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Kitchen Chef Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Benihana - Downey

Line Cook

Downey, CA

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Keeps Head Kitchen Chef informed of inventories. * Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to the Manager. * Reports any unsanitary equipment, storage/work areas and/or products to the ...

Benihana

Line Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Keeps Head Kitchen Chef informed of inventories. * Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to the Manager. * Reports any unsanitary equipment, storage/work areas and/or products to the ...

Benihana - Santa Monica

Line Cook

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Keeps Head Kitchen Chef informed of inventories. * Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to the Manager. * Reports any unsanitary equipment, storage/work areas and/or products to the ...

Hotel Figueroa

Kitchen 1 Chef/Sous Chef

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$27/hr

Overview The Junior Sous Chef assists the Sous Chef and Executive Chef in the daily operation of ... This position plays a key leadership role in supervising cooks and kitchen staff, maintaining ...

Benihana - San Francisco

Line Cook

San Francisco, CA

$18.50 - $23.25/hr

Keeps Head Kitchen Chef informed of inventories. * Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to the Manager. * Reports any unsanitary equipment, storage/work areas and/or products to the ...

Benihana - Downey

Line Cook

Downey, CA

$17/hr

Keeps Head Kitchen Chef informed of inventories. * Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to the Manager. * Reports any unsanitary equipment, storage/work areas and/or products to the ...

Benihana - San Diego

Line Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17 - $21.25/hr

Keeps Head Kitchen Chef informed of inventories. * Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to the Manager. * Reports any unsanitary equipment, storage/work areas and/or products to the ...

Benihana

Line Cook

Downey, CA · On-site

$17/hr

Keeps Head Kitchen Chef informed of inventories. * Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to the Manager. * Reports any unsanitary equipment, storage/work areas and/or products to the ...

Benihana - Temecula

Line Cook

Temecula, CA

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Keeps Head Kitchen Chef informed of inventories. * Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to the Manager. * Reports any unsanitary equipment, storage/work areas and/or products to the ...

Benihana - Santa Monica

Line Cook

Santa Monica, CA

$17.75 - $22.25/hr

Keeps Head Kitchen Chef informed of inventories. * Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to the Manager. * Reports any unsanitary equipment, storage/work areas and/or products to the ...

Benihana - San Mateo

Line Cook

San Mateo, CA

$17 - $21/hr

Keeps Head Kitchen Chef informed of inventories. * Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to the Manager. * Reports any unsanitary equipment, storage/work areas and/or products to the ...

Benihana - Temecula

Line Cook

Temecula, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Keeps Head Kitchen Chef informed of inventories. * Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to the Manager. * Reports any unsanitary equipment, storage/work areas and/or products to the ...

Benihana - San Diego

Line Cook

San Diego, CA · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Keeps Head Kitchen Chef informed of inventories. * Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to the Manager. * Reports any unsanitary equipment, storage/work areas and/or products to the ...

Benihana - Carlsbad

Line Cook

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Keeps Head Kitchen Chef informed of inventories. * Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to the Manager. * Reports any unsanitary equipment, storage/work areas and/or products to the ...

Benihana - San Francisco

Line Cook

San Francisco, CA

$21/hr

Keeps Head Kitchen Chef informed of inventories. * Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to the Manager. * Reports any unsanitary equipment, storage/work areas and/or products to the ...

lelé kitchen

Sous Chef

Los Gatos, CA

$80K - $85K/yr

lelé kitchen | Los Gatos, CA At lelé kitchen, we believe Eastern European cuisine deserves the ... We're looking for a Sous Chef who wants more than another kitchen job. We want someone who is ...

lelé kitchen

Sous Chef

Los Gatos, CA

$58K - $78K/yr

lelé kitchen | Los Gatos, CA At lelé kitchen, we believe Eastern European cuisine deserves the ... We're looking for a Sous Chef who wants more than another kitchen job. We want someone who is ...

Beer Baron Whiskey Bar & Kitchen

Head Chef

Livermore, CA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

HEAD CHEF We are looking for an experienced and motivated Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and help maintain high standards in our back-of-house operations. Responsibilities: * Oversee daily ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsKitchen Chef JobsKitchen Chef Jobs in California

Kitchen Chef information

See California salary details

$22.2K

$51K

$74K

How much do kitchen chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for kitchen chef in California is $51,020.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $61,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Kitchen Chef vs Line Cook?

AspectKitchen ChefLine Cook
CredentialsCulinary degree or equivalent experienceBasic culinary training or apprenticeship
Work EnvironmentOversees kitchen operations, manages staffPrepares specific dishes on the line during service
ResponsibilitiesMenu planning, quality control, staff supervisionCooking dishes according to recipes and standards

The Kitchen Chef typically holds a leadership role, overseeing kitchen operations and managing staff, while the Line Cook focuses on preparing dishes during service. Both roles require culinary skills, but the Kitchen Chef has broader responsibilities including menu planning and supervision.

