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Private on-site sushi chef preparing artisan rainbow rolls at an exclusive New York City dinner event

Your Own Private Sushi Chef

Imagine this: your guests arrive at your home to find a skilled sushi chef already at work — slicing pristine cuts of fish, pressing perfect nigiri, and rolling artful maki with quiet, assured confidence. The kitchen fills with the subtle fragrance of seasoned rice and fresh nori. Conversation flows easily as each guest receives their sushi directly from the chef's hands, still warm from the press, with a brief explanation of the fish, its origin, and the technique behind each piece.

This is the on-site sushi chef experience. It's not just dinner — it's a private culinary performance that turns your dining room, kitchen counter, or living space into an intimate sushi bar. Our chefs are trained in the Japanese tradition of itamae — years of discipline in knife work, fish preparation, rice seasoning, and the art of hospitality. They bring that expertise directly to you, wherever you are in the New York metro area.

Who an On-Site Sushi Chef Is For

The private chef experience appeals to hosts who value intimacy, exclusivity, and the art of Japanese cuisine:

  • Couples hosting a romantic dinner at home — an unforgettable date night or anniversary celebration
  • Dinner party hosts who want to offer their friends an experience they've never had before
  • Parents treating their family to a special meal — the kids watch in fascination while the adults savor every course
  • Executives hosting private client dinners at their residence — a gesture of genuine hospitality
  • Food enthusiasts who want to learn about sushi preparation while enjoying a world-class meal
  • Event planners adding a private chef element to boutique events, gallery openings, or VIP receptions
  • Airbnb and vacation rental hosts looking to offer an unforgettable experience for their guests

What Is Included

Our on-site sushi chef service is a complete, turnkey experience — everything arrives with the chef:

  • Experienced itamae — A professionally trained sushi chef with years of experience in both restaurant and private dining settings
  • All ingredients — Premium fish sourced that morning, authentic Japanese rice, nori, wasabi, and specialty sauces
  • Professional equipment — Knife set, cutting boards, bamboo rolling mats, and portable prep station
  • Serving ware — Plates, chopsticks, soy sauce dishes, and all accompaniments
  • Customized menu — Designed in advance based on your preferences, dietary needs, and the freshest ingredients available
  • Interactive experience — The chef explains each preparation, answers questions, and engages with your guests throughout the evening
  • Complete cleanup — The chef cleans all prep surfaces, washes any dishes used, and leaves your kitchen spotless

All you need to provide is a table or counter space (approximately 4-6 feet), access to running water, and your appetite.

Private Chef Menu Options

Your on-site chef experience is fully customizable. We offer several formats depending on the occasion:

  • Casual Sushi Party — A relaxed, social format where the chef prepares a variety of rolls, nigiri, and hand rolls throughout the evening. Great for groups of 6-20
  • Omakase Dinner — A formal, multi-course tasting experience where the chef curates each course based on the day's finest fish. Ideal for 2-12 guests
  • Sushi and Sashimi Showcase — An impressive display-style service where the chef prepares and plates an evolving spread of sushi and sashimi. Perfect for cocktail-style events
  • Sushi-Making Workshop — An interactive experience where your guests learn to make their own rolls under the chef's guidance. Great for team-building and family events
  • Chef's Table Experience — Guests sit directly across from the chef and watch every cut, press, and garnish up close. The most immersive format

Optional additions include sake pairing with tasting notes, appetizer courses (edamame, miso soup, gyoza), and a dessert course featuring matcha or yuzu-flavored creations.

Works in Any Space

Our on-site chef service is designed to be compact, clean, and adaptable to any setting:

  • Apartments and condos — Our chef works efficiently in compact kitchens and can set up at a kitchen island, dining table, or bar counter
  • Brownstones and townhouses — The classic dinner party setting. We set up in the dining room or kitchen and create an intimate sushi bar atmosphere
  • Penthouses and lofts — Larger spaces allow for a more dramatic setup with a dedicated prep area and serving station
  • Outdoor spaces — Patios, terraces, and gardens work beautifully in warmer months. We bring all necessary equipment for outdoor prep
  • Private venues — We set up at restaurants (for private dining), galleries, studios, and boutique event spaces

Our chef arrives 60-90 minutes before your guests to set up and begin preparation. Service typically lasts 2-3 hours, with cleanup completed within 30 minutes after the last course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our chef arrives with everything needed: premium fish and ingredients sourced that morning, rice, nori, a professional knife set, cutting boards, bamboo mats, serving ware, chopsticks, condiments, and a portable prep station. All you need to provide is a table or counter and access to running water.
Standard service is 2-3 hours, which includes the chef's active preparation time and service. The chef arrives 60-90 minutes early for setup and stays 30 minutes after the last course for cleanup. We can extend the service duration for longer events — just let us know your timeline.
Absolutely. Our on-site chef service is perfectly suited for intimate apartment dinners — it's one of our most popular formats. We've worked in Manhattan studios, Brooklyn brownstone kitchens, and compact Upper East Side apartments. The setup is designed to be compact, clean, and unobtrusive.
Yes. A live sushi station is designed for larger events where the chef serves many guests from a designated station. The on-site chef experience is more intimate and personal — the chef works directly with a smaller group, often in your kitchen or dining room, creating a private dining atmosphere similar to sitting at an omakase counter. The interaction is deeper and the experience is more exclusive.

Book Your Private Sushi Chef

Tell us about your event — date, location, guest count, and any preferences — and we'll match you with the perfect chef for an unforgettable evening.

Call (646) 882-0156