Sushi Cook

Job DetailsSushi Cook – Opening Team

SK Hospitality Group | Yamasaki

Location: Financial District, New York City
Opening Target: April 2026

SK Hospitality Group is seeking skilled, disciplined, and hospitality-minded Sushi Cooks to join the opening team of Yamasaki , a highly anticipated, design-forward upscale Asian restaurant located in the heart of the Financial District, moments from the New York Stock Exchange.

Yamasaki will offer a refined, modern dining experience that thoughtfully embraces Japanese and broader Asian culinary culture through elevated cuisine, intentional presentation, precision, technique, and warm hospitality. Rooted in respect for tradition while designed for a sophisticated New York audience, Yamasaki will celebrate the richness of Asian cuisine in a polished, contemporary setting.

We are seeking Sushi Cooks who have required experience working with Japanese or Asian cuisine , strong knife skills, a deep respect for ingredients, and the ability to execute clean, consistent, and visually refined dishes. Candidates must be comfortable working in a high-volume upscale restaurant environment while maintaining precision, organization, and attention to detail.

This is an opportunity to be part of a flagship opening and contribute to establishing a best-in-class culinary program from inception.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee dining and retail discounts

Position Overview

As a Sushi Cook at Yamasaki, you will play an important role in preparing and executing sushi, sashimi, rolls, composed plates, and other Japanese and Asian-inspired menu items with precision, consistency, and respect for tradition.

This role requires prior experience in a Japanese, sushi, or Asian restaurant concept , along with strong knowledge of sushi preparation, fish handling, knife work, rice preparation, station organization, and food safety standards. Sushi Cooks must be able to work cleanly and efficiently while supporting the culinary team in delivering an upscale, polished guest experience.

The ideal candidate is focused, disciplined, detail-oriented, composed under pressure, and passionate about Japanese and Asian cuisine. This role is best suited for someone who understands the importance of technique, timing, cleanliness, presentation, and consistency in a refined restaurant environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare sushi, sashimi, rolls, nigiri, and other Japanese and Asian-inspired dishes according to Yamasaki standards
• Handle, portion, slice, and prepare fish and seafood with precision, care, and proper food safety practices
• Prepare and maintain sushi rice, garnishes, sauces, mise en place, and station setup for service
• Execute menu items consistently with attention to flavor, texture, temperature, presentation, and timing
• Maintain strong knife skills and proper handling of Japanese ingredients, seafood, produce, and specialty items
• Uphold standards rooted in Japanese culinary discipline, including cleanliness, organization, precision, and respect for ingredients
• Work closely with chefs, sous chefs, and fellow kitchen team members to ensure smooth service execution
• Maintain a clean, organized, and fully stocked sushi station throughout service
• Follow recipes, portion standards, plating guidelines, and preparation procedures accurately
• Support prep, opening, service, breakdown, and closing responsibilities as assigned
• Monitor product quality, freshness, storage, labeling, and rotation
• Communicate effectively with culinary leadership regarding prep needs, product levels, quality concerns, and service flow
• Follow all health, safety, sanitation, food handling, and company standards
• Contribute to a respectful, collaborative, and team-driven kitchen culture
• Participate in training, menu education, and ongoing development related to Japanese and Asian cuisine

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience as a Sushi Cook, Sushi Prep Cook, Sushi Chef Assistant, or similar role required
• Prior experience working in a Japanese, sushi, or Asian restaurant concept is required
• Experience in upscale, high-volume, fine dining, omakase, sushi, izakaya, or Asian-fusion restaurants strongly preferred
• Strong knife skills and knowledge of sushi, sashimi, rolls, nigiri, fish handling, and sushi rice preparation required
• Understanding of seafood quality, freshness, storage, portioning, and safe handling practices
• Appreciation for Japanese and Asian cuisine, culinary traditions, ingredients, and presentation
• Ability to follow recipes, plating standards, and preparation guidelines with consistency
• Strong attention to detail, cleanliness, organization, and time management
• Ability to work efficiently and calmly in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with culinary and service teams
• Familiarity with DOH food safety standards required
• Food Handler’s Certification preferred or required upon hire
• Professional, reliable, disciplined, and team-oriented approach to kitchen operations

Work Environment & Expectations

• Fast-paced, high-volume upscale Asian restaurant kitchen
• Evening, weekend, and holiday availability required
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, lift, and work for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry kitchen supplies, food products, and equipment as needed
• Ability to work with raw fish, shellfish, seafood, sharp knives, and kitchen equipment safely
• Maintain a clean, professional, and food-safe appearance at all times
• Ability to maintain composure, precision, and consistency under pressure
• Commitment to respecting and celebrating Japanese and Asian culinary culture
• Willingness to participate in ongoing culinary training, menu education, and opening team development

Required Skills

• Sushi Preparation
• Japanese & Asian Cuisine Experience
• Fish Handling
• Knife Skills
• Sashimi & Nigiri Preparation
• Sushi Rice Preparation
• Rolls & Composed Plates
• Seafood Quality & Freshness
• Mise en Place
• Food Safety & Sanitation
• Plating & Presentation
• Cleanliness & Organization
• Time Management
• High-Volume Service
• Teamwork & Communication
• Attention to Detail
• Respect for Ingredients

Join SK Hospitality Group in launching Yamasaki , a premier upscale Asian dining destination bringing refined Japanese and Asian culinary culture, thoughtful hospitality, and elevated cuisine to New York City’s Financial District.