SUSHI CHEF

Job Title: Sushi Chef

We are seeking a skilled and passionate Sushi Chef to join our culinary team. The Sushi Chef will prepare high-quality nigiri, sashimi, maki, and other Japanese-inspired dishes, maintain kitchen cleanliness, ensure food safety, and uphold the restaurant’s standards of presentation and taste. The ideal candidate combines technical expertise with creativity, works well in a fast-paced environment, and maintains a positive, team-oriented attitude.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare and present sushi (nigiri, sashimi, maki, temaki) and Japanese-inspired dishes to the restaurant’s standards for taste, texture, and visual appeal.

• Select, portion, and portion-control fish and other ingredients; handle fish with proper techniques and hygiene.

• Maintain knife skills, mise en place, and production flow for lunch and dinner service.

• Monitor quality and freshness of all ingredients; communicate ingredient needs to the head chef or purchasing staff.

• Create and update seasonal or specialty rolls and daily specials in collaboration with the head chef.

• Ensure proper food safety, sanitation, and HACCP compliance; maintain a clean and organized workstation.

• Collaborate with the kitchen team to coordinate timing and plating for service, ensuring timely delivery of courses.

• Train and supervise junior sushi staff and prep cooks; provide constructive feedback and mentorship.

• Maintain inventory, label and rotate stock, and minimize waste.

Requirements:

• Proven experience as a sushi chef or senior line cook with a strong sushi background (minimum 2–4 years preferred; more for upscale concepts).

• Expertise in fish handling, knife work (e.g., santoku, yanagiba, deba), and precise portioning.

• Knowledge of traditional and contemporary sushi preparation techniques and presentation.

• Familiarity with food safety standards, HACCP, and sanitation practices.

• Ability to work at a fast pace during peak hours while maintaining quality and precision.

• Excellent organizational, time-management, and teamwork skills.

• Strong communication skills and a positive, professional attitude.

Education and Experience:

• Culinary diploma or degree preferred, but not mandatory with demonstrated sushi credentials.

• Certification in food safety or ServSafe or equivalent is a plus.

Physical Demands:

• Must stand for extended periods; frequent bending, kneeling, and repetitive motions.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds; frequent handling of cold ingredients and equipment.

Working Conditions:

• Typically requires exposure to heat, steam, and tall stacked ingredients in a busy kitchen.

• Evening, weekend, and holiday shifts may be required depending on the restaurant schedule.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

• Bonus/incentive opportunities, if applicable.

• Health/dental/vision benefits, paid time off, staff meals, and opportunities for advancement.

Job Advertisement Sample (short posting)

Job Title: Sushi Chef

Location: [City, State]

We are a [type of restaurant, e.g., modern Japanese-inspired concept] seeking a skilled Sushi Chef to join our culinary team. The ideal candidate has 2–4+ years of sushi experience, mastery of nigiri, sashimi, and maki, and a passion for creating beautiful, high-quality plates.

What you’ll do:

• Prepare and plate sushi and sashimi with precision and artistry.

• Maintain fresh, high-quality ingredients and manage proper fish handling.

• Collaborate with the kitchen team to deliver outstanding guest experiences.

• Train and mentor junior staff; uphold the highest standards of cleanliness and safety.

What we’re looking for:

• Proven sushi preparation experience; strong knife skills and knowledge of traditional and modern rolls.

• Commitment to food safety and sanitation.

• Ability to work calmly in a fast-paced environment and teamwork-oriented mindset.

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

We offer:

• Competitive pay, staff meals, and growth opportunities within a supportive kitchen.

• Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision) after eligibility.

• A dynamic work environment with room to creatively contribute to seasonal menus.

How to apply:

Send your resume and a brief cover letter highlighting your sushi specialties and availability to rockfishbali@gmail.com .

Optional variations you can adapt:

Emphasize cuisine style: “edomae-style nigiri,” “Omakase-focused,” “vegetarian/vegan sushi options.”

Highlight certifications: ServSafe, HACCP, Ocean Wise, sustainable seafood sourcing.

*Note if you’re seeking chef de partie-level leadership or junior-support roles.