What are some common challenges a kitchen chef faces when managing a team during busy service hours?

During peak service times, Kitchen Chefs often face the challenge of maintaining efficiency and high-quality output while managing a team under pressure. Effective communication, rapid problem-solving, and strong organizational skills are essential to coordinate multiple orders and ensure that each dish meets the restaurant’s standards. Additionally, Chefs must motivate their team, quickly address any issues that arise, and adapt to changing circumstances, such as unexpected menu changes or staff shortages. Successfully navigating these challenges is key to maintaining a smooth kitchen operation and achieving customer satisfaction.

Is 25 too late to become a kitchen chef?

There is no age limit to becoming a kitchen chef; many successful chefs start their careers later in life. Skills such as cooking techniques, time management, and gaining relevant certifications can be developed at any age, making 25 a perfectly suitable age to pursue a culinary career.

What is a kitchen chef?

Kitchen chefs are culinary professionals responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting food in restaurants, hotels, or other food service establishments. They often oversee the kitchen staff, plan menus, manage food inventory, and ensure that meals are of high quality and prepared safely. Kitchen chefs may specialize in particular cuisines or types of dishes, and they play a crucial role in creating a memorable dining experience for guests.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a kitchen chef?

To thrive as a Kitchen Chef, you need a strong background in culinary techniques, food safety knowledge, and often a culinary degree or relevant experience. Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment, inventory management systems, and food safety certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Leadership, teamwork, time management, and creativity are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the delivery of high-quality dishes, efficient kitchen operations, and a positive dining experience for guests.

What are the most commonly searched types of Kitchen Chef jobs in California?

The most popular types of Kitchen Chef jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Kitchen Chef jobs?

Cities in California with the most Kitchen Chef job openings:

Kitchen Chef jobs near you
Infographic showing various Kitchen Chef job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $51,020 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Line Cook

Benihana - Downey

Downey, CA

$16.25 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

At Benihana, your hard work is more than just a job, it's a career opportunity. It's a building block to a successful future in the world of business and hospitality.

Ourpeople are our secret sauceto our success and mission of Creating Great Guest Memories.We are always looking for individuals who have what it takes to grow with us and share in our success.

Position Summary:

Responsible for all grilled, broiled, fried, and sauteed items prepared in the kitchen. Preparation and portioning of food items prior to cooking, such as tempura items, sauces, and grilled items. Other duties include plating and garnishing cooked items. Responsible for maintaining a sanitary kitchen workstation.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

In accordance with restaurant service and cooking procedures:

  • Prepares or directs preparations of all recipes in compliance with portions sizes, quality standards, department rules, policies and procedures in the Benihana Kitchen Guide and the Employee Handbook.
  • Prepares an extensive variety of cold and hot food items utilizing standardized recipes.
  • Prepares specially requested items.
  • Plan food production to coordinate with meal serving hours so that excellence, quality, temperature, and appearance of food is preserved.
  • Selects/utilizes knives, hand tools, utensils and equipment to portion, cut, slice, broil, roast, carve, skewer, garnish, maintain holding temperature, grill or otherwise produce food on the kitchen line.
  • Comply with established sanitation standards, personal hygiene, and health standards, observe proper food preparation and handling techniques as outlined in the Benihana Kitchen Guide and Employee Handbook.
  • Keeps Head Kitchen Chef informed of inventories.
  • Reports necessary equipment repair and maintenance to the Manager.
  • Reports any unsanitary equipment, storage/work areas and/or products to the Head Kitchen Chef.
  • Communicates with Lead Line Cook to facilitate customer orders efficiently and within required ticket times.
  • Follows all federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations outlined by the General Manager and the Employee Handbook.
  • Keep work area neat, organized, and clean at all times; clean and maintain equipment used in food preparation.
  • Performs other duties as assigned by a supervisor.

Job Requirements:

  • Previous experience in food preparation required.
  • Experience in the restaurant industry is a plus.
  • Bilingual preferred.
  • A high school diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Must be 18 years of age.

Here are some of the sizzling benefits of working for us:

  • Fun working environment:You will work in a caring environment where you are highly valued and will have the opportunity to continue to develop and grow.
  • Free shift meals:We believe in coming together as a family and want you to be able to enjoy a great meal. We provide all of our employees a free shift meal, every day.
  • Benefits are important:We know how important it is to take care of yourself and your family. We offer a full benefits suite that includes 401K, and Medical, Vision and Dental for you and your family.
  • Competitive Pay:Along with a competitive paycheck, you will have an opportunity to be well rewarded.

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