Crafting a standout sushi chef resume can be the key to landing a position in this highly specialized culinary field.

With an emphasis on precision, creativity, and technique, an excellent resume should showcase not only your experience but also your mastery of traditional and modern sushi-making.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential sections to include to your sushi chef resume, offer examples of resume for inspiration, and provide expert tips to help your application stand out to hiring managers in this competitive industry.

Sushi chef resume examples

Master sushi chef resume sample

Experienced sushi chef resume template

Experienced sushi chef resume template
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Resume for a sushi chef | Plain text

Name: Kenji Takahashi
Location: San Francisco, CA
Phone: (415) 555-0134
Email: kenji.takahashi@gmail.com

Professional Summary

Highly skilled Itamae with 12+ years of experience in traditional Edomae-style sushi preparation, known for maintaining the highest standards of craftsmanship and artistry. Passionate about seasonal ingredients, knife techniques, and offering customers a memorable dining experience.

Work Experience

Itamae Sushi Chef | Sushi Ran

Sausalito, CA | January 2017 – Present

  • Spearhead the sushi bar operations at a Michelin-starred restaurant, consistently providing exceptional service to a high-end clientele.
  • Manage a team of junior chefs, ensuring adherence to traditional Japanese techniques and food safety standards.
  • Curate daily fish selections, working closely with fishmongers to ensure the freshest and highest quality seafood.
  • Develop innovative seasonal omakase menus while maintaining a focus on traditional methods.
  • Train and mentor staff on sushi preparation, knife handling, and ingredient sourcing.

Senior Sushi Chef | Ozumo

San Francisco, CA | August 2012 – December 2016

  • Led sushi preparation and presentation in a high-volume, contemporary Japanese restaurant in downtown San Francisco.
  • Collaborated with the head chef on seasonal sushi specials and menu items.
  • Ensured smooth operation of the sushi station during peak service hours.

Education

Tokyo Sushi Academy

Tokyo, Japan | Graduated in 2010

  • Specialization in Edomae Sushi and Traditional Japanese Culinary Arts

Skills

  • Expert-level knife skills (Yanagi, Usuba, Deba)
  • Fish filleting and butchering techniques
  • Advanced knowledge of sushi rice preparation
  • Menu development (omakase)
  • Team leadership and staff training
  • Fluent in English and Japanese

Certifications

  • ServSafe Food Handler Certification | National Restaurant Association – 2019
  • Certified Professional Sushi Chef | All Japan Association – 2018

Awards & Recognitions

  • Best Sushi Chef of the Year. San Francisco Magazine, 2023.
  • Michelin Star. Sushi Ran received its star in 2018 and retained it during my tenure.

Strong sides of this sushi chef resume:

  • Working at a Michelin-starred restaurant adds prestige and demonstrates a high level of skill.
  • Experience in managing a team and training junior chefs shows strong leadership and mentoring abilities.
  • Winning “Best Sushi Chef of the Year” and contributing to maintaining a Michelin Star sets Kenji apart as an elite professional.
How to properly format a resume for a sushi chef?
  • Choose a clean font that is easy to read, such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
  • Avoid decorative fonts, as they can distract from the content and make your document look less professional.
  • Use a font size between 10 and 12 points for the body text to maintain readability.
  • Your name and section headers can be slightly larger (14-16 points) to create a clear hierarchy.
  • For a sushi chef resume, aim for 1 page, unless you have an extensive career spanning many years.
  • Set page margins to about 1 inch on all sides and maintain consistent spacing between sections.
  • Employ bullet points to list duties and accomplishments under each job.
  • Save your application as a PDF to prevent issues that may arise from opening a Word document on different devices.

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Wakita sushi chef resume example

Sample sushi chef resume

Name: Hiroshi Nakamura
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Phone: (213) 555-0283
Email: hiroshi.nakamura@chefmail.com

Professional Summary

Wakita Sushi Chef with over 9 years of experience in crafting sushi using advanced techniques, while ensuring quality and presentation are prioritized. Specialized in authentic sushi-making, with a focus on maintaining traditional Japanese culinary values while embracing innovation.

