Meet the Team

Sous Chef

Originally from Guatemala, Mario has been a proud member of Pittsburgh’s culinary community for over a decade. His journey in the kitchen began long before sushi entered his life, but everything changed in 2016 when he was introduced to the craft that would ultimately define his career. What started as curiosity quickly evolved into a deep passion—one that pushed him to study, practice, and refine his technique with unwavering discipline.

Over the years, Mario has worked side-by-side with some of Pittsburgh’s most respected chefs, absorbing their knowledge while developing a style and philosophy that feels uniquely his own. He is known for his calm focus, his meticulous approach to preparation, and his ability to bring out the natural character of every ingredient. This commitment to excellence and constant self-improvement led him to his current role as Sous Chef at GI-JIN, where he continues to grow under the leadership of Chef Michael.

Mario’s approach to sushi is rooted in respect—for tradition, for the technique, and for the ingredients themselves. He places particular emphasis on the pristine wild fish flown in weekly from Japan, treating each delivery as both a creative opportunity and a responsibility. From building relationships with suppliers, to inspecting every piece of fish, to perfecting the rice that anchors each bite, Mario views every step as essential to delivering an exceptional experience.