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Restaurant Prep Cook Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

MK BRANDS LLC

Experienced Prep Cook

Glendale, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

LA Times Top 101 Restaurants * New York Times Top 50 Restaurants in America We're a small, high ... Previous restaurant prep cook experience required * Experience with knife skills, food preparation ...

urbanplates

Restaurant Prep Cook / Pastry Cook

Dublin, CA

$16.90 - $22.17/hr

Restaurant Prep / Pastry Cook Urban Plates Restaurants 5111 Martinelli Way, Dublin, CA 94568 Pay: $16.90 per hour - $22.17 per hour (potential with tips) Benefits * New Urban Plates Health & Wellness ...

urbanplates

Restaurant Prep Cook / Pastry Cook

Irvine, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $20.66/hr

Restaurant Prep / Pastry Cook Urban Plates Restaurants 3972 Barranca Pkwy N, Irvine, CA 92606 Pay: $16.90 per hour - $20.66 per hour (potential with tips) Benefits * New Urban Plates Health ...

urbanplates

Restaurant Prep Cook / Pastry Cook

Dublin, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $22.17/hr

Restaurant Prep / Pastry Cook Urban Plates Restaurants 5111 Martinelli Way, Dublin, CA 94568 Pay: $16.90 per hour - $22.17 per hour (potential with tips) Benefits * New Urban Plates Health & Wellness ...

urbanplates

Restaurant Prep Cook / Pastry Cook

Irvine, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $21.16/hr

Restaurant Prep / Pastry Cook Urban Plates Restaurants 13380 Jamboree Rd, Irvine, CA 92602 Pay: $16.90 per hour - $21.16 per hour (potential with tips) Benefits * New Urban Plates Health & Wellness ...

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Restaurant Prep Cook information

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How much do restaurant prep cook jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for restaurant prep cook in California is $15.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.51 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a restaurant prep cook?

Restaurant Prep Cooks are culinary professionals who work in the kitchen to prepare ingredients and assist chefs and cooks in the efficient production of menu items. Their primary responsibilities include washing and chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, preparing sauces, and ensuring that all food items are properly stored and labeled. Prep cooks play a vital role in maintaining kitchen organization and ensuring that meals are prepared quickly and safely. They often work behind the scenes but are essential to the smooth operation of any restaurant kitchen.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a restaurant prep cook?

To thrive as a Restaurant Prep Cook, you need a solid understanding of basic food preparation techniques, knife skills, and adherence to food safety standards, usually gained through on-the-job experience or culinary training. Familiarity with kitchen equipment, commercial-grade tools, and food storage systems is essential for efficient workflow. Attention to detail, time management, and teamwork are critical soft skills that set top performers apart in this fast-paced role. These skills and qualities ensure consistent food quality, operational efficiency, and a safe kitchen environment.

What are some common challenges faced by restaurant prep cooks, and how can they be managed effectively?

Restaurant prep cooks often face challenges such as working efficiently during busy periods, managing multiple tasks simultaneously, and adhering to strict food safety standards. Staying organized, communicating clearly with other kitchen staff, and maintaining a clean workspace are key strategies for managing these demands. Additionally, prep cooks frequently adapt to changing menus and special requests, so flexibility and a strong attention to detail are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Restaurant Prep Cook vs Line Cook?

AspectRestaurant Prep CookLine Cook
ResponsibilitiesPreparing ingredients, chopping, portioning, basic food prepCooking dishes, managing station, plating
Skills & CertificationsBasic food safety, knife skills, food prep techniquesCooking techniques, timing, knife skills
Work EnvironmentKitchen prep area, early shiftsCooking stations, busy service hours
Typical EmployerRestaurants, catering servicesRestaurants, hotels, catering

While both roles work in restaurant kitchens, a Restaurant Prep Cook focuses on preparing ingredients and basic food prep, often before service begins. A Line Cook actively cooks and plates dishes during service. Both roles require food safety knowledge and knife skills, but the Prep Cook's work is more preparatory, whereas the Line Cook handles the cooking process during busy hours.

What cities in California are hiring for Restaurant Prep Cook jobs?

Cities in California with the most Restaurant Prep Cook job openings:

Restaurant Prep Cook jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restaurant Prep Cook 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 $32,201 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Restaurant Prep Cook / Pastry Cook

urbanplates

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$17.87 - $21.06/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Restaurant Prep / Pastry Cook

Urban Plates Restaurants

21857 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364

Pay: $17.87 per hour - $21.06 per hour (potential with tips) 

Benefits

  • New Urban Plates Health & Wellness Plan for all Team Members for $12 per month offering healthcare and wellness services for you and your family! Including –
    • Counseling Services
    • Teladoc Services
    • Dental Discounts
    • Hearing Care
    • Fitness Membership
    • Contact Lenses
    • Diabetic Supplies
  • Earn tips for every hour worked, in addition to hourly pay
  • Ability to earn additional compensation from our Team Member recognition program.
  • Paid position training (and cross training available)
  • Flexible scheduling
  • 75% off meals
  • Paid sick time
  • Benefits include Health/ Medical (HMO and PPO options), Dental, and Vision Insurance, Life & AD&D, Supplemental Life & AD&D, basic long-term disability, employee assistance program, accident and hospital indemnity insurance, flexible spending account, pet insurance, and our 401k– for those who qualify
  • Access to our UPLift Emergency Grant Program
  • Opportunities for advancement and Career Development Programs

 

Prep Cook / Pastry Cook: 

Primary Responsibilities:  

A Prep Cook and /or Pastry Cook is responsible for the efficient, daily preparation of a wide range of food products and pastries that are used in the preparation of menu items in accordance with Urban Plates’ recipes and procedures.   

