Line Cook

Line Cook

XUNTOS is a Spanish tapas bar and natural wine destination from Chef Sandra Cordero, located in the heart of Downtown Santa Monica. It's a place to eat well, drink well, and enjoy the company you're with. Warm, lively, and welcoming, we take our food seriously without taking ourselves too seriously.

Xuntos means "together" in Galician. Our cooking draws inspiration from the food cultures of Galicia, Asturias, Catalunya, and the Basque Country, bringing the flavors and spirit of Northern Spain to Southern California. We cook seasonally, work with the best ingredients we can find, and believe that great food starts with curiosity, technique, and respect for the product. From pintxos and tapas to seafood and charcoal-grilled dishes, every plate matters. Our wine program shares that same philosophy, with a focus on Spanish natural wines, thoughtful producers, and bottles we love.

Xuntos is the second restaurant from Chef Sandra Cordero, who opened Gasolina Café in Woodland Hills in 2015. Chef Cordero is a James Beard Foundation Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Fellow, a 2026 Cherry Bombe Power List honoree, and co-founder of Regarding Her, a nonprofit supporting women in the hospitality industry.

Xuntos is looking for a PM Line Cook to join our kitchen team.

We're looking for someone who cares about what they cook, takes pride in their craft, and understands that great food comes from consistency, preparation, and teamwork. You should be organized, detail-oriented, disciplined, and comfortable working in a fast-paced kitchen where quality and timing matter.

You must know how to season and taste with intention, follow recipes precisely, maintain a clean and organized station, and execute dishes consistently throughout service. Equally important, you should be curious about food, open to feedback, respectful of your teammates, and willing to step in wherever you're needed.

We value cooks who bring both skill and a good attitude to the kitchen. We work hard, support one another, and believe that a strong team creates a better experience for everyone, from the kitchen to the guest.

Your Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and plate all dishes according to Xuntos recipes, techniques, presentation standards, and portion specifications.
• Taste your food throughout preparation and service, maintaining precise seasoning, proper texture, temperature, and consistency.
• Execute the menu with care, speed, and attention to detail, even during busy services.
• Follow prep recipes and cooking procedures accurately while maintaining the quality and integrity of each ingredient.
• Take ownership of the quality of every dish you send out. Remake any dish that does not meet Xuntos standards.
• Develop a strong understanding of our menu, ingredients, cooking techniques, and the Spanish culinary traditions that inspire our food.
• Complete all assigned preparation accurately, efficiently, and within the required timelines.

Station Management & Organization

• Set up your station completely and on time before service, following the daily checklist and ensuring all necessary ingredients, tools, and equipment are ready.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and properly stocked station throughout service.
• Communicate proactively when running low on ingredients, falling behind, or needing support.
• Break down and reset your station thoroughly after service, following established procedures.
• Participate fully in kitchen cleaning and closing duties, maintaining the cleanliness and organization of all shared spaces and equipment.

Food Safety & Professional Standards

• Follow all food safety, sanitation, storage, labeling, cooling, and temperature-control procedures.
• Maintain proper knife safety and safe operation of all kitchen equipment.
• Comply with applicable health, safety, and labor regulations and all Xuntos policies and procedures.
• Treat ingredients, equipment, and supplies with care, minimizing waste and supporting our commitment to responsible kitchen practices.
• Maintain a professional, focused, and respectful approach throughout every shift.

Teamwork & Kitchen Culture

• Embody our core values: Hospitality, Respect, Responsibility, Equality and Equity, Sustainability, Positivity, and Professionalism.
• Work collaboratively with chefs, fellow line cooks, prep cooks, and dishwashers to maintain smooth and efficient service.
• Communicate clearly, respectfully, and proactively, especially under pressure.
• Remain flexible as priorities change and be ready to assist teammates wherever needed, including dishwashing and other kitchen duties when operationally necessary.
• Give and receive feedback constructively, taking responsibility for mistakes and looking for ways to improve.
• Contribute to a positive kitchen environment where everyone is treated with respect and held to consistent standards.

Your Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of professional kitchen experience in a restaurant or comparable food-service operation.
• Availability to work Tuesday through Saturday evenings, including holidays as scheduled.
• A valid California Food Handler Card, as required.
• Strong understanding of basic cooking techniques, seasoning, food safety, and kitchen organization.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to execute recipes consistently.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• A dependable, self-motivated approach to work, with a willingness to learn and take initiative.
• A genuine interest in food, ingredients, and developing your culinary skills.
• The ability to receive feedback professionally, apply it, and take ownership of your continued development.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and move for extended periods, including shifts of up to 10 hours.
• Ability to bend, stoop, stretch, reach, and safely operate standard professional kitchen equipment.
• Ability to frequently lift and carry up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to move safely through a busy kitchen and carry food, equipment, and supplies up and down stairs.
• Ability to maintain focus, organization, and consistent execution during extended periods of service.

What Success Looks Like at Xuntos

You show up prepared, take ownership of your station, taste everything, communicate with your team, and care about the details. You understand that consistency is just as important as creativity, that hospitality starts with how we treat one another, and that every plate leaving the kitchen represents the work of the entire team.

You bring a good attitude, stay curious, and want to be part of a kitchen that takes pride in its food, its people, and the experience it creates.

Compensation: Hourly ($23.00 - $25.00) plus tips

Benefits & Perks: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Dining Discounts