Work Experience

Wakita Sushi Chef | Nobu Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA | February 2019 – Present

  • Operate the Wakita sushi station at Nobu, creating exquisite products for VIP clients, including custom and omakase dishes.
  • Meticulously source fresh fish from Japan and local markets, ensuring the best quality for premium customers.
  • Work directly with the executive chef on signature menu offerings and seasonal changes.
  • Train and supervise junior chefs in fish cutting and sushi presentation techniques.

Sushi Chef | Sugarfish by Nozawa

Los Angeles, CA | May 2015 – January 2019

  • Delivered high-quality sushi in a casual yet fast-paced environment, maintaining attention to detail and consistent presentation.
  • Developed strong relationships with suppliers to guarantee fresh seafood for daily service.
  • Assisted in menu design and seasonal offerings for the restaurant’s omakase-style menu.

Education

California Sushi Academy

Los Angeles, CA | Graduated in 2014

  • Specialization in Traditional Sushi Techniques and Seafood Sourcing

Skills

  • Proficiency in sushi knife techniques
  • Knowledge of traditional and modern sushi preparation
  • Time management in high-pressure environments
  • Strong attention to detail in presentation
  • Bilingual in Japanese and English

Key Projects

  • VIP Sushi Events. Hand-selected as one of the lead sushi chefs for exclusive, high-profile events at Nobu, including serving celebrities and international dignitaries.
  • Seasonal Omakase Innovation. Designed and launched a rotating seasonal omakase menu that emphasized sustainable seafood and locally-sourced ingredients.

Media & Appearances

  • Featured Chef on Netflix's "Chef’s Table: Sushi Edition" (2024), showcasing my unique approach to Wakita sushi preparation.
  • Interviewed for LA Weekly on the art of Wakita-style sushi and its influence on contemporary cuisine (2021).

Professional Affiliations

  • Member, Japanese Culinary Arts Foundation
  • Contributor, Sustainable Sushi Chefs Alliance

Here are a few reasons why this example of a sushi chef resume will impress recruiters:

  • Involvement in VIP events and seasonal omakase innovation reflects the ability to handle high-stakes projects with creative contributions.
  • Being featured on Netflix's “Chef’s Table” and interviewed by LA Weekly provides a strong validation of Hiroshi’s skills and uniqueness.
  • Proficiency in both Japanese and English is a valuable communication skill in international and diverse kitchen environments.
Should I choose a sushi chef resume objective or summary?

A sushi chef resume summary is ideal if you already have substantial experience as a sushi chef or in the culinary industry.

Sushi chef resume summary example:

Detail-oriented sushi chef with 8+ years of experience in traditional Japanese sushi preparation. Skilled in creating innovative sushi rolls, managing kitchen staff, and ensuring top-notch customer satisfaction. Passionate about using high-quality ingredients to deliver an authentic culinary experience.

A sushi chef resume objective is better if you are new to sushi-making or transitioning into this field.

  • It focuses on your career goals and how you plan to bring value to the employer. It's a great option for those who want to emphasize enthusiasm and a desire to grow in this role.

Sushi chef resume objective example:

Passionate and dedicated culinary professional seeking a chef position to apply my knowledge of sushi preparation and eagerness to learn traditional techniques. Committed to delivering high-quality dishes and exceptional customer service.

How to showcase your sushi chef resume skills?

Employers use the skills section of your sushi chef resume to quickly gauge whether you possess the necessary competencies for the job, making it a key factor in their hiring decision.

  • Hard skills are the technical abilities and specialized knowledge required for the job, often learned through training or experience.
  • Soft skills are interpersonal and behavioral traits that enable you to work well with others, manage time, and handle pressure effectively.

Hard skills for sushi chefs:

  • Knife handling and sharpening
  • Fish filleting and cutting techniques
  • Sushi rice preparation
  • Maki, nigiri, and sashimi creation
  • Ingredient selection and sourcing
  • Knowledge of Japanese cuisine and culinary traditions
  • Food safety and sanitation practices
  • Plating and presentation
  • Inventory management
  • Menu development

Soft skills for sushi chefs:

  • Attention to detail
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Time management
  • Team collaboration
  • Multitasking
  • Communication skills
  • Patience under pressure
  • Customer service orientation
  • Problem-solving
  • Adaptability

Sushi sous-chef resume sample

Sushi sous-chef resume template

Sushi sous-chef resume template
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Sushi sous-chef resume | Text version

Name: Ruriko Yoshida
Location: New York, NY
Phone: (917) 555-0129
Email: ruriko.yoshida@cheflife.com

Professional Summary

Sushi Sous-Chef with 5+ years of hands-on experience in fast-paced, fine-dining environments. Known for supporting the head chef in kitchen operations, training staff, and ensuring top-notch sushi quality. Adept at executing omakase services and ensuring smooth kitchen flow during peak hours.

