Prep Cook - Growth Path to Line Cook

Job Description

Job Description

Prep Cook – Growth Path to Line Cook

Pay : $22–$25 / hour

Shift : AM (Morning)

Full-Time | Start ASAP

Hire Curated is helping Nisei, a Michelin Star restaurant with hiring a Prep Cook.

About Nisei

Led by Chef David Yoshimura, Nisei blends refined Japanese technique with California’s best seasonal ingredients to create an unforgettable dining experience.

Within our first year, we earned :

Michelin Star

Michelin “Young Chef Award”

James Beard Award Nomination

We work closely with local farms, fishermen, and wineries, cultivating deep respect for every ingredient we use.

The Role

We’re seeking a Prep Cook with strong fundamentals, great attitude, and a hunger to learn. This role is perfect for someone who’s ready to grow into a Line Cook position through mentorship, repetition, and exposure to Michelin-level standards.

As a Prep Cook at Nisei, you will :

Prepare ingredients, stocks, and sauces with precision and consistency

Support the savory and pastry teams with daily mise en place

Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient prep area

Learn advanced Japanese techniques, from knife work to fermentation

Rotate through prep and station shadowing as skills progress

Receive hands-on training directly from Sous Chefs, and fellow cooks

Uphold ingredient integrity and food safety at all times

What We’re Looking For

1+ year of professional kitchen experience (fine dining preferred)

Culinary school graduate or equivalent hands-on training a plus

Strong knife skills and eagerness to improve

Humble, dependable, and curious

Ability to work cleanly and efficiently

Positive team player with great communication

Passion for Japanese cuisine and craftsmanship

Flexibility for all shifts shifts and weekends

If you’re serious about your growth and want to develop the skills to one day run your own station, this is the perfect entry point.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay : $22–$25 / hour

Paid Vacation : 10 days per year

Observed Holidays : Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve / Day, New Year’s Day

Winter Break : 1 week off in January

Summer Break : 1 week off around July 4th

Parental Leave : Maternal & Paternal

Health Insurance : Available after 3-month trial

CalSavers Retirement Plan

Dining & Beverage Discounts

Family Meal Provided Daily

Quarterly Learning Opportunities & Field Trips

Our Commitment

At Nisei, we hire people with potential, not ego.

We believe that attention to detail, curiosity, and respect for ingredients are the foundation of a great chef.

Our kitchen is a place to learn, grow, and refine your craft surrounded by passionate professionals.

Start as a Prep Cook. Grow into a Line Cook.

Join a Michelin-starred team shaping the next generation of Japanese-American cuisine.

Apply via post or email your resume to career@restaurantnisei.com