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Italian Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

the Chef Agency

Executive Sous Chef

Beverly Hills, CA

$120K - $140K/yr

Yes, from anywhere in the US The Executive Sous Chef will partner with the Executive Chef to lead the culinary operations of a luxury Italian restaurant within a Forbes Five-Star hotel. This is a ...

the Chef Agency

Sous Chef- Carmel, CA

Carmel, CA

$80K - $85K/yr

Qualifications: * 2+ years in a Sous Chef or comparable leadership role in fine dining or upscale ... Familiarity with Italian cuisine and terminology preferred Requirements: * Lead daily prep and ...

Eataly North America

Pastry Chef

Los Angeles, CA

Italian pasticcini, cakes, desserts, cookies, candies and other dolci. Reports directly to the Executive Chef and reports functionally to the Head of Pastry; manages a pastry team of about 10 ...

Eataly North America

Pastry Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Italian pasticcini, cakes, desserts, cookies, candies and other dolci. Reports directly to the Executive Chef and reports functionally to the Head of Pastry; manages a pastry team of about 10 ...

Eataly North America

Pastry Chef

Los Angeles, CA

Italian pasticcini, cakes, desserts, cookies, candies and other dolci. Reports directly to the Executive Chef and reports functionally to the Head of Pastry; manages a pastry team of about 10 ...

Eataly

Pastry Chef

Los Angeles, CA

Italian pasticcini, cakes, desserts, cookies, candies and other dolci. Reports directly to the Executive Chef and reports functionally to the Head of Pastry; manages a pastry team of about 10 ...

54 Mint

Chef

San Francisco, CA

$80K - $100K/yr

Mint Hospitality is looking for its new Chef! We are looking for a hands-on culinary leader with a ... Italian cuisine, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word), and reporting tools within Toast. A solid ...

Eataly

Sous Chef Manager - Central Kitchen

Santa Clara, CA

$58K - $79K/yr

EAT authentic Italian food at our restaurants, cafes and to-go counters * SHOP a selection of high ... The Sous Chef Manager is a focused management presence, not only maintaining food quality standards ...

Maggiano's Little Italy

Sous Chef

San Jose, CA · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Our scratch-made Italian-American classics and warm, family-style hospitality have made us a ... The Role As a Sous Chef, you are the heartbeat of our kitchen - leading the line, mentoring cooks ...

Capo 29

Chef de Cuisine

Saint Helena, CA

$81K - $111K/yr

Capo29 Restaurant brings the heritage of contemporary Italian fine dining to the heart of Napa Valley. Inspired by Chef Bruce Marder's legendary Santa Monica flagship, Capo29 pairs wood-fired ...

Capo 29

Chef de Cuisine

Saint Helena, CA

$100K - $150K/yr

Capo29 Restaurant brings the heritage of contemporary Italian fine dining to the heart of Napa Valley. Inspired by Chef Bruce Marder's legendary Santa Monica flagship, Capo29 pairs wood-fired ...

Il Fornaio Cucina Italiana

Sous Chef

Carmel, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

As a Full-Time Sous Chef, you'll play a pivotal role in crafting authentic Italian dishes that delight our guests. This onsite position allows you to immerse yourself in our vibrant kitchen culture ...

Careers | Il Fornaio

Assistant Chef

San Jose, CA · On-site

$85K - $90K/yr

As an Assistant Chef, you'll play a pivotal role in crafting authentic Italian dishes that delight our guests. This onsite position allows you to immerse yourself in our vibrant kitchen culture ...

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Italian Chef information

See California salary details

$9

$24

$44

How much do italian chef jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for italian 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 highest paid chef job?

The highest paid chef roles are typically executive chefs or head chefs in luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, or private estates, with salaries often exceeding $100,000 annually. Specialized chefs such as culinary directors or those with extensive experience and management responsibilities tend to earn the highest compensation in the culinary industry.

What is an Italian chef called?

