Beginner Sushi Rolling Class NYC — Learn to Roll with Chef Davis in Brooklyn

Most sushi classes say they're beginner-friendly. Chef Davis's session at the Wandering Barman actually is. The 2-hour structure is designed specifically for people who have never handled a bamboo mat, and every step — rice preparation, filling prep, rolling pressure, shaping, slicing — is demonstrated clearly before students attempt it.

Chef Davis teaches with a practical focus: you leave knowing exactly what to do differently next time. The class covers the two most foundational rolls (California and veggie) in enough depth that you genuinely understand the technique rather than just having followed instructions once.

The venue helps too. The Wandering Barman is a neighbourhood craft brewery in Williamsburg with a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy for beginners to ask questions, make mistakes without embarrassment, and actually enjoy the learning process. All ingredients and tools are provided, and everything you make becomes your dinner.

For a comparison of all options, see the sushi making class NYC guide.

The class is structured around two rolls that build the same core skill set. By the time you've made both, you'll understand rolling technique well enough to adapt it at home.

• Sushi rice from scratch — how to rinse, cook, and season rice with vinegar for the right sticky consistency
• Knife technique — slicing avocado, cucumber, and mango into clean, even strips for consistent rolls
• California roll — nori, sushi rice, avocado, surimi (crab sticks), and cucumber; the foundational maki roll
• Veggie roll — nori, sushi rice, mango, avocado, and cucumber; a plant-based roll with fresh colour
• Rolling pressure — how tight to roll, where to position your hands on the bamboo mat
• Shaping — how to firm up the roll after the initial wrap
• Slicing — the wet-knife technique that gives you clean, even pieces instead of squashed ones

What's Included

• All ingredients — nori, sushi rice, avocado, surimi, cucumber, mango
• Bamboo rolling mats, sharp knives, and all preparation tools
• 2 hours of hands-on instruction with Chef Davis
• The complete sushi meal you prepare — eaten at the end of class
• Chef's tips on rolling technique, rice seasoning, and knife skills to replicate at home

Not Included

• Bar drinks — craft beer, wine, and cocktails available at the Wandering Barman bar ($3 to $20)
• Transportation to and from Williamsburg
• Takeaway packaging — the full meal is eaten on-site at the class

Chef Davis runs the class in a structured sequence that never feels rushed. Here's exactly how the 2 hours break down:

• Arrive early (10 min before) — check in at the entrance, mention the cooking class, settle in
• Welcome and sushi basics (10 min) — Chef Davis introduces himself, covers sushi fundamentals, and explains what you'll make
• Sushi rice preparation (20 min) — rinse, cook, and season the rice with rice vinegar; the most important technical step
• Knife skills and ingredient prep (15 min) — slice avocado, cucumber, mango, and surimi to the right size and thickness
• California roll — round one (25 min) — nori on the mat, layer the rice, add fillings, roll with pressure, press firm, slice
• Veggie roll — round two (20 min) — mango and avocado roll with different visual layering and technique reinforcement
• Sit down and eat (30 min) — your full sushi feast, chef answers any remaining questions

A few things worth knowing before your first sushi class in NYC:

• Arrive 10 minutes early — the class starts on time; late arrivals miss the rice prep fundamentals
• Wear casual clothes — sushi rice and fillings will end up on your hands and likely your shirt
• Come hungry — the full meal at the end is the point; don't snack heavily beforehand
• Wet your hands before handling rice — the chef will demonstrate this; it prevents sticking
• Dietary restrictions — let Viator know at booking; surimi (crab sticks) in the California roll can be substituted
• Don't worry about being bad at it — Chef Davis corrects technique in real time and every beginner improves by the second roll
• The class is fully wheelchair accessible; service animals are welcome

This is the right class if sushi has always seemed technically difficult and you want to understand the actual mechanics of rolling it properly.

• Complete beginners with zero sushi-making experience
• People who have tried making sushi at home and want to understand what they're doing wrong
• Couples or friends looking for a fun, skill-based activity in Brooklyn
• Anyone who wants to be able to make sushi at home after the class — the techniques taught here are designed to be reproduced in a home kitchen
• Gift recipients — the free cancellation policy makes this one of the easiest hands-on classes to gift

Not Suitable For

• Guests with severe shellfish or surimi allergies — California roll uses crab sticks (surimi); alternatives available on request at booking
• Anyone wanting a 3-hour deep-dive into multiple sushi styles — see the [3-hour Manhattan workshop](/sushi-workshop-for-home-chefs-nyc/) for that
• Children under 10 without prior confirmation with the host