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Japanese Restaurant Head Chef Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Otohime

Head Chef

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

Competitive salary Otohime, a new and intimate Japanese omakase restaurant opening within Roseacre in La Jolla, is seeking an experienced Head Chef ready to lead the kitchen from day one. Brought to ...

Hashiri+M

Head Chef

San Francisco, CA

$70K/yr

Head Chef -- Hashiri +M San Francisco | Reopening | $70,304/yr Location: 4 Mint Plaza, San ... restaurant or commercial kitchen experience in a leadership or lead-cook capacity * Japanese ...

Hashiri+M

Head Chef

San Francisco, CA

$70K - $70K/yr

Head Chef -- Hashiri +M San Francisco | Reopening | $70,304/yr Location: 4 Mint Plaza, San ... restaurant or commercial kitchen experience in a leadership or lead-cook capacity * Japanese ...

the Chef Agency

Head Chef

Miami, FL · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Head Chef Location: Miami, FL Salary: Up to $100,000 Benefits: Yes, TBD Relocation: locals only A ... This hands-on leadership role will oversee restaurant service, prepared foods, grab-and-go ...

Mangiare Italian Restaurant

Head Chef

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Tuition assistance Head Chef -- Mangiare Italian Restaurant Pay: $55,000 - $65,000 / year, based on experience Schedule: Full-time, salaried. Nights, weekends, and holidays required. Location:

900 Degrees Ristorante

Head Chef

Utica, MI · On-site

$1.5K - $2.1K/wk

We are looking for a full-time head chef to run our kitchen in our Italian Restaurant. We make authentic Italian food ranging from appetizers, pastas, entrées, and wood burning pizzas. Executive ...

the Chef Agency

Head Chef

Burlingame, CA · On-site

$90K - $95K/yr

M/D/V, PTO An upscale, full-service Italian restaurant is seeking a hands-on Head Chef to manage all back-of-house operations and lead a seasoned team. Responsibilities: * Hire, train, schedule, and ...

Serenite Hospitality

Head Chef

Groveland, CA · On-site

... restaurant's vision - Manage food inventory and ordering to ensure freshness and minimize waste ... Head Chef or similar role - In-depth knowledge of kitchen operations and food preparation ...

Hudson Manpower

Head Chef

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

About the Role The Head Chef - Modern Chinese Cuisine will lead the culinary direction of a high-end, luxury Chinese dining restaurant, responsible for delivering an elevated, contemporary ...

Salt Life Food Shack

Head Chef

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

We're looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead the back-of-house operations of a high-volume, full-service restaurant. This is an opportunity to join an established operation where great food ...

Troon

Head Chef

Brewster, WA · On-site

$78K/yr

Head Chef / operational and procurement focus. Compensation: $78,000 - $90,000 BOE Overseeing food ... They make sure every dish meets the restaurant's standards for taste, portion and presentation. If ...

Lucky T Ranch Restaurant

Head Chef

Gustine, TX

$13 - $15/hr

Head Chef / Kitchen Manager - Lucky T Ranch Restaurant Lucky T Ranch Restaurant | Gustine, TX Full-Time | Competitive Salary Job Summary Lucky T Ranch Restaurant is seeking an experienced Head Chef ...

Salt Life Food Shack

Head Chef

Fernandina Beach, FL · On-site

We're looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead the back-of-house operations of a high-volume, full-service restaurant. This is an opportunity to join an established operation where great food ...

Cru Cellars

Head Chef

Tampa, FL

$55K - $65K/yr

Head Chef The Head Chef is responsible for all aspects of the kitchen such as BOH operations ... Primary responsibilities are to (1) supervise daily back of house restaurant operations, including ...

Ski Meadowlark LLC

Head Chef

Ten Sleep, WY · On-site

$27 - $35/hr

Position: Head Chef Department: F&B Location: Ten Sleep, WY Classification: Winter Seasonal ... About the Restaurant & Bar Our restaurant and bar are open to the public every Friday through ...

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Japanese Restaurant Head Chef information

See salary details

$28.5K

$64K

$95K

How much do japanese restaurant head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for japanese restaurant head chef in the United States is $63,994.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Japanese restaurant head chef do?

