DORA RISTORANTE - SOUS CHEF
Join the Opening Team at DORA RISTORANTE – La Jolla, CA
Opening Soon at 9165 Scholars Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
DORA RISTORANTE is a bold new Italian concept from Chef-Owner Accursio Lota — the chef behind Cori Trattoria, one of San Diego’s most celebrated and award-winning Italian restaurants.
Now, Chef Lota is bringing that same soul and precision to La Jolla with DORA — a restaurant designed to become one of the most dynamic Italian kitchens on the West Coast.
We’re building an opening team of individuals who love this craft — who live for the energy of service, the pride in clean prep, and the satisfaction of doing things the right way.
Whether you’re on the line, in the dish pit, or delivering a perfect plate to the table — your role matters. If you take pride in your work, respect your team, and bring passion into every shift, we want you with us from the beginning.
Why Join DORA?
Be part of an opening team setting a new standard for Italian dining in San Diego
Work with passionate chefs and professionals who care deeply about craft
Grow in a respectful, disciplined, and collaborative environment
Help shape the culture, systems, and energy of a restaurant built to last
What We're Looking For:
Strong communication and a team-first mindset
Understanding of how a professional kitchen (or floor) runs
Curiosity about ingredients, seasonality, and sourcing
Respect for Italian culinary traditions — and a desire to learn more
Calm, focus, and efficiency in high-volume service
Pride in every plate, every detail, every shift
Sous Chef Description:
The Sous Chef will assist the Chef with the running the
kitchen. This team member will be able to work well under pressure,
execute a range of daily tasks; ensure the kitchen produces exemplary
food while simultaneously fostering a healthy, happy work environment.
Ability to prioritize, organize and delegate work assignments, ability to
direct performance of kitchen associates and follow up with corrections
where needed. This team member will have the ability to lead
every aspect of the kitchen as it is imperative for this role on order to
maintain a cohesive team.
Primary responsibilities include:
You will be able to step into a leadership role in the absence of the Chef
Can oversee kitchen operations in accordance with company standards
Constantly be a mentor for all kitchen employees, assisting in their training
Assist the Chef in Supporting the line and all kitchen employees
Assist the Chef with scheduling and labor controls
Assists the Chef with staff communication, meetings, feedback.
Train new and existing kitchen staff on the preparation, arrangement, and plating of dishes
Support the team through the many changes the restaurant industry experience in a daily basis
Maintain a sense of urgency in everything you do. Encouraging and driving others to do the same
Works in liaison with the front-of-house team to ensure efficient restaurant operations
Culinary Oversight
Assist the Chef in the creation and implementation of menus
Execute menu items from start to finish, ensuring quality is always maintained
Assist the Chef with costing and inventory, to ensure budgets are met while waste is avoided
Uphold the highest standards of food safety, food handling, and sanitation requirements to ensure the health and safety of staff and guests
Ensure all staff members adhere to culinary standards and regulations.
Review the daily activities and menus; check the following:
Forecasted covers for each Outlet and Catering activity
Responsible for ensuring that food that leaves the kitchen is of the highest quality
Responsible for placing all purchasing orders in a timely manner in order to ensure kitchen will receive product on time as needed
Bring your heart, your hustle, and your hunger. Let’s build something special together.
Apply today and be part of DORA from day one
What We Offer
Competitive Pay plus Tips
Health and Dental Insurance (full time)
Paid Time Off and Sick Leave
Restaurant Discounts
The opportunity to be part of a chef-driven restaurant from day one
A chance to open a unique restaurant
Job Type: Full-time (AM/PM availability)
Location: On-site only
Address: 9165 Scholars Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
Shift: AM/PM shifts, 8-hour shifts
Experience Required: 6 + years professional cooking
Shift Availability: Night shift required
Job Type: Full-time
Projected Total Compensation: $25.07 - $31.50 per hour
Benefits:
401(k)
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Work Location: In person