Job Description

Apply here or email us at:

[email protected]

Executive Chef – Japanese Omakase Restaurant

Location: Chelsea, NYC

Compensation: $120,000–$155,000 base salary, plus bonus and benefits

We are thrilled to announce the opening of a highly anticipated Japanese Omakase restaurant in the heart of Chelsea, NYC. This exclusive dining experience will feature a 22-seat omakase bar and an 8-seat whiskey bar, offering guests a uniquely curated and intimate culinary journey. We are seeking an exceptionally talented and experienced Executive Chef to lead this venture with full creative control and bring a vision of authenticity, artistry, and excellence to life.

This is a rare opportunity to take on a leadership role in one of New York City’s most exciting new openings. The owner, with extensive experience in hospitality, is passionately launching this as their “baby” concept and is committed to supporting a chef who shares their dedication to creating something extraordinary. The chosen chef will also have the opportunity to be involved in the launch of a second concept, slated to open in three months, making this a role with unparalleled growth potential.

About the Role

As the Executive Chef, you will have the freedom and autonomy to shape the culinary identity of this groundbreaking restaurant. Your expertise in Japanese cuisine will be the cornerstone of the concept, ensuring every guest is captivated by an authentic and innovative omakase experience. You will lead a talented team, design seasonal menus, and collaborate with our beverage director to pair the finest dishes with exceptional Japanese whiskies and other curated offerings.

Key Responsibilities

• Full Creative Control:
• Take ownership of the culinary vision and menu development, crafting seasonal and dynamic omakase offerings that celebrate the artistry and authenticity of Japanese cuisine while incorporating your unique innovations.
• Kitchen Leadership:
• Recruit, train, and manage a skilled culinary team to uphold the highest standards of quality and consistency. Foster a collaborative and respectful kitchen culture that reflects the values of the restaurant.
• Operational Management:
• Oversee all kitchen operations, including inventory, sourcing, and cost controls. Work closely with the management team to ensure the restaurant operates efficiently and profitably.
• Ingredient Sourcing:
• Establish and maintain relationships with premium suppliers to source the finest, freshest ingredients, including seasonal fish, seafood, and produce.
• Guest Experience:
• Collaborate with the FOH team to ensure an extraordinary guest experience, from seamless kitchen-to-bar coordination to crafting personalized touches that enhance the omakase journey.
• Opening and Growth Opportunities:
• Be actively involved in the opening of the restaurant and help shape the success of the second concept, set to launch in just three months.
• Collaboration with Beverage Program:
• Partner with the beverage director to create thoughtful pairings with Japanese whiskey and other beverages, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Compliance:
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and sanitation standards, as well as all relevant regulatory requirements.

What We’re Looking For

• Extensive Experience:
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in authentic Japanese cuisine, with a strong focus on omakase or kaiseki dining.
• Proven Leadership:
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a culinary team in a high-pressure, fine-dining environment.
• Culinary Expertise:
• Deep knowledge of Japanese culinary techniques, ingredients, and cultural traditions, with the ability to innovate while honoring authenticity.
• Attention to Detail:
• A meticulous approach to presentation, flavor balance, and overall guest satisfaction.
• Authorization to Work:
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Passion for Hospitality:
• A genuine passion for creating memorable guest experiences through food, culture, and service.

What We Offer

• Competitive Compensation: $120,000–$155,000 base salary, plus performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Access to health care and additional benefits to support your well-being.
• Creative Freedom: Full creative control to design and execute the culinary vision, with strong support from ownership.
• Career Growth: Opportunities to be directly involved in the launch of a second concept and other future ventures.
• World-Class Ingredients and Tools: Collaborate with top-tier suppliers and utilize the finest ingredients and kitchen equipment.
• Supportive Ownership: Work closely with an owner who brings years of hospitality experience and is deeply invested in the success of this concept.
• Exciting Culture: Join a passionate team dedicated to excellence and innovation in every detail.

Why Join Us?

This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to define the identity of a landmark culinary destination. Our intimate omakase bar and whiskey lounge are designed to celebrate the artistry of Japanese cuisine and culture, offering guests a transformative dining experience. As the Executive Chef, you will have the autonomy to shape this vision, with the added opportunity to play a key role in our future expansion.

For driven chefs seeking creative freedom, career growth, and the chance to leave a lasting mark on NYC’s dining scene, this is a career-defining opportunity.

Apply Today

We are looking to fill this position immediately. Don’t miss your chance to lead one of the most exciting restaurant openings in NYC!

Apply here or email us at:

[email protected]

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