An Italian chef is commonly called a 'Chef de Cuisine' or simply a chef. In Italy, they may also be referred to as 'Chef' or 'Cuoco' (the Italian word for cook), especially when working in Italian cuisine. These chefs typically have skills in traditional Italian cooking techniques and may hold certifications such as a culinary diploma or apprenticeship experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Italian Chef position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Italian Chef, you need expertise in traditional Italian cooking techniques, a deep knowledge of regional Italian cuisine, and preferably a culinary degree or relevant certifications. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, menu planning systems, and food safety certifications (such as ServSafe) is essential. Creativity, teamwork, and strong communication skills help an Italian Chef excel in a dynamic kitchen environment. These skills and qualifications are vital for consistently delivering authentic, high-quality dishes and ensuring smooth kitchen operations.

How much does a chef make in Italy?

A professional chef in Italy typically earns between €1,200 and €2,000 per month, depending on experience, location, and establishment type. Skilled Italian chefs working in high-end restaurants or with specialized cuisine may earn higher salaries and additional benefits.

What is an Italian Chef job?

An Italian Chef specializes in preparing traditional Italian cuisine, creating dishes such as pasta, risotto, and pizza using authentic ingredients and techniques. They develop menus, oversee kitchen staff, ensure food quality, and maintain a clean and organized workspace. Italian Chefs often have formal culinary training and deep knowledge of Italian flavors, cooking methods, and regional specialties. Their goal is to deliver high-quality, flavorful dishes that reflect Italy's rich culinary heritage.

How much do Italian chefs make in the US?

Italian chefs in the US typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, with experienced chefs or those working in high-end restaurants earning higher salaries. Compensation varies based on location, experience, and the establishment's size and prestige.

What are some common challenges faced by Italian Chefs in a busy restaurant setting?

Italian Chefs often face the challenge of maintaining consistency and authenticity in high-volume service environments, where speed and quality must go hand-in-hand. They must manage ingredient sourcing, prep schedules, and often collaborate closely with sous chefs, line cooks, and front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service. Adapting traditional recipes to suit customer preferences or dietary needs while preserving their true Italian character can also be demanding. These challenges make the role dynamic and rewarding for chefs passionate about Italian cuisine and teamwork.

What are the most commonly searched types of Italian Chef jobs in California? The most popular types of Italian Chef jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Italian Chef jobs in California? For Italian Chef jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Italian Chef jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Italian Chef jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Italian Chef jobs? Cities in California with the most Italian Chef job openings:
Italian Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Italian Chef job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 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.

Chef Wanted | Italian Concept

54 Mint

San Francisco, CA

$80K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Mint Hospitality is looking for its new Chef!
We are looking for a hands-on culinary leader with a strong foundation in authentic Italian cuisine and the ability to balance creativity with disciplined cost control and operational awareness.
Experience required:
Italian cuisine, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word), and reporting tools within Toast. A solid understanding of food cost, labor management, and administrative responsibilities is essential.
Our core values guide everything we do: Hospitality, Authenticity, Leadership, and Ownership. We’re looking for someone who naturally embodies these and leads by example.
What You’ll Do
Lead daily kitchen operations with consistency and high standards
Develop and execute seasonal Italian menus
Manage food cost, labor, inventory, and P&L performance
Oversee ordering, vendors, and inventory systems
Ensure full compliance with SF health department standards
Train, mentor, and develop the kitchen team
Collaborate on events, specials, and programming
Maintain a clean, organized, inspection-ready kitchen
What We’re Looking For
3–5+ years Italian cuisine experience (required)
Proven leadership in a high-volume or fine-casual environment
Strong financial and operational awareness
Proficiency in Microsoft Office + Toast (OpenTable a plus)
Knowledge of SF health + food safety standards
Valid Food Handler Certification (ServSafe or equivalent)
Clear communication and a solutions-oriented leadership style
What We Offer
$80,000 – $100,000 salary (DOE)
Growth opportunities
Collaborative, team-driven culture
Opportunity for creative input and menu development
About Us
Mint Hospitality Group is a San Francisco-based restaurant group focused on authentic Italian concepts.
Our mission: Feeding Italian hospitality.
To apply: Please send a PDF copy of your resume along with a brief introduction.