Line Cook

Company: Gitano NYC

Location: Pier 17, The Seaport, New York, NY

Position Type: Full-Time / Seasonal (With permanent growth opportunities)

Reports To: Executive Chef / Sous Chef

Compensation: Competitive Hourly (Based on experience)

About Gitano NYC:

Gitano NYC is a tropical escape in the heart of Manhattan, blending modern Mexican and Mayan-inspired cuisine with high-energy nightlife, design-forward spaces, and world-class hospitality. Set in a lush, waterfront oasis at Pier 17, Gitano delivers an immersive guest experience where food, music, and culture intersect. We are known for our vibrant atmosphere, attention to detail, and a signature culinary program centered around open-fire and wood-burning grill execution.

Position Summary:

We are seeking two (2) skilled and motivated Line Cooks to join our culinary team for the busy season. This role is essential to delivering consistent, high-quality dishes that reflect Gitano’s elevated take on coastal Mexican cuisine. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume, upscale environment and takes immense pride in precision, cleanliness, live-fire cooking techniques, and back-of-house teamwork.

Key Responsibilities:

• Station Prep & Execution: Set up, stock, and maintain assigned stations (Grill, Plancha, Prep, or Garde Manger) with all necessary supplies according to Gitano’s exact recipes, standards, and plating guidelines.
• Live-Fire Cooking & Quality Control: Maintain absolute consistency, quality, temperature control, and precise timing across all dishes during high-volume service.
• Sanitation & Compliance: Ensure proper food handling, storage, and station breakdown in strict compliance with NYC Department of Health (DOHMH) regulations. Maintain a clean, organized, and professional workspace at all times.
• Kitchen Discipline & Flow: Practice excellent inventory rotation protocols (FIFO) and actively minimize food waste at the station level. Collaborate seamlessly with the kitchen team and stewarding staff to maintain a smooth service flow.
• Teamwork: Maintain a professional, positive, and collaborative attitude with fellow cooks, stewarding staff, and front-of-house teams.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Experience: 2+ years of line cook experience in a high-volume, upscale restaurant or premium hospitality environment.
• Technical Skills: Strong understanding of kitchen operations, excellent knife skills, and advanced cooking techniques. Familiarity with modern Mexican/Latin culinary profiles and experience with wood-fired cooking or open-flame grills is highly preferred.
• Adaptability: Ability to maintain intense focus, attention to detail, and speed while working under pressure during peak nightlife and event hours.
• Certifications: NYC Food Protection Certificate is highly preferred (or a willingness to obtain it within the first 30 days).
• Schedule: Flexible availability required, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Physical Requirements: Must be able to stand for long periods of time, move quickly in a hot kitchen environment, and lift up to 40 lbs.

What We Offer:

• Financial Value: Competitive hourly pay + potential overtime.
• Daily Perks: Complimentary staff meals and employee dining discounts across the portfolio.
• Environment: A creative, energetic, beautiful, and team-oriented work environment.
• Global Mobility: Opportunities for permanent placement and professional growth within our expanding global hospitality group (NYC, Tulum, Dubai).

Ideal Candidate

You are passionate about elevated food, energized by busy services, and committed to delivering memorable dining experiences. You bring a disciplined work ethic, a positive attitude, and a desire to grow within a global brand that deeply values culture, creativity, and hospitality.

To Apply:Please submit your resume through email to carlos@gitano.com with the subject: "Line Cook Application – Gitano NYC". Open calls are also hosted at Pier 17.

Pay: $18.00 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Work Location: In person