Chef de Cuisine - Southern California

Located in the vibrant culinary hub of San Diego, CA, our establishment is an award-winning fine-dining restaurant dedicated to exceptional quality and hospitality. Known for its innovative approach to Mexican and Latin American cuisine, the restaurant has earned a distinguished reputation that continues to attract both locals and travelers eager to experience a premium dining atmosphere. Our team prides itself on pushing culinary boundaries, consistently aiming to deliver an exceptional gastronomic adventure that combines traditional flavors with modern techniques. With the goal firmly set on achieving and maintaining 2 Michelin Stars, our restaurant stands as a prime destination for food connoisseurs and industry professionals alike.

We are currently seeking a talented and experienced Chef de Cuisine to lead our kitchen operations. This leadership role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute significantly to our journey towards Michelin recognition while driving day-to-day kitchen excellence. The position is based in San Diego County and offers a competitive salary range of $80,000 to $110,000 supplemented by bonus potential. Additional benefits include relocation assistance, medical/dental/vision coverage, paid time off, 401(k) matching, complimentary meals, employee discounts, exclusive brand perks, and a generous bonus program.

As Chef de Cuisine, you will be instrumental in shaping the creative and operational direction of the kitchen. You will lead the culinary team by fostering an environment focused on quality-first practices and a hospitality-driven mindset. This role demands a blend of strategic leadership and hands-on culinary expertise, especially within the realms of Mexican and Latin or Latin American cuisines. Your responsibilities will span guiding daily operations to ensure consistency and food safety, partnering with the Executive Chef on menu innovation and technique refinement, and actively managing staffing needs including training, hiring, scheduling, and performance coaching.

In addition, you will oversee critical operational elements such as inventory management, production oversight, and cost control measures to maximize efficiency without compromising quality. By maintaining readiness across all kitchen stations and enforcing rigorous service standards, you will uphold the restaurant’s esteemed reputation and accelerate its path to Michelin star recognition. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned culinary professional looking to lead a high-performing team within a dynamic and prestigious fine-dining environment.