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Japanese Food Chef Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Nami Nori

Temaki Chef

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

... Food Preparation Ability to Work Under Pressure Cultural Awareness of Japanese Cuisine Attention to Guest Experience Ability to follow instructions

Nami Nori

Temaki Chef

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

... Food Preparation Ability to Work Under Pressure Cultural Awareness of Japanese Cuisine Attention to Guest Experience Ability to follow instructions

Nami Nori

Sous Chef

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

... food, exceptional service, and inspiring a team. Nami Nori was the first to specialize in open ... Our mission is to build a global fanbase for temaki through omotenashi-the Japanese art of gracious ...

Nami Nori

Sous Chef

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

... food, exceptional service, and inspiring a team. Nami Nori was the first to specialize in open ... Our mission is to build a global fanbase for temaki through omotenashi--the Japanese art of ...

Nami Nori Atlantic Park

Sous Chef

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

... food, exceptional service, and inspiring a team. Nami Nori was the first to specialize in open ... Our mission is to build a global fanbase for temaki through omotenashi-the Japanese art of gracious ...

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions

Sushi Chef

Woodford, VA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

... managing food stock, and working with attention to detail to craft beautiful and delicious Sushi ... Knowledge of the Japanese cuisine. A Sampling of Our Benefits Our team enjoys a comprehensive ...

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Japanese Food Chef information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$24

$44

How much do japanese food chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for japanese food chef in Virginia is $24.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $30.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Japanese food chef?

Japanese Food Chefs are culinary professionals who specialize in preparing traditional and modern Japanese cuisine. They are skilled in techniques such as sushi making, sashimi slicing, tempura frying, and ramen preparation. Japanese Food Chefs often work in restaurants, hotels, or sushi bars, ensuring the dishes are authentic, beautifully presented, and made with fresh ingredients. Their expertise may also include knowledge of Japanese culinary customs, knife skills, and food safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Japanese food chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Japanese Food Chef, you need expertise in Japanese culinary techniques, knowledge of authentic ingredients, and formal culinary training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with specialized tools like sushi knives, rice cookers, and sashimi preparation equipment is common, along with food safety certifications. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong teamwork skills help chefs excel in both food presentation and kitchen collaboration. These skills ensure the delivery of high-quality, authentic Japanese cuisine while maintaining kitchen efficiency and customer satisfaction.

What are some common challenges Japanese food chefs face when maintaining authenticity while working in international kitchens?

Japanese Food Chefs often encounter challenges sourcing authentic ingredients and balancing traditional techniques with local tastes. Working in international kitchens may require adapting recipes without compromising the integrity of Japanese cuisine. Additionally, chefs must maintain consistency in presentation and flavor while collaborating with multicultural teams who may have different culinary backgrounds. Overcoming these challenges involves creativity, strong communication, and a commitment to ongoing learning.

What is the difference between Japanese Food Chef vs Sushi Chef?

AspectJapanese Food ChefSushi Chef
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary training in Japanese cuisineSpecialized sushi-making certifications, culinary training in sushi preparation
Work EnvironmentRestaurants serving various Japanese dishes, kitchens with diverse Japanese cuisineRestaurants or sushi bars focusing primarily on sushi and sashimi
Employer & IndustryJapanese restaurants, culinary institutions, catering servicesSushi bars, Japanese restaurants specializing in sushi

While both roles require knowledge of Japanese cuisine, a Japanese Food Chef has a broader scope, preparing a variety of Japanese dishes. A Sushi Chef specializes specifically in sushi and sashimi, often requiring additional certification. Both roles are vital in Japanese culinary establishments, but their focus and certifications differ.

What are popular job titles related to Japanese Food Chef jobs in Virginia?

For Japanese Food Chef jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Japanese Food Chef jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Japanese Food Chef jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Japanese Food Chef jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Japanese Food Chef job openings:

Japanese Food Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Japanese Food Chef job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,786 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Temaki Chef

Nami Nori Atlantic Park

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description

Launchpad Hospitality is hiring passionate Temaki Chefs to join the team at Nami Nori Virginia Beach-the newest location of the acclaimed Japanese restaurant concept from New York City, where Pharrell Williams is a partner. Whether you're a seasoned cook or someone eager to deepen your skills, this is an exciting opportunity to be part of something from the very start.Nami Nori was the first to specialize in open-style temaki (sushi hand rolls) in New York City, with a mission to build a devoted following through omotenashi-the Japanese art of gracious hospitality. We are committed to creating outstanding experiences for both guests and team members.No previous Japanese culinary experience is required. We'll train ideal candidates who are excited to learn more about Japanese ingredients, techniques, and our signature open-style sushi hand rolls.


POPULAR ACCLAIM:

  • 98K followers on Instagram
  • The New York Times  "Nami Nori Gets Hand Rolls Right, and Other Details Too"
  • Michelin Guide   "Nami Nori Brings Creative Hand-Rolled Sushi to NYC's West Village"
  • GQ Magazine  "Pharrell Loved This Hand Roll Spot So Much He Became a Partner"
  • And more...

BENEFITS:

  • Health Benefits with employer contribution
  • Vision & Dental
  • 401K Retirement Plan
  • 40 hours Personal Time Off after 2 years of full time employment
  • Employee dining discounts at any Nami Nori location
  • Opportunity to grow professionally with a growing company

If you have these qualities, we want to meet you:

  • Passionate about food and hospitality
  • Friendly, outgoing, and engaging with guests
  • Strong attention to detail and work ethic
  • Flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Excellent organizational and multitasking skills
  • A natural team player who thrives in fast-paced environments
  • 1+ year of general restaurant experience

POSITION SUMMARY


As a Sushi Hand Roll Chef, you'll be responsible for preparing and serving sushi hand rolls for both dine-in and takeout guests. This is a guest-facing position that plays a key role in creating a warm, memorable experience. You'll interact directly with diners while crafting hand rolls with precision, care, and speed.The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug-free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable. 

Requirements

Ability to Learn Quickly

Customer Service Skills

Adaptability

Communication Skills

Time Management Skills

Culinary Skills

Team Collaboration

Problem Solving Skills

Creativity in Food Preparation

Ability to Work Under Pressure

Cultural Awareness of Japanese Cuisine

Attention to Guest Experience

Ability to follow instructions

Apply