Kitchen Assistant Prep Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Prep Cook

Location: Pacific Palisades, CA
Restaurant: Spacca Tutto

Spacca Tutto is a bold new Italian-American steakhouse opening in October 2026 in Palisades Village. Founded by James Beard Award-winning Chef Nancy Silverton in partnership with Rick Caruso and New School Hospitality, Spacca Tutto builds on the legacy of Silverton's acclaimed chi SPACCA while embracing the timeless appeal of the classic American steakhouse.

Spanning 3,000 square feet of interior dining space with a 1,500-square-foot patio and bar, Spacca Tutto offers the warmth and intimacy of a neighborhood destination. The menu features an extensive steak program alongside seasonal salads, fresh seafood, seasonal vegetable dishes, a creative bar menu, nearly 200 wines, and a thoughtfully crafted cocktail program.

At Spacca Tutto, we believe exceptional hospitality begins with exceptional people. We are committed to creating a workplace where team members are empowered to grow, collaborate, and deliver memorable guest experiences. Our culture is built on excellence, accountability, integrity, and genuine hospitality, and we are looking for passionate individuals to join our opening team.

Position Overview

As a Prep Cook at Spacca Tutto, you play an essential role in supporting the kitchen and ensuring our culinary team is prepared for successful service. You will be responsible for preparing ingredients, following recipes and production lists, maintaining proper organization and food safety standards, and assisting the culinary team with daily kitchen operations.

The ideal candidate is organized, dependable, detail-oriented, and passionate about working with high-quality ingredients. This position requires strong time management, consistency, and the ability to work efficiently while maintaining Spacca Tutto's standards of quality and care.

Key Responsibilities:Food Preparation

• Prepare ingredients and components according to recipes, prep lists, and Chef specifications.
• Wash, peel, chop, slice, portion, measure, and properly store ingredients for daily service.
• Assist with preparing sauces, dressings, marinades, stocks, vegetables, proteins, and other menu components as assigned.
• Follow recipes and portion specifications accurately to maintain consistency and quality.
• Complete assigned prep lists efficiently and communicate progress or shortages to the Chef team.
• Ensure all prepared products meet Spacca Tutto's standards for freshness, quality, and presentation.
• Properly cool, store, label, date, and rotate prepared foods and ingredients.
• Monitor ingredient levels and communicate when products need to be replenished.

Kitchen Operations

• Set up and maintain a clean, organized, and properly stocked prep station.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department standards.
• Maintain proper food handling, storage, labeling, and FIFO rotation procedures.
• Assist with receiving, inspecting, storing, and organizing deliveries.
• Maintain cleanliness of prep areas, equipment, walk-ins, storage areas, and shared kitchen spaces.
• Use knives and kitchen equipment safely and properly.
• Minimize food waste through proper preparation, portioning, storage, and product handling.
• Assist with breakdown, cleaning, and closing duties as assigned.
• Support the line and other kitchen stations when needed.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with the Chef team and fellow kitchen team members to ensure all prep is completed accurately and on time.
• Communicate clearly regarding prep needs, product shortages, quality concerns, and completed tasks.
• Participate in pre-shift meetings, training, and ongoing development.
• Support teammates wherever needed to contribute to smooth kitchen operations.
• Follow direction from the Executive Chef, Sous Chefs, and other kitchen leadership.
• Contribute to a positive, respectful, organized, and collaborative work environment.

Qualifications/Requirements

• Ability to work with honesty and integrity.
• Ability to maintain a professional and positive attitude that reflects our Core Values.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management.
• Ability to follow recipes, prep lists, and written and verbal instructions accurately.
• Basic knife skills and knowledge of kitchen equipment preferred.
• Basic understanding of food safety, sanitation, and proper food handling practices.
• Ability to work efficiently and maintain quality in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including mornings, lunches, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and regularly lift or carry up to 50 pounds.
• Previous prep cook or professional kitchen experience is preferred, but we are willing to train motivated candidates with a strong work ethic and passion for cooking.

Compensation and Benefits

• $21.00-$22.00 per hour 
• Plus tips

Teaching and teamwork are the core of what we do on all levels. We look forward to meeting you.

Spacca Tutto provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.