By Sana Rao · Editorial Lead, Tip a Chef
Reviewed · Covers chef tipping etiquette
Quick answer
Do you tip a sushi chef?
Yes, you tip a sushi chef. At a standard sushi restaurant, 15–20% of the bill is customary. At an omakase counter, where the chef serves you personally course by course, tipping toward 20% or leaving a direct tip for the chef is the norm. Some high-end omakase spots include service, so check first.
15–20%
of the bill, more at an omakase counter
When a sushi chef serves you directly across the counter, especially in an omakase format, the service is personal and skilled. 15–20% is standard, and at an intimate omakase a direct tip to the chef is a meaningful gesture.
A growing number of top omakase restaurants build service into the price, so confirm before adding a tip. Where it is not included, 20% reflects the craft and the one-on-one attention.
If you want to thank the chef directly, Tip a Chef lets you send a gratuity straight to them, counter-side or after.
Common questions
Do you tip at omakase?
Yes, unless service is included. 20% or a direct tip to the chef is customary for the personal, multi-course experience.
How much do you tip a sushi chef?
15–20% of the bill at a standard restaurant, and toward 20% at an omakase counter where the chef serves you directly.
Related tipping guides
Tip your chef directly
Skip the cash and the tip pool. Scan a chef's Tip a Chef code and your gratuity goes straight to the person who cooked, who keeps 95%.