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Chef Italian Restaurant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sous Chef- Carmel, CA

Carmel, CA · On-site

$55K - $74K/yr

... Italian restaurant is seeking a Sous Chef to help lead the culinary team. Qualifications: * 2+ years in a Sous Chef or comparable leadership role in fine dining or upscale full-service kitchens

Chef de Cuisine

Temecula, CA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Immediate opening for an experienced Chef de Cuisine for our highly reputable and very busy Italian restaurant. At least 10 years of Italian Cuisine experience is required! Those with less than 10 ...

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA

$58K - $79K/yr

Itria is a fine dining Italian restaurant in San Francisco's Mission district focused on handmade ... We are seeking an experienced, organized, hard-working Sous Chef to join our team. We have a solid ...

Sous Chef

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$58K - $79K/yr

Itria is a fine dining Italian restaurant in San Francisco's Mission district focused on handmade ... We are seeking an experienced, organized, hard-working Sous Chef to join our team. We have a solid ...

Sous Chef

Mill Valley, CA · On-site

$78K - $82K/yr

Sous Chef - Piatti Mill Valley Compensation: $78,000-$82,000 annually Piatti Mill Valley is looking ... Italian restaurant offering Italian cuisine, finely-crafted, with authenticity. The soul of the ...

Sous Chef

Mill Valley, CA · On-site

$78K - $82K/yr

Sous Chef - Piatti Mill Valley Compensation: $78,000-$82,000 annually Piatti Mill Valley is looking ... Italian restaurant offering Italian cuisine, finely-crafted, with authenticity. The soul of the ...

Sous Chef

Mill Valley, CA · On-site

$60K - $81K/yr

Sous Chef - Piatti Mill ValleyCompensation: $78,000-$82,000 annuallyPiatti Mill Valley is looking ... A LITTLE ABOUT USEstablished in 1987, Piatti is a fresh take on the neighborhood Italian restaurant ...

Line Cook

Brea, CA · On-site

$21 - $26/hr

... busy Italian restaurant. In this position, you will be responsible for using high-quality ... Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous ...

Line Cook

Brea, CA · On-site

$21 - $26/hr

... busy Italian restaurant. In this position, you will be responsible for using high-quality ... Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous ...

Line Cook

Brea, CA · On-site

$21 - $26/hr

... busy Italian restaurant. In this position, you will be responsible for using high-quality ... Performs other duties as assigned by the head chef or management Qualifications: * Previous ...

Mint Hospitality is looking for its new Chef! We are looking for a hands-on culinary leader with a ... based restaurant group focused on authentic Italian concepts. Our mission: Feeding Italian ...

Head Chef- San Diego

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

Minimum 10 years' experience as a Chef in high-volume restaurants * Proven leadership and team ... Ready to bring your culinary expertise to one of San Diego's most beloved Italian restaurants?

Head Chef- San Diego

San Diego, CA · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

Minimum 10 years' experience as a Chef in high-volume restaurants * Proven leadership and team ... Ready to bring your culinary expertise to one of San Diego's most beloved Italian restaurants?

Head Chef- San Diego

Encinitas, CA · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

Minimum 10 years' experience as a Chef in high-volume restaurants * Proven leadership and team ... Ready to bring your culinary expertise to one of San Diego's most beloved Italian restaurants?

Head Chef- San Diego

Encinitas, CA · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

Minimum 10 years' experience as a Chef in high-volume restaurants * Proven leadership and team ... Ready to bring your culinary expertise to one of San Diego's most beloved Italian restaurants?

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Showing results 1-20

Chef Italian Restaurant information

See California salary details

$28.1K

$63.2K

$93.8K

How much do chef italian restaurant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for chef italian restaurant in California is $63,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,300.00 and $74,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chef in an Italian restaurant do?

A Chef at an Italian restaurant is responsible for preparing and cooking a variety of Italian dishes, such as pasta, risotto, and traditional sauces. They design menus, source fresh ingredients, and ensure that every dish meets high standards of taste and presentation. Additionally, they supervise kitchen staff, maintain food safety protocols, and may interact with customers to create a memorable dining experience. The role requires knowledge of authentic Italian cooking techniques and a passion for Italian cuisine.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chef in an Italian restaurant?

To thrive as a Chef in an Italian Restaurant, you need in-depth knowledge of Italian cuisine, strong cooking techniques, menu planning, and often formal culinary training or equivalent experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, food safety certifications, and inventory management systems is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong leadership skills help chefs excel in managing teams and delivering authentic dishes. These skills are crucial for maintaining high food quality, ensuring kitchen efficiency, and creating a memorable dining experience for guests.

What are some of the unique challenges a chef faces in an Italian restaurant compared to other culinary environments?

Chefs in Italian restaurants often face the challenge of balancing authenticity with customer preferences, as diners may expect both traditional dishes and creative twists. Sourcing high-quality, specific Italian ingredients can also be demanding, particularly for regional specialties. Additionally, Italian cuisine emphasizes consistency and timing, especially with pasta and sauces, requiring excellent coordination within a fast-paced kitchen team. Collaboration with front-of-house staff is crucial to ensure that dishes are served at their peak and diners have an exceptional experience.

What is the difference between Chef Italian Restaurant vs Line Cook?

AspectChef Italian RestaurantLine Cook
CredentialsCulinary degree or equivalent experienceHigh school diploma or culinary training
Work EnvironmentLead kitchen role, overseeing menu and staffPrepares dishes on specific station during service
ResponsibilitiesMenu creation, quality control, staff supervisionFood prep, cooking, maintaining station

The Chef Italian Restaurant typically holds a higher level of responsibility, including menu planning and team management, while a Line Cook focuses on executing specific dishes during service. Both roles require culinary skills, but the Chef has broader oversight and leadership duties within the Italian restaurant setting.

Is 25 too late to become a chef at an Italian restaurant?

Becoming a chef at an Italian restaurant at age 25 is not too late, as many chefs start their careers in their twenties or later. Success depends on gaining culinary skills, experience, and possibly formal training or certifications, which can be achieved at any age.

What are popular job titles related to Chef Italian Restaurant jobs in California?

For Chef Italian Restaurant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Chef Italian Restaurant jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Chef Italian Restaurant jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Chef Italian Restaurant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Chef Italian Restaurant job openings:

Infographic showing various Chef Italian Restaurant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $63,156 per year, or $30.4 per hour.

Sous Chef- Carmel, CA

the Chef Agency

Carmel, CA • On-site

$55K - $74K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Location - Carmel, CA
Salary - $75k-$85k
Benefits - Bonus Eligible (TBD), Health/Dental/Vision, PTO, 401K, Dining Perks
Relocation - Local candidates only
 
A well-established upscale Italian restaurant is seeking a Sous Chef to help lead the culinary team.
 
 
Qualifications:
  • 2+ years in a Sous Chef or comparable leadership role in fine dining or upscale full-service kitchens
  • Solid technical skills with scratch cooking, systems, and sanitation standards
  • Comfortable managing BOH team of 3-5 direct reports within a 20-person total team
  • Familiarity with Italian cuisine and terminology preferred  
Requirements:
  • Lead daily prep and service alongside BOH team; ensure product quality and execution standards
  • Monitor food and labor costs; place orders, manage inventory, and reduce waste
  • Maintain high performance standards in a dynamic environment with variable shifts (AM, PM, weekends)
  • Represent and uphold the company's values of integrity, teamwork, and quality fanaticism

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About Chef Agency

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

THE MOST TALENTED RECRUITING TEAM IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY. With our support, you’ll have exclusive access to top-tier clients, a robust candidate database, insight from industry experts, and the necessary training and tools needed to build your book of business. Reach out today, and create your own work-life balance while achieving success in the recruiting world.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

2013

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