Chef de Cuisine

Chef de Cuisine

Cotogna is seeking an experienced and passionate Chef de Cuisine to lead our culinary team.

Located in San Francisco's historic Jackson Square, Cotogna is a celebrated, ingredient-driven restaurant from Chef Michael Tusk. The restaurant draws inspiration from the traditions of Italian cuisine and the exceptional bounty of Northern California, with a menu centered around handmade pastas, wood-fired cooking, and the finest seasonal ingredients sourced through longstanding relationships with local farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and artisans.

The Chef de Cuisine will work closely with Chef Michael Tusk to lead the day-to-day culinary operations of Cotogna while contributing to the continued evolution of the restaurant and its culinary program.

We are looking for a thoughtful and confident culinary leader who combines a high level of technical skill with strong leadership, organization, and communication. The ideal candidate has a genuine passion for Italian cuisine, seasonal cooking, exceptional ingredients, and developing talented cooks into the next generation of culinary leaders.

What You'll Do

• Lead all aspects of daily kitchen operations while maintaining Cotogna's standards for quality, consistency, organization, and execution
• Collaborate closely with Chef Michael Tusk on menu development and the continued evolution of Cotogna's culinary program
• Oversee food preparation, execution, presentation, and quality across all services
• Lead, mentor, train, and develop the culinary team, creating a kitchen culture rooted in professionalism, accountability, collaboration, and growth
• Recruit, onboard, and develop a strong and engaged BOH team
• Oversee kitchen scheduling, staffing, training, and performance
• Manage food cost, labor, purchasing, inventory, and waste while balancing operational and culinary priorities
• Maintain strong relationships with farmers, ranchers, fishermen, artisans, and other purveyors
• Work collaboratively with FOH leadership to create a cohesive restaurant and guest experience
• Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, food safety, and sanitation
• Uphold the culinary standards and values of Cotogna and Quince & Co.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience as a Chef de Cuisine, or comparable senior culinary leadership role in a high-level, chef-driven restaurant
• A strong foundation in Italian cuisine and techniques; experience with handmade pasta and wood-fired cooking is highly valued
• Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, develop, and retain a strong culinary team
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Strong understanding of food cost, labor, purchasing, inventory, and kitchen operations
• Ability to maintain exceptional standards while leading a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen
• Collaborative and hands-on leadership style
• Genuine commitment to mentorship, education, and the professional development of others
• Deep appreciation for seasonality, responsible sourcing, and exceptional ingredients

Compensation: Competitive salary, commensurate with experience

Benefits Include: Company-sponsored medical insurance, dental and vision options, paid time off, dining benefits, professional development and growth opportunities, parking, 401K, relocation support

Quince & Co. is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply.