting the freshest fish

Sashimi Trio An assortment of three types of sashimi, showcasing different textures and flavors

Signature Rolls: Rainbow roll, tuna roll, vegetable roll

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Matcha Tiramisu A Japanese twist on the classic Italian dessert, infused with green tea

Black Sesame Panna Cotta Creamy panna cotta infused with roasted black sesame, topped with a hint of caramel

Anatolian Sunsets: A Seasonal Journey from East to West

STARTER

Choose 2 dishes

Menemen Crostını: Turkish summer tomato ,pepper and onion scramble egg, tulum cheese crumble, crispy bagette bread

Lentil Köfte Lettuce Wraps – Red lentils, fine bulgur, pomegranate tahini, crispy shallots

Babaganush & Tomato Bruschetta

Pickled Melon & Feta Skewer – Compressed melon, feta cube, Aleppo chili honey drizzle

Mini Lahmacun Crisp – Spiced lamb on a cracker-thin crust, herbs, and sumac onions (DF)

Sujuk-Stuffed Dates – Wrapped in eggplant, labneh drizzle, mint oil (GF)

Crispy Sprill Roll: Feta cheese, spinach, sweet chili

Charred Corn & Chili Hummus Tartlets – Smoked paprika oil, pickled onion (VG)

Halloumi Skewer – Grilled stone fruit, pistachio dukkah, chili honey (GF, VG)

Zucchini Fritters: With carrot labneh dipping sauce

FIRST COURSE

Choose 2 dishes

Summer Peach & Tomato Salad – Goat cheese mousse, za’atar croutons, basil oil

Cucumber-Yogurt Cold Soup – Smoked yoghurt, Barley, mint oil, pickled onion (GF, V)

Aegean Octopus Ceviche – Citrus-cured octopus, grilled corn, tomato water vinaigrette

Manti “Ravioli” – Filled with summer mushrooms & ricotta, tomato-lamb jus, smoked yogurt

Calamari with Harissa Butter – Served over green lentil tabbouleh (GF, DF)

Roasted Stone Fruit with Halloumi – Mint gremolata, walnut molasses, charred red onions (GF, VG)

Stuffed Summer Squash – Turkish-style rice and herbs, Sungold tomato sauce, crispy chickpeas (V, GF)

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Sumac-Grilled Branzino – Peach chutney, slow barised baby fennel, lemon olive oil

Ribeye with Aleppo Jus – Smoked potato purée, red plum, pickled shallot

Lamb Chops French fınger potato purée, Blackberry Lamb jus, honey glazed summer vegatables, chili oil

Falafel Kebab Bell Pepper, sweet onion, cherry tomato, tahini amba sauce, toasted sesame dukkah V

Stuffed Cabbage: Stuffed with chickpea, baldo rice, turkish spices, pine nut, golden raisin, serving with creamy yoghurt sauce, sundried pepper pasta sauce

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Tiramisu in the Air: Pick, Dip, and Wow! Espresso-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone, and sabayon

Turkish Coffee Chocolate Cake : strawberry sorbet, hazelnut, salted caramel, Turkish coffee sauce

Coconut Panna Cotta: Almond Biscuit Crumble, Peach Coulis, Shaved Peach ice