Pastry Cook

About Dalida

Dalida is a California Eastern Mediterranean restaurant rooted in heritage, craft, and community. We express the region’s depth and warmth through hyper-seasonal California ingredients, creating food that is soulful, refined, and deeply connected to place. Our hospitality is generous, human, and centered on the belief that many stories can share one table—and that every team member helps create that experience.

Since opening, Dalida has earned national recognition, including Michelin recommendation and James Beard Foundation semifinalist honors. Our true success, however, comes from a diverse, inclusive team that grows, learns, and celebrates together.

The Opportunity

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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).

• 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.

What we offer

• Personalized structured career development plan and advancement opportunities.
• A supportive, growth-oriented environment with structured professional development.
• A culture rooted in craftsmanship, collaboration, and respect.