Line Cook – Modern Persian Restaurant
Location: Newport Beach, CA
VATAN is an upscale, chef-driven Persian restaurant in Newport Beach offering a modern interpretation of Persian cuisine through refined small plates, premium California ingredients, and elegant presentation.
We are looking for dependable, motivated Line Cooks who take pride in their work, care about quality and presentation, and want to be part of building a strong kitchen team.
Our menu and culinary direction have already been thoughtfully developed. You’ll work closely with our Head Chef and kitchen leadership to prepare and execute dishes consistently, efficiently, and to a high standard.
This is a great opportunity for cooks who want to strengthen their skills, learn modern Persian cuisine, and grow with an independent, chef-driven restaurant.
Responsibilities
* Prepare and execute menu items according to recipes, plating standards, and chef direction.
* Work assigned stations efficiently during lunch and/or dinner service.
* Maintain consistent food quality, taste, portioning, and presentation.
* Complete daily prep, mise en place, and station setup before service.
* Maintain a clean, organized, and properly stocked workstation.
* Follow proper food handling, labeling, storage, and sanitation procedures.
* Communicate clearly with chefs, cooks, servers, and other team members during service.
* Assist with receiving, stocking, prep, and kitchen organization as needed.
* Minimize food waste and properly care for ingredients, equipment, and kitchen tools.
* Follow all food safety, sanitation, and health department requirements.
* Support the kitchen team wherever needed to ensure smooth and successful service.
We are looking for cooks who naturally ask, “How can I make this better?”
Qualifications
* Previous line cook, prep cook, or professional kitchen experience preferred.
* Experience in a full-service, upscale casual, fine-dining, hotel, or chef-driven restaurant is a plus.
* Strong knife skills and basic understanding of professional cooking techniques.
* Ability to follow recipes and plating standards accurately and consistently.
* Comfortable working in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
* Strong attention to detail, cleanliness, organization, and presentation.
* Reliable, punctual, professional, and able to work well as part of a team.
* Ability to communicate effectively and take direction from kitchen leadership.
* Willingness to learn and continuously improve.
* Food Handler Certification or ability to obtain one as required.
* Persian or Middle Eastern culinary experience is a plus, but not required. Curiosity about Persian cuisine and enthusiasm for learning are more important.
Compensation & Benefits
* Competitive hourly pay based on experience.
* Opportunities for additional hours and advancement as the restaurant grows.
* Hands-on training with a chef-driven menu and refined plating standards.
* Opportunity to learn modern Persian cuisine and work with high-quality ingredients.
* Opportunity to grow with an independent restaurant and take on additional kitchen responsibility over time.
Why VATAN?
At VATAN, line cooks are an important part of the culinary team—not simply people filling a station.
You’ll work in a kitchen focused on craftsmanship, consistency, organization, and continuous improvement. You’ll have the opportunity to learn distinctive Persian flavors and techniques while working with a modern, chef-driven menu.
We value cooks who care about what leaves the kitchen, support their teammates, and want to become better at their craft.
If you’re dependable, passionate about cooking, and interested in helping us build a distinctive modern Persian restaurant in Newport Beach, we’d love to meet you.
Please submit your resume and a brief introduction.
