Pastry Cook

Dakar NOLA is a celebrated modern Senegalese restaurant located in the vibrant city of New Orleans. Founded by Chef Serigne Mbaye and Effie Richardson, this establishment specializes in a seasonal, pescatarian tasting-menu that masterfully bridges the bold and complex flavors of Senegal with the rich culinary traditions of the Gulf South. Since its opening in late 2022, Dakar NOLA has gained significant acclaim on both national and global stages, earning prestigious recognitions such as No. 4 in North America's 50 Best Restaurants in 2026, and repeated accolades as the Best Restaurant in the South USA in 2025 and 2026. The restaurant is also Michelin Guide Recommended for 2025 and has won the esteemed 2024 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant. These honors highlight the restaurant's commitment to excellence, innovation, and cultural storytelling through food.

At its core, Dakar NOLA embodies the Senegalese spirit of teranga—warmth, hospitality, and exceptional service—creating a dining experience that is both memorable and soulful. The menu is a celebration of West African cuisine, combining deep-rooted cultural traditions with contemporary culinary techniques to offer guests dishes that are vibrant, flavorful, and steeped in history. Spearheading this mission is Chef Serigne Mbaye, a four-time James Beard nominee and TIME 100 Next honoree, whose Michelin-starred training and passion for storytelling bring a unique and compelling narrative to each course served.

The Pastry Cook at Dakar NOLA plays a vital role within this dynamic and fast-paced environment. Reporting directly to the Pastry Chef, the Pastry Cook is responsible for crafting exquisite desserts that complement and enhance the overall culinary experience. This position requires a high level of culinary artistry, precision, and creativity, as well as the ability to work efficiently while maintaining the highest quality standards. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of three years of professional pastry experience and possess a strong attention to detail that ensures every dessert embodies the warmth and richness of Senegalese culture.

This role not only demands expertise in traditional pastry techniques—such as producing pastry creams, sauces, ice creams, sorbets, bread, and cookie doughs—but also flexibility and a willingness to adapt to various kitchen needs. The Pastry Cook will occasionally assist with savory items, demonstrating versatility and a team-oriented mindset in a collaborative kitchen setting. Candidates must be open to learning new techniques and working with unfamiliar ingredients, embracing the spirit of continuous growth and improvement.

The position typically involves morning prep shifts, with occasional evening availability, requiring reliability and punctuality. The dress code includes black non-slip kitchen shoes and pants (no jeans), with strict guidelines around personal hygiene and presentation to maintain a professional and safe kitchen environment. The Pastry Cook must demonstrate a positive attitude, work well under pressure, and consistently deliver high-quality results to maintain the restaurant's renowned standards.

At Dakar NOLA, the Pastry Cook is not just a culinary professional but a storyteller and cultural ambassador who contributes to an extraordinary dining experience marked by the spirit of teranga. This is an exceptional opportunity for passionate pastry professionals eager to advance their careers within a globally recognized and award-winning establishment that values excellence, innovation, and heartfelt hospitality. Candidates interested in joining this team are encouraged to submit a resume alongside a cover letter explaining their motivation to work at Dakar NOLA, as applications without cover letters will not be considered. For those passionate about pastry arts and West African cuisine, Dakar NOLA offers an inspiring environment to grow, create, and impact the culinary landscape.