Overview
Line Cook Jobs in Calistoga, CA at Five Senses Napa LLC
Line Cook
Position: Line Cook
Restaurant: Five Senses Modern Japanese
Location: Calistoga, CA
Compensation: $18–$23/hour DOE
Schedule: Full-Time | Primarily evenings, weekends & some holidays
About Five Senses
Five Senses Modern Japanese is a new, modern Japanese restaurant in the heart of Calistoga. We focus on thoughtfully prepared Japanese-inspired dishes, high-quality ingredients, clean presentation, and an elevated guest experience in a welcoming, approachable environment.
We are a small, hands-on kitchen where every team member plays an important role. We are looking for a Line Cook who takes pride in their work, cares about consistency, and understands that great food starts with great preparation.
The Role
As a Line Cook, you will be responsible for preparing, cooking, and plating menu items to Five Senses’ standards while maintaining an organized, sanitary, and efficient workstation.
This is a hands-on position that requires someone who can confidently execute recipes, manage multiple tickets during service, communicate with the kitchen team, and maintain attention to detail when the restaurant gets busy.
You will work closely with our culinary team to execute dishes ranging from Japanese-inspired hot dishes and appetizers to tempura, proteins, sauces, garnishes, and other components of our menu.
What You’ll Do
- Execute menu items consistently according to Five Senses recipes, specifications, and plating standards
- Work a designated station during service while maintaining proper timing and communication with the kitchen team
- Prepare and execute items such as:
- Tempura and fried items
- Hot appetizers and small plates
- Proteins, including pork, chicken, seafood, and other menu components
- Japanese-inspired sauces, marinades, and seasonings
- Rice, vegetables, garnishes, and other supporting components
- Complete daily prep accurately and efficiently according to prep lists and pars
- Demonstrate strong knife skills and proper food preparation techniques
- Properly portion proteins and other ingredients to maintain food cost and consistency
- Maintain proper cooking temperatures and understand basic cooking techniques including sautéing, frying, grilling, roasting, and finishing
- Plate dishes neatly and consistently according to restaurant standards
- Maintain adequate stock on your station throughout service
- Communicate clearly with the Chef and other kitchen team members regarding ticket timing, shortages, and special requests
- Follow FIFO procedures and properly label, date, store, and rotate food
- Maintain a clean, organized, and fully stocked workstation throughout the shift
- Follow all California food safety, sanitation, and restaurant procedures
- Assist with receiving deliveries, inventory organization, and general kitchen upkeep
- Minimize waste and use ingredients responsibly
- Assist other kitchen stations and team members when needed
What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate is someone who is dependable, detail-oriented, coachable, and genuinely takes pride in putting out great food.
You should have:
- Previous line-cook or professional kitchen experience preferred
- Strong basic cooking and knife skills
- Experience working in a fast-paced restaurant environment
- Ability to follow recipes and written specifications precisely
- Ability to consistently execute dishes during busy service
- Understanding of proper food handling, storage, and sanitation
- Ability to work cleanly and efficiently without constant supervision
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to stand for extended periods and safely lift and carry kitchen supplies
- Reliable transportation and dependable attendance
- Food Handler Card required
- Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
Japanese Cuisine Experience
Japanese restaurant experience is preferred but not required.
More important than knowing every Japanese cooking technique is having strong fundamentals, a willingness to learn, and the ability to follow our recipes and standards consistently.
What Makes a Great Five Senses Line Cook?
We are looking for someone who:
Cares about the details.You understand that portion size, temperature, texture, presentation, and timing all matter.
Keeps a clean station.You don’t wait until the end of service to clean—you maintain your station throughout the shift.
Can handle pressure.When tickets start coming in, you stay organized, communicate, and keep moving without sacrificing quality.
Is coachable.You don’t have to know everything. You do need to be willing to learn our recipes, techniques, and standards.
Works as a team.In a small kitchen, everyone helps everyone. We expect our cooks to step in when another station needs support.
Takes ownership.You notice when something needs to be done and take care of it rather than waiting to be asked.
What We Offer
- Competitive hourly pay based on experience
- Hands-on experience in a modern Japanese restaurant
- Opportunity to learn Japanese-inspired cooking techniques and restaurant operations
- A small, collaborative kitchen environment
- Opportunity for growth as Five Senses continues to develop
A Note About Our Kitchen
Five Senses is a small restaurant with a small kitchen team. That means this isn’t a position where you will only perform one task for your entire shift. We expect our cooks to be versatile, help with prep and cleaning, support other stations when necessary, and take ownership of the overall success of the kitchen.
If you are looking for a kitchen where quality, cleanliness, consistency, teamwork, and hospitality actually matter, we’d love to meet you.
To apply: Please submit your resume and a brief description of your kitchen experience and availability.
Pay: $18.00 – $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
Work Location: In person
Title: Line Cook
Company: Five Senses Napa LLC
Location: Calistoga, CA
Category:
