Chef Jobs in San Diego

Lead culinary teams at San Diego's award-winning restaurants. From farm-to-table bistros to oceanfront fine dining establishments.

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Why Choose San Diego for Your Culinary Career?

🌱 Farm-to-Table Paradise

Access to year-round fresh produce, local farms, and sustainable seafood from Baja California to Central Coast.

🏆 Award-Winning Scene

Work alongside James Beard nominees and Michelin-starred establishments in one of America's top food cities.

🌮 Diverse Culinary Influences

Blend Mexican, Asian, and Mediterranean influences in a city that celebrates culinary innovation and tradition.

🏖️ Work-Life Balance

Enjoy perfect weather, beach access, and outdoor activities that help prevent kitchen burnout.

Chef Position Levels

👑 Executive Chef

Leadership

Lead entire kitchen operations, menu development, staff management, and cost control. Salary range: $75,000 - $120,000+ with bonuses.

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⭐ Sous Chef

Management

Second-in-command, supervise daily kitchen operations, train staff, and assist with menu planning. Salary range: $55,000 - $75,000.

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🔥 Line Cook / Chef de Partie

Production

Specialize in specific stations (grill, sauté, pastry), execute dishes during service, maintain quality standards. Hourly: $18 - $28/hour.

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Restaurant Types Hiring Chefs

🌟 Fine Dining

Michelin-starred restaurants, celebrity chef establishments, and award-winning cuisine. Focus on technique and innovation.

Skills: French technique, molecular gastronomy, wine pairing
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🏨 Hotels & Resorts

Luxury hotels, beachfront resorts, and conference centers. Multiple outlets, banquets, and room service operations.

Skills: Volume production, banquet management, diverse cuisines
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🌱 Farm-to-Table

Sustainable restaurants, organic eateries, and locally-sourced establishments. Emphasis on seasonal menus.

Skills: Seasonal cooking, local sourcing, sustainability
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Top Culinary Neighborhoods

🏙️ Downtown & Gaslamp

Fine dining establishments, hotel restaurants, and upscale gastropubs

Fine DiningHotels
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💎 La Jolla

Luxury resorts, oceanfront dining, and celebrity chef restaurants

LuxuryResort
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🎨 North Park & Hillcrest

Farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, and innovative cuisine

Farm-to-TableTrendy
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🍝 Little Italy

Authentic Italian restaurants, artisanal markets, and waterfront dining

ItalianArtisanal
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In-Demand Chef Skills

🌮

Mexican Cuisine

Authentic techniques, mole, ceviches

🍣

Asian Fusion

Sushi, ramen, Korean BBQ

🐟

Seafood

Fresh fish, sustainable sourcing

🥗

Plant-Based

Vegan, vegetarian innovations

Ready to Lead a Kitchen in San Diego?

Discover chef opportunities at San Diego's most celebrated restaurants and resorts!