Captain

At Sushi Nakazawa, excellence begins with people. We believe every team member plays a vital role in creating an exceptional guest experience — from the first greeting to the final course. Our restaurants in New York City and Washington, DC have earned national acclaim, including a rare four-star review from The New York Times. Now, we’re bringing that same standard of craftsmanship and hospitality to Los Angeles — and we’re looking for passionate professionals to join our growing team.

Location: Los Angeles, CA (on-site)
Pay Range: $17.81 – $20 per hour (plus tips, commensurate with experience)
Employment Type: Full-time / Part-time (Non-exempt, hourly; tipped position under CA Wage Order 5)

We’re seeking an experienced Captain who leads by example and embodies the precision, warmth, and professionalism that define the Sushi Nakazawa experience. The Captain oversees the dining room service team, ensuring seamless coordination between the kitchen and floor, and delivering exceptional hospitality throughout every guest interaction.

You will:

• Lead and support the front-of-house team during service, modeling hospitality and precision
• Ensure steps of service are executed consistently and with excellence
• Anticipate guest needs, resolve concerns with grace, and elevate the overall dining experience
• Train and mentor servers, runners, and support staff on standards, product knowledge, and service style
• Maintain compliance with LA County Department of Health and workplace safety standards
• Uphold Sushi Nakazawa’s culture of respect, teamwork, and inclusivity

• 2 years’ experience in a fine-dining Captain or equivalent leadership role
• Deep knowledge of Japanese cuisine, fish, wine, sake, and beverage pairings
• Proven leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Commitment to excellence, humility, and continuous learning

We offer competitive pay, inclusive of tips where applicable, along with:

• Paid Time Off which includes Paid Sick Leave (per Los Angeles and California labor laws)
• Meal allowance during shifts
• Employee discounts
• Access to a comprehensive benefits package - including medical, dental, and vision coverage - available to eligible team members after a set waiting period
• 401(k) retirement savings plan available to eligible employees
• Opportunities for growth and advancement within the Nakazawa group

Sushi Nakazawa is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all employees.
Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance and applicable state laws.

Submit your resume and a brief note about why you’d like to join our Los Angeles team. We can’t wait to meet you.

The future is now — join us at Sushi Nakazawa.