Shay Ristorante – Toronto
Prep Cook
We are looking for a focused and reliable Prep Cook to join the kitchen team of a new high-end Italian restaurant opening soon in one of Toronto's most prestigious neighbourhoods. This is a ground-floor opportunity to be part of a kitchen that takes its craft seriously from day one.
You will be entering a well-organized, professional environment with a clear culinary vision and a team that values quality, consistency, and commitment. If you are someone who takes pride in the foundations of good cooking, this is the right room for you.
Compensation and scheduling details will be discussed privately with candidates who advance through the process.
THE CONCEPT: A MODERN EXPRESSION OF ELEVATED ITALIAN DINING
Shay is being built as a destination where craftsmanship and genuine hospitality converge. Rooted in seasonal Italian tradition and executed with precision and contemporary sensibility, the culinary program is designed for a discerning Toronto audience.
What guests will find at Shay:
● An ingredient-driven menu grounded in Italian culinary tradition with modern technique and finesse
● A kitchen built for precision, high craft, and consistent excellence
● A dining room that embraces understated luxury and genuine hospitality
● A team committed to building something exceptional and enduring in the Toronto dining landscape
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Prep Cook is responsible for setting the kitchen up for success each service. Working under the direction of station cooks and senior kitchen leadership, you will handle mise en place, ingredient preparation, and kitchen organization with care and consistency. This role is essential to the quality and flow of everything that follows.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Daily preparation
● Execute daily mise en place according to prep lists and kitchen standards
● Fabricate proteins, break down vegetables, and prepare house-made components accurately and efficiently
● Follow recipes and portioning specifications with precision every time
● Maintain a clean, organized, and safe workstation throughout your shift
● Communicate clearly with station cooks and the sous chef on completion and quantities
Kitchen standards
● Uphold food safety and sanitation standards at all times, in line with Toronto Public Health requirements
● Label, date, and store all product correctly using FIFO rotation
● Assist with receiving and organizing deliveries as needed
● Support end-of-shift cleaning and kitchen reset
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Required
● At least 1 year of professional kitchen experience in a restaurant environment
● Solid knife skills and understanding of basic cooking techniques
● Ability to work efficiently under pressure while maintaining quality and organization
● Reliable, punctual, and coachable with a strong work ethic
● Food Handler certification or willingness to obtain prior to start
● Eligibility to work in Ontario
An advantage
● Experience in Italian or fine dining kitchens
● Culinary school training or apprenticeship background
● Familiarity with scratch cooking and house-made components
The kind of person we are looking for
● Detail-oriented and takes full ownership of their prep list
● Someone who understands that great service starts at the prep table
● Eager to learn and grow within a high-calibre kitchen environment
● A team player who shows up ready and leaves the kitchen better than they found it
THE ENVIRONMENT
● Evening and weekend availability required; daytime prep shifts available
● Fast-paced, professionally run kitchen with high standards and a respectful culture
● Direct collaboration with station cooks and kitchen leadership
Pay: $17.60-$24.45 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