A Japanese Restaurant Head Chef oversees the kitchen operations in a Japanese restaurant, ensuring that all dishes are prepared to the highest standards of taste and presentation. They design the menu, select quality ingredients, and train kitchen staff in traditional Japanese cooking techniques such as sushi preparation, tempura, and ramen. The head chef also manages inventory, maintains food safety standards, and often collaborates with management to create seasonal or special dishes. Their expertise preserves the authenticity and integrity of Japanese cuisine while also adapting to customer preferences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Japanese restaurant head chef?

To thrive as a Japanese Restaurant Head Chef, you need expert knowledge of Japanese cuisine, strong culinary skills, and experience in kitchen management, often supported by formal culinary training and prior leadership roles. Familiarity with specialized tools like sushi knives, Japanese grills, and kitchen management systems is essential. Exceptional attention to detail, creativity, leadership, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure the authenticity, quality, and efficiency necessary for delivering an outstanding dining experience and leading a successful kitchen team.

What are some common challenges faced by a Japanese restaurant head chef when maintaining authentic cuisine standards?

A Japanese Restaurant Head Chef often faces challenges such as sourcing high-quality, authentic ingredients, especially for traditional dishes that require specific regional products. Balancing the expectations for authenticity with the need to adapt to local tastes and dietary restrictions can also be complex. Additionally, training and mentoring kitchen staff to master specialized Japanese cooking techniques, such as sushi preparation or tempura frying, requires ongoing effort. Effective communication and collaboration with both front-of-house and kitchen teams are essential to ensure a consistent and exceptional dining experience.

What is the difference between Japanese Restaurant Head Chef vs Sushi Chef?

AspectJapanese Restaurant Head ChefSushi Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree or extensive experience in Japanese cuisineSpecialized training in sushi preparation, certifications like Sushi Chef certification
Work EnvironmentOversees entire kitchen, manages staff, plans menusFocuses on preparing sushi and sashimi, often works in sushi bars or kitchens
Industry UsageFound in full-service Japanese restaurants, overseeing all kitchen operationsTypically employed in sushi bars, specialty sushi restaurants

The Japanese Restaurant Head Chef has a broader role, managing the entire kitchen and menu, while the Sushi Chef specializes in preparing sushi and sashimi. Both roles require culinary skills, but the Head Chef's responsibilities are more extensive, including staff management and menu planning.

What are popular job titles related to Japanese Restaurant Head Chef jobs?

For Japanese Restaurant Head Chef jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Japanese Restaurant Head Chef job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $63,994 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Head Chef

La Jolla, CA • On-site

Otohime
See more jobs at Otohimeexternal

$95K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Wellness resources
  • Competitive salary

Otohime, a new and intimate Japanese omakase restaurant opening within Roseacre in La Jolla, is seeking an experienced Head Chef ready to lead the kitchen from day one. Brought to life by Scratch Restaurants Group, this is a rare opportunity to lead a modern, chef-driven dining concept in one of San Diego's most sought-after coastal communities.

About Otohime
Tucked within Roseacre, Otohime offers a hidden, intimate counter experience that reinterprets omakase through a modern lens — precise, creative, and confidently its own, while honoring the discipline at the heart of the craft. Every course is considered, every guest is known, in a small-format kitchen where craftsmanship comes before volume.

The Role
 As Head Chef, you will:
●     Lead nightly counter service, executing a seasonal omakase menu with precision and consistency
●     Oversee all kitchen operations, from procurement and fish butchery to service
●     Build, train, and lead a small, highly skilled kitchen team
●     Manage food cost, quality control, and vendor relationships, including direct sourcing partnerships
●     Collaborate closely with Scratch Restaurants Group leadership to uphold a consistent, elevated guest experience
●     Maintain the highest standards of freshness, sanitation, and presentation

What We're Looking For

●     Proven experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef in a fine-dining or omakase setting — ready to lead a kitchen from opening day
●     Strong knife skills and fish butchery experience, with a modern sensibility grounded in traditional technique
●     A refined palate and sharp attention to detail, seasonality, and presentation
●     Leadership experience running a tight-knit kitchen team
●     A genuine passion for hospitality and guest connection — this is an intimate room where the chef is part of the experience

Compensation
 $95,000–$115,000, commensurate with experience

What We Offer

●     The opportunity to lead a new concept from the ground up, backed by the reputation and resources of Scratch Restaurants Group
●     A collaborative, craft-focused culture within the Roseacre property
●     One of San Diego's most desirable coastal settings