Pastry 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

We are seeking a career-minded, motivated, organized, and detail-oriented Pastry Cook to join our culinary team in a multi-award-winning dining environment.

This role is ideal for someone who is inherently hospitable, deeply curious, and—above all kind. You bring a genuine passion for pastry, a strong sense of discipline and precision, and a desire to continuously learn and refine your craft. You thrive in a structured, high-performance kitchen and take pride in executing at a high level, every day.

As a Pastry Cook, you will work closely with the Chefs team to execute a thoughtful and technique-driven pastry program. You will handle exceptional ingredients, develop refined skills, and contribute to a culture rooted in excellence, consistency, and collaboration. This is an opportunity for someone who wants to grow within a serious kitchen and make a meaningful contribution to the guest experience.

This position is best suited for candidates with 2+ years of experience, preferably in fine dining, pastry-focused kitchens, or high-level culinary environments.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Pastry Execution & Technique

• Prepare and execute all pastry and dessert items with precision, consistency, and attention to detail.
• Prepare a wide variety of baked goods, including doughs, creams,  ice creams, and plated desserts.
• Decorate and present pastries and desserts in a refined, thoughtful, and visually compelling manner.
• Follow recipes and direction from the Chefs team while maintaining the highest standards of quality and presentation.
• Plate desserts during service with accuracy, efficiency, and a strong sense of aesthetics.

Pastry Operations & Ownership

• Maintain a clean, organized, and fully stocked pastry station at all times.
• Monitor inventory levels and assist with ordering ingredients, supplies, and equipment when needed
• Ensure the pastry and bakery areas consistently meet health, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Support consistent production schedules to ensure readiness for service.

Collaboration, Leadership & Development

• Work collaboratively with both pastry and savory teams to ensure seamless service execution.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with chefs and team members during prep and service.
• Support training and development of team members across pastry and bread operations.
• Assist in identifying staffing needs and participate in training new hires as needed.
• Contribute to a respectful, professional, and team-driven kitchen culture.
• When applicable, meet  with the events team to discuss custom desserts or special occasion offerings.

Standards, Safety & Organization

• Uphold the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, and food safety at all times.
• Follow all allergy protocols and ensure accuracy in ingredient handling and communication.
• Properly label, date, store, and rotate all products.
• Safely operate all kitchen equipment and maintain a clean workstation throughout each shift.

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 timeframe).

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Stand and walk 8–10 hours per shift
• Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds (frequently up to 25 pounds).
• Work in hot, cold, and variable kitchen environments, including confined, busy, and noisy spaces.
• Maintain focus and multitask under pressure in a fast-paced fine-dining setting.

• Flexible schedule required, including nights, weekends, and holidays based on business needs and event operations.
• Travel between San Francisco locations as needed.
• Navigate stairs, slick surfaces, and all kitchen areas safely.

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.