What We Offer

  • Join a company that values your performance and invests in your growth, offering you not just a job, but a rewarding, long-term career path. With us, you’ll have access to outstanding benefits, professional training, and leadership development programs to help you thrive now and in the future.
  • You’ll always have a guaranteed hourly base rate, plus tips for every hour worked for every FOH and BOH position.
  • You will have the ability to earn additional compensation from our Team Member recognition program where top performers in 2025 earned in excess of an additional $6,000.
  • You will receive industry-leading, company-paid restaurant Front-of-House (FOH) and Back-of-House (BOH) training programs designed to help you grow and excel.
  • Explore a career opportunity representing a premium fast-casual/ fast-fine regional restaurant chain Nationally recognized for making craveable, wholesome, clean food accessible to all.
  • Build meaningful connections with your community while improving their lives with world-class meals served fresh from scratch in scratch using quality ingredients served at an honest value in an always kind way.
  • Work in a beautifully designed restaurant environment that you’ll take pride in every day.
  • Enjoy a full-time or part-time schedule designed for work-life harmony, with prime opportunities to connect with our guests and achieve your earning goals.
  • Be part of a company that truly cares—offering exceptional benefits that set you up for success both personally and professionally.
  • If any of this sounds like the opportunity you’re looking for, then you owe it to yourself to explore a career with Urban Plates.


More about Urban Plates

Urban Plates started in 2011 in Del Mar, CA. Two food industry veterans were tired of the compromises they had to make when eating out. They couldn’t find what they were looking for, so they created Urban Plates. We welcome one and all to our table, where craveable food is cooked from scratch with quality ingredients, sustainably grown, ethically treated, and made to order - all at prices that won’t break the bank. Our secret? There isn’t one. We’re fueled by the power of real food and a passion to change the way the world eats, one plate at a time. It’s a movement so easy to join, you can do it by lifting a fork. If you’re ready to make a difference doing something that matters, surrounded by talented people in a culture that cares, apply to join our Team. Everyone deserves to eat this good.

Urban Plates now has 22 locations throughout California.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeFzq3kKrFU

Why Should you be a Restaurant Team Member with us?

Blending the sights, sounds, aromas, and energy of an open kitchen with the contemporary and approachable ambiance of a local, neighborhood restaurant, the Urban Plates Vibe is truly one of a kind. The Vibe is aspirational and energetic, yet casual, comfortable and timeless. The Vibe is positive and shows pride in its appearance. It starts at the curb where the fire pits and flames of the patio set a welcoming tone. The expanse of glass shares the buzz of energy inside the restaurant. Pulled in by the buzz, our Guests are immediately embraced by the sights of our fresh food, the sounds of happy people connecting with each other, and the energy and organized chaos that let them know they made the right choice. The sights, sounds, and aromas of our Guests’ meals being prepared from scratch increase the excitement and anticipation of sitting down to enjoy a great, customized meal made from scratch. Seeing our managers and chefs walking the floor provides an extra level of confidence that allows our Guests to relax completely, enjoy their meal, and feel completely in control of their experience. The overall ambiance, including music, lights, temperature, and furnishings add to the Vibe by providing the perfect backdrop to relax, connect with friends and family, and enjoy each other’s company. Our Vibe extends to our Guests’ digital interactions and ensures they can easily and intuitively interact with us, are able to engage as many of their senses as possible and have a digital journey that closely resembles the experience in an Urban Plates restaurant.


Lastly, it’s all about our promise to each of our team members. We will prepare you by building your skills by ensuring you understand the “why”, “what”, and “how” of what we ask you to do, providing clear, timely, and honest feedback on your performance to ensure you always know where you stand. We will help to develop you personally and professionally. We will support you to ensure you have the tools to do your best and in a safe work environment where you are empowered and trusted to give your best. We will give you a sense of belonging; welcome you, treat you with respect, and respect you as an individual. We will provide clarity, ensuring our team members understand Urban Plates’ vision and your role in getting us there! And finally, we will grow Urban Plates sustainably, in ways that ensure there is opportunity and a place for you when you are ready. We will reward hard work and outstanding achievement.


Urban Plates LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding/lactation, and related medical conditions), age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship status, military/veteran status, and any other characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.


Urban Plates LLC provides modification/reasonable accommodation to disabled individuals to assist in the hiring process and to qualified individuals with disabilities in the performance of essential job functions, as required by federal, state, and local law. A reasonable effort is also made to accommodate the religious needs of employees. Any individual seeking modification/accommodation to apply for Employment or to participate in the application/interview process should contact Human Resources.


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