Line Cook

Tempura Matsui is a Michelin One-Star restaurant in New York City specializing in traditional Japanese tempura omakase.

We are seeking a dedicated full-time Line Cook who is genuinely passionate about Japanese cuisine and serious about developing the skills to become a professional tempura chef.

This is not simply a general line cook position. It is an opportunity for someone who wants to learn the craftsmanship of traditional Japanese tempura through hands-on experience, discipline, and long-term commitment.

Working closely with the Executive Chef in a small, focused kitchen, you will learn the importance of ingredient selection, Japanese preparation techniques, precision, and consistency.

Previous Japanese kitchen experience is strongly preferred. However, we also welcome cooks with solid professional kitchen fundamentals who demonstrate a sincere commitment to learning Japanese cuisine.

Training begins with the fundamentals of Japanese cuisine and progresses according to your skills, understanding, and development.

Responsibilities include:

• Daily mise en place and ingredient preparation

• Japanese knife techniques and seafood preparation

• Sakizuke (appetizers) and sashimi preparation support

• Preparation of seasonal vegetables and premium seafood

• Tempura ingredient preparation and station organization

• Maintaining cleanliness, organization, and food safety standards

• Supporting daily service and working closely with the Executive Chef

You will not begin by frying tempura immediately.

Understanding ingredients, mastering preparation techniques, and developing consistency are essential foundations before progressing to hands-on tempura training.

As your skills develop, you will gradually learn traditional tempura techniques and take on greater responsibilities.

• Minimum 1 year of professional kitchen experience

• Genuine passion for Japanese cuisine and traditional tempura

• Strong desire to develop into a skilled tempura chef

• Japanese cuisine experience strongly preferred

• Fine-dining experience is a plus

• Solid knife skills and attention to detail

• Willingness to learn from the fundamentals, regardless of previous experience

• Reliable, disciplined, organized, and team-oriented

• Interest in a long-term career in Japanese cuisine

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States

Full-Time Only

• Monday: Closed

• Tuesday–Thursday: Dinner service

• Friday–Saturday: Lunch and dinner service

• Sunday: Open twice per month

Evening and weekend availability is required.

$20–$28 per hour , depending on experience and skills.

Benefits include:

• Health Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• 401(k)

• Commuter Benefits

• Dining Discounts

Traditional Japanese tempura requires far more than frying techniques. It demands an understanding of ingredients, precise preparation, temperature control, timing, and attention to detail.

At Tempura Matsui, we believe these skills are developed through patience, repetition, and dedication.

We are looking for someone who takes pride in craftsmanship, respects Japanese culinary traditions, and is motivated to continue improving over time.

If your goal is to become a skilled tempura chef and you are ready to invest in learning the craft, we would like to hear from you.

Please email your resume to:

In your application, please briefly answer the following questions:

1. Why do you want to learn traditional Japanese tempura?

2. What experience do you have with Japanese cuisine or seafood preparation?

3. Are you interested in developing your skills in Japanese cuisine over the long term?

Please also confirm your availability for full-time work and your authorization to work in the United States.