Chef Nick Yoon has launched Whisper, a new Asian fusion brunch spot in San Mateo, drawing on his experience from Sweet Maple. The restaurant offers innovative dishes blending Korean and Western flavors. It occupies the former space of Wursthall and operates by reservation only.
Nick Yoon, a Korean-born chef and former executive chef at Sweet Maple, opened Whisper on Baldwin Avenue in San Mateo. Sweet Maple, known for its sweet-spicy Millionaire’s Bacon, has locations in Palo Alto, Cupertino, Walnut Creek, and San Francisco. Yoon's background includes roles as head chef at the Ritz Carlton, JW Marriott, and W Hotel, as well as executive chef at Surisan in San Francisco.
The restaurant, described as airy and filled with natural light, specializes in Asian-fusion brunch. Menu highlights include Gogi Morning, featuring eggs Benedict with beef bulgogi, caramelized onions, lemon hollandaise, galbi sauce, and a croissant base for $25. Other options are Gochujang Fried Chicken, boneless pieces fried with sugar dust, glazed in gochujang, and topped with sesame and parsley for $14; Nori Pasta for $26; Bone Marrow Cioppino for $39; and Seafood Jjambbong Pasta for $29.
Manager Jayden Lin highlighted the Kimchi Carbonara as his favorite, a $26 pasta dish with kimchi, bulgogi, and creamy white sauce. Whisper began with a soft opening on January 22 and currently serves brunch from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on weekdays and 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends. Dinner service is planned soon, from 5 to 9 p.m. daily, with a similar menu excluding omelets and Benedicts.
Lin emphasized the venue's atmosphere: “We’re trying to create a warm, welcoming environment.” The space previously housed Wursthall, which closed in September, while the downstairs speakeasy Wunderbar has reopened. Reservations are required, and more details are available at whisperfusion.com.