Toronto's restaurant industry runs on its kitchens, and line cook and prep cook openings are among the most consistent hiring categories in the GTA. The list below shