A Sushi Chef is trained in Japanese cuisine and prepares different kinds of rolls and plates. Other duties include preparing sauces, selecting ingredients, storing food, maintaining supplies, creating menus, training staff, and designing sushi plates.
$20.00-$30.00 per hour DOE (commensurate with experience)
Schedule:
Wednesday through Sunday Evenings, weekends & holidays About Five Senses Modern Japanese Five Senses Modern Japanese is a family-owned restaurant in Calistoga focused on thoughtful Japanese cuisine, high-quality ingredients, refined presentation, and genuine hospitality. We are a small, hands-on team, which means every person plays an important role in the guest experience. We are looking for a Sushi Chef who takes pride in their craft, understands the importance of consistency and precision, and wants to contribute to a professional but welcoming restaurant environment. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced sushi professional as well as a motivated cook looking to further develop their skills in sushi and Japanese cuisine. Position Overview The Sushi Chef / Sushi Cook is responsible for the preparation and execution of sushi, sashimi, rolls, and other Japanese-inspired menu items while maintaining Five Senses' standards for quality, presentation, cleanliness, and efficiency. The ideal candidate is comfortable working with fresh fish and other delicate ingredients, has strong attention to detail, takes pride in their knife skills, and can maintain consistency during a busy service. This position may also interact directly with guests seated at the sushi bar, so professionalism, communication, and hospitality are important parts of the role. Key Responsibilities Sushi & Food Preparation Prepare sushi, sashimi, nigiri, specialty rolls, appetizers, and other menu items according to Five Senses recipes and presentation standards Properly receive, inspect, portion, cut, store, and handle fresh fish and seafood Perform precise knife work appropriate to the product and menu Prepare sushi rice and maintain proper rice quality, seasoning, temperature, and consistency Prepare sauces, garnishes, toppings, and other sushi-bar mise en place Maintain adequate mise en place throughout service to ensure smooth and efficient execution Follow established recipes, portion specifications, plating standards, and preparation procedures Maintain consistency in flavor, portion size, temperature, texture, and presentation Communicate with the kitchen and FOH team to ensure orders are executed accurately and efficiently Sushi Bar Operations Maintain a clean, organized, and properly stocked sushi station throughout the shift Set up and break down the sushi bar according to established opening and closing procedures Maintain proper organization and labeling of ingredients and prepared products Monitor product quality and freshness throughout service Properly rotate inventory using FIFO practices Minimize waste through accurate portioning, proper storage, and responsible product utilization Assist with daily inventory counts and communicate low-stock or quality concerns to management Help maintain appropriate par levels for fish, produce, sauces, rice, and other sushi-bar ingredients Food Safety & Sanitation Follow all California food safety and sanitation requirements Maintain proper cold-holding and temperature-control procedures Prevent cross-contamination through proper food handling and storage Follow established procedures for cleaning and sanitizing knives, cutting boards, equipment, work surfaces, and the sushi bar Properly label and date food products Maintain a clean and sanitary workstation before, during, and after service Immediately communicate any food-safety, product-quality, or equipment concerns to management Guest Experience Provide professional, friendly, and knowledgeable interaction with guests seated at the sushi bar Answer basic questions about menu items and ingredients when appropriate Demonstrate professionalism and composure during busy service periods Maintain a clean and welcoming sushi-bar presentation Support the restaurant's overall commitment to hospitality and guest satisfaction Teamwork & Professionalism Work collaboratively with the kitchen, FOH, management, and other sushi-bar team members Communicate clearly and respectfully during service Assist teammates when your station is caught up and additional support is needed Maintain a positive, dependable, and professional attitude Arrive prepared and on time for scheduled shifts Follow Five Senses' recipes, procedures, and service standards Be willing to learn and continuously improve technique and product knowledge QualificationsRequired Previous restaurant or professional kitchen experience Basic to intermediate knife skills Strong attention to detail Ability to follow recipes, procedures, and portion specifications Understanding of basic food safety and sanitation Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced restaurant environment Ability to maintain organization and cleanliness throughout service California Food Handler Card, or ability to obtain one within the required timeframe Reliable transportation and dependable attendance Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 40 lbs. Preferred Previous sushi or Japanese restaurant experience Experience cutting and preparing raw fish Experience preparing nigiri, sashimi, maki, and specialty rolls Strong sushi knife skills Experience preparing sushi rice Knowledge of Japanese ingredients and culinary techniques Experience working directly with guests at a sushi bar Knowledge of proper fish handling, storage, and product rotation Familiarity with high-volume or fine-dining/high-end casual service We are open to training the right candidate. If you have strong kitchen fundamentals, a great work ethic, attention to detail, and a genuine interest in learning sushi, we encourage you to apply. What Success Looks Like in This Role A successful Sushi Chef / Sushi Cook at
Five Senses:
Produces consistent, visually appealing food every service Handles fish and other ingredients with care and precision Keeps their station clean, organized, and properly stocked Maintains strong food-safety practices without compromising speed Controls portions and minimizes unnecessary waste Communicates effectively with the rest of the team Remains calm and focused during busy services Takes ownership of their station and responsibilities Treats guests and coworkers with professionalism and respect Continuously looks for ways to improve technique, efficiency, and execution What We Offer $20-$30 per hour, depending on experience and skill level Full-time employment Opportunity to develop and advance your sushi and Japanese culinary skills Hands-on experience with a quality-focused Japanese menu Supportive, close-knit team environment Opportunity to work directly with management and develop your culinary career A restaurant environment where craftsmanship, hospitality, and attention to detail are valued Work Environment This position works primarily in a professional restaurant kitchen and sushi-bar environment. The role requires frequent standing, bending, reaching, lifting, and working with sharp knives and other kitchen equipment. The position may involve exposure to cold temperatures, raw seafood, hot kitchen equipment, restaurant noise, and a fast-paced service environment. Evening, weekend, and holiday availability is required. Equal Opportunity Employer Five Senses Modern Japanese is an equal opportunity employer. We make employment decisions based on business needs, job requirements, qualifications, experience, and performance and do not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