Work Experience

Sushi Sous-Chef | Sushi Yasuda

New York, NY | March 2020 – Present

  • Assist the head chef in overseeing sushi bar operations, ensuring seamless execution of high-quality dishes.
  • Prepare sushi for both à la carte and omakase menus, ensuring consistent portioning and plating standards.
  • Supervise and train junior chefs on sushi-making techniques, cleanliness, and time management.
  • Collaborate with the head chef to source ingredients and create menu innovations.
  • Monitor inventory levels and place orders for seafood, produce, and supplies to ensure smooth daily operations.

Junior Sushi Chef | Sushi Nakazawa

New York, NY | June 2019 – February 2020

  • Assisted in all aspects of sushi preparation, including slicing, rice, and ingredient prep, under the guidance of Chef Nakazawa.
  • Contributed to daily mise en place, ensuring all stations were stocked and prepped for dinner service.
  • Participated in omakase menu preparations, incorporating seasonal ingredients.

Education

International Culinary Center

New York, NY | Graduated in 2019

  • Specialization in Japanese Cuisine and Sushi Techniques

Skills

  • Team leadership and kitchen management
  • Expertise in sushi rice preparation
  • Inventory control and ingredient sourcing
  • Fish filleting and knife skills
  • Fluent in English and conversational Japanese

Mentorship & Training

  • Developed and implemented an internal Sushi Training Program to onboard and educate new staff on proper techniques, food safety, and ingredient sourcing.
  • Mentored junior chefs, helping refine their sushi-making skills and preparing them for leadership roles within the kitchen.

Community Engagement

  • Participated in local culinary events, including NYC Restaurant Week and the Sustainable Seafood Expo, to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability in sushi preparation.
  • Led sushi workshops for aspiring chefs at the Institute of Culinary Education, teaching advanced knife skills and preparation techniques.

This sample sushi sous-chef resume is effective for several reasons:

  • As a sous-chef, Ruriko demonstrates strong operational management, ensuring the smooth flow of the kitchen during busy periods.
  • Creating a sushi training program and mentoring junior chefs showcases her ability to teach, train, and lead.
  • Involvement in culinary events adds a community-oriented aspect to this sushi chef resume, showing initiative beyond just kitchen duties.
What educational credentials should I add to my sushi sous-chef resume?

While many skills in sushi-making are developed through hands-on experience, having formal education or training can give you an edge. This sushi chef resume section shows that you have a solid foundation in food preparation and safety standards.

If you attended culinary school or completed a specific sushi-making or Japanese cuisine course, list the program’s name, the school or institution, and your graduation date.

  • Many restaurants require chefs to have food handling and safety certifications (e.g., ServSafe).
  • Mention any traditional sushi apprenticeship or specialized training under an experienced chef.
  • If you don’t have formal culinary education, include your high school diploma or equivalent.
How to organize the experience section in a sushi sous-chef resume?
  • List your experience starting with your most recent position and work backward.
  • Clearly state your job title (e.g., Sushi Chef, Line Cook) at the top of each entry.
  • Add the name of the restaurant or establishment where you worked, followed by its location (city, state).
  • Specify the dates you worked at each position, formatted as Month/Year.
  • Use bullet points to outline your key sushi chef responsibilities and accomplishments.

Whenever possible, include quantifiable results to demonstrate your impact.

Conclusion

A well-crafted sushi chef resume highlights your skills, experience, and passion for the art of sushi-making.

By tailoring your document to emphasize your unique strengths and following the expert tips outlined in this article, you can significantly boost your chances of securing your next role.

Remember, attention to detail and presentation matter—both in sushi and on your resume.

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