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Cafe Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef Café Vivant -- Menlo Park, CA Café Vivant is a neighborhood restaurant in Menlo Park centered around heritage poultry, seasonal ingredients, and warm, intentional hospitality. Our ...

Sous Chef Café Vivant -- Menlo Park, CA Café Vivant is a neighborhood restaurant in Menlo Park centered around heritage poultry, seasonal ingredients, and warm, intentional hospitality. Our ...

Sous Chef

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

We are seeking a Sous Chef, Kitchen manager to join our team! Responsibilities: * Oversee the daily ... Execution of seasonal menu a must Company Description Savory Cafe is a restaurant that prides in ...

Sous Chef

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$20 - $27/hr

We are seeking a Sous Chef, Kitchen manager to join our team! Responsibilities: * Oversee the daily ... Execution of seasonal menu a must Company Description Savory Cafe is a restaurant that prides in ...

Pastry Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

At Rose Bakery, the Pastry Chef works closely with the Café Manager/Head Chef to create a variety of innovative pastries. This role includes managing the daily operations of the pastry department ...

Join our team ! We are looking for a pastry Chef with 5 years + professional pastry / baking ... Cafe has been providing Sonoma county with delicious pastries and desserts, memorable wedding cakes ...

Join our team ! We are looking for a pastry Chef with 5 years + professional pastry / baking ... Cafe has been providing Sonoma county with delicious pastries and desserts, memorable wedding cakes ...

Cafe Supervisor

Lodi, CA · On-site

$24/hr

... café - it's a gathering place where the old-world traditions of French baking meet the relaxed ... Under the culinary guidance of acclaimed Chef Charlie Palmer and Appellation's Chief Culinary ...

Chef In-Residence

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Working closely with the GM, Culinary & Café, the Chef in Residence oversees kitchen operations, supports curriculum implementation, mentors students, manages catering production, and develops ...

Chef In-Residence

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Working closely with the GM, Culinary & Café, the Chef in Residence oversees kitchen operations, supports curriculum implementation, mentors students, manages catering production, and develops ...

Working closely with the GM, Culinary & Cafe, the Chef in Residence oversees kitchen operations, supports curriculum implementation, mentors students, manages catering production, and develops ...

Under the supervision of the Executive Chef, Sous Chef, and Cafe Leads, the Cafe Aide performs a variety of duties related to food preparation, service and general maintenance in the kitchen and ...

Under the supervision of the Executive Chef, Sous Chef, and Cafe Leads, the Cafe Aide performs a variety of duties related to food preparation, service and general maintenance in the kitchen and ...

Cafe Aide

Arvin, CA · On-site

$19 - $20.76/hr

Under the supervision of the Executive Chef, Sous Chef, and Cafe Leads, the Cafe Aide performs a variety of duties related to food preparation, service and general maintenance in the kitchen and ...

Cafe Manager Salary: 85,000-90,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit ... At Bon Appetit you won't find our managers referring to a corporate recipe book or our chefs ...

Cafe Manager Salary: 85,000-90,000 Other Forms of Compensation: Our Passion is Food! At Bon Appetit ... At Bon Appetit you won't find our managers referring to a corporate recipe book or our chefs ...

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Cafe Chef information

See California salary details

$9

$24

$44

How much do cafe chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for cafe chef in California is $24.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $30.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cafe Chef vs Barista?

AspectCafe ChefBarista
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary trainingFood safety, coffee certifications
Work EnvironmentKitchen, food preparation areasCounter, coffee bar, customer service
Industry UsageRestaurants, cafes, cateringCoffee shops, cafes, specialty coffee outlets
Primary FocusPreparing and cooking foodMaking coffee and beverages, customer interaction

The main difference between a Cafe Chef and a Barista lies in their roles and skills. A Cafe Chef focuses on food preparation and culinary skills, working primarily in kitchen environments. In contrast, a Barista specializes in brewing coffee, preparing beverages, and providing customer service at the coffee counter. Both roles are essential in cafe settings but serve different functions within the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cafe chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cafe Chef, you need a solid background in culinary techniques, food safety, and menu planning, typically acquired through formal training or relevant experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food hygiene certifications (like ServSafe) is essential. Creativity, time management, and strong leadership skills help you deliver quality dishes and effectively manage kitchen staff. These skills are crucial for maintaining high food standards, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction in a busy cafe environment.

What are some common challenges a cafe chef faces during busy service hours, and how can they be managed?

A Cafe Chef often encounters challenges like managing high order volumes, maintaining consistency in dish quality, and coordinating with both kitchen and front-of-house staff during peak periods. Effective time management, clear communication, and well-organized prep work are crucial for handling these busy times. Utilizing prep lists, staying adaptable, and fostering teamwork can help ensure smooth service even during the busiest hours.

What is a cafe chef?

Cafe Chefs are culinary professionals responsible for preparing and cooking food in a cafe setting. They typically handle a wide range of tasks, including designing menus, sourcing ingredients, and ensuring food quality and safety standards are met. Cafe Chefs often work in a fast-paced environment and may also supervise kitchen staff or assist with food presentation. Their role can vary depending on the size and style of the cafe, but creativity, efficiency, and strong organizational skills are key requirements for success.
What are popular job titles related to Cafe Chef jobs in California? For Cafe Chef jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cafe Chef jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cafe Chef jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Cafe Chef job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,554 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Cafe Lead Chef - Day - time

McCalls Catering & Events

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$20 - $25.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Day-Time Café Chef @ the Legion Cafe located inside the Legion of Honor Museum at Lincoln Park, San Francisco.
We are seeking a passionate, skilled Lead-chef to create delicious meals for our patrons. You will be responsible for planning our menu, ensuring that each dish is nutritious and cost-effective, and collaborating with a team of kitchen staff to deliver food that meets the highest quality standards.

To ensure success in your role as Lead-chef, you should be an excellent leader with great organizational skills and impeccable time management. Top candidates will also be creative individuals, capable of creating dishes that set us apart and keep people coming back for more.

MAIN DUTIES
A: Key-responsibilities:

- To manage the kitchen for assigned tasks and duties
- To maintain a high standard of food quality and presentation.
- To maintain portion control and manage any wastage recording, where necessary, appropriately.
- To ensure that dishes are prepared and cooked according to the specific instructions.
- To participate in a team of chefs and stewards and work collaboratively with others in pursuit of team goals.
- To support the kitchen team in providing an efficient and effective food service as is required from the catering department.
- To ensure the smooth running of the kitchen in line with departmental procedures on a daily basis including but not limited to;
o Reviewing stock levels and noting ordering requirements clearly.
o Ensuring that all deliveries during your shift are checked and stored correctly, checking always for quality and freshness, rotating and controlling stock in accordance with best practice.
o Assisting with the execution of accurate stock audits.
o Debriefing and providing written documentation to kitchen team for shift execution.
- To execute the development of the menus in terms of service standards and profitability.
- Ensure all policies, procedures, standards and guidelines are carefully adhered to.
- To be responsible for cleaning and care of all equipment in the area of work.
- To ensure that all equipment and utensils, floors, walls and surfaces of the kitchen using the methods and materials in accordance with Health & Safety, Food Hygiene and OSHA regulations and legislation./ Ensure that the cleaning schedule is adhered to and that cleaning tasks are completed as necessary and appropriate.
- To execute any catering services undertaken by the Café.
- To build effective and constructive relationships.
- To communicate clearly, concisely and professionally.
Any other duties that might reasonably be expected from the post holder.

B: Requirements & Personal Attributes
- Candidates should possess appropriate qualifications and experience to meet the requirements of this role. Minimum 3 Years prior Café Chef or 4 Years as Sous-Chef in large volume operations required

C: Experience / Knowledge
- Experience of working in a supervisory role in a busy commercial kitchen with multiple business areas.
- Experience of menu and product development
- Experience of catering for large functions

D: Key Skills
- Excellent human-relation and guest service skills.
- Commercial awareness.
- Flexibility.
- Interested in long0-term employment engagement

- The ability to be proactive and identify and recommend changes for improvement where appropriate.
- Accuracy and attention to detail.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Problem solving skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and the ability to handle a varied and demanding workload.
- The ability to work independently and demonstrate initiative as well as being able to work effectively as a member of a team.

E: Personal Hygiene and Appearance
- Observe good personal hygiene at all times and be of well-groomed appearance at all times.

F: Food Hygiene and Health & Safety
- All staff are required to observe and comply with all relevant regulations and legislation set out on in the Handbook in line with statutory obligations.
- Participate in all training as required.
- Constant standing and walking
- Frequent lifting/pushing/pulling objects & occasionally lifting/pushing/pulling objects up to 50 lbs, rarely lifting/pushing/pulling objects up to 100 lbs (with assistance).
- Safely Load and Unload catering trucks with food transit boxes and equipment
- Able to use ladders, clean ground level areas
- Valid California Food Handlers Card & Manager ServeSafe Certified
- Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. The employee is expected to work in other areas of the operation when needed to assist operations to perform job duties not necessarily contained in this job description
- Vaccination is a requirement of the job and accommodations due to disability or religious reasons will be evaluated in compliance with prevailing regulations.
- Whilst English is the main language of communication; we welcome bilingual English & Spanish speakers

G: Additional Information
This is a full-time post. Attendance will be required in line with the business requirements, including at weekends, holidays and in the early mornings as well as evenings, based on rotating scheduling.

Also, this document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.


Employment Type: Full Time
Years Experience: 3 - 5 years
Salary: $75,000 - $85,000 Annual
Bonus/Commission: No