Line Cook

About Maria Isabel

Maria Isabel is an upcoming Mexican restaurant grounded in heritage, craft, and community. Our cooking is rooted in the regional traditions of Mexico—shaped by memory, seasonality, and place—while expressing them through the lens of Northern California's extraordinary produce and purveyors. The food is soulful and generous, built on time-honored techniques, vibrant flavors, and a deep respect for origin.

Our approach to hospitality mirrors our philosophy in the kitchen: warm, human, and intentional. We believe restaurants are built by people first, and that meaningful work happens when a team grows together—sharing knowledge, responsibility, and pride in the experience we create for our guests.

Maria Isabel is scheduled to open in February, and we are currently assembling our founding team. This is an opportunity to help shape a restaurant from the ground up—its culture, its standards, and its voice—alongside a leadership team committed to mentorship, inclusivity, and long-term growth.

Our Values

Integrity | Humility | Team Spirit | Empathy | Focus ) Dynamicism

The Opportunity

We're looking for a career-minded, motivated, organized, and professional Line Cook to join our team. You are someone who is inherently hospitable, infinitely curious, and—most importantly—kind. You bring varied restaurant experience, a passion for food, beverage, people, and hospitality, and an insatiable desire to learn and grow. You perform well under pressure and want the opportunity to make your mark and contribute meaningfully to a team.

As a Line Cook, you'll work with exceptional ingredients, learn refined techniques, and contribute to a supportive, professional kitchen environment rooted in continuous improvement, excellence and collaboration.

This role is ideal for cooks with 2+ years of back of house experience, preferably in fine dining or high-end, technique-driven kitchens.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Prepare dishes according to recipes and menu direction from the Chefs while maintaining consistency, quality, and presentation standards
• Support smooth kitchen operations by staying organized, following food safety and allergy procedures, ensuring correct storage, and maintaining temperature controls
• Bring a positive attitude, strong willingness to learn, and the ability to work independently while modeling teamwork and supporting colleagues across all teams
• Communicate clearly and effectively—both written and verbal—to follow instructions, coordinate with team members, and adapt to changing needs during service
• Multitask calmly and efficiently under pressure while working in confined, busy spaces with variable light, noise, and temperature
• Safely use and operate all kitchen tools, utensils, and equipment; maintain cleanliness and uphold safety at all times
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications & Competencies

• Fine dining or high-end restaurant background preferred
• Strong culinary skills, with the ability to follow recipes, execute dishes consistently, and maintain high standards of quality and organization
• Ability to perform well under pressure, work independently, and contribute positively to a team-driven kitchen culture
• Clear and effective communication skills, both spoken and written
• Knowledge of food safety practices, allergy protocols, and proper handling/storage procedures
• Reliability and flexibility to work varied schedules, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, and occasional support across sites
• California Food Handler Certification (or ability to obtain within required time frame)

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk 8-10 hours per shift
• Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds
• Ability to focus and multitask in a fast-paced, high-pressure dining environment
• Flexible schedule required, including nights, weekends, and holidays based on business needs and event operations
• Work in hot, cold, and variable kitchen environments, including confined, busy, and noisy spaces
• Navigate stairs, slick surfaces, and all kitchen areas safely
• Travel between San Francisco locations as needed

What We Offer

• Personalized structured career development plan and advancement opportunities
• A supportive, growth-oriented environment with structured professional development
• A culture rooted in craftsmanship, collaboration, and respect
• Consistent scheduling with 2 days off in a row
• Family meal everyday you work
• Generous dining in discounts and retail-cost wine
• 401K matching after 6 months of employment
• Paid sick days
• Subsidized Health, Vision & Dental insurance 

Maria Isabel's Commitment to Equity & Inclusion

Maria Isabel is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our team, enrich our hospitality, and deepen our connection to the community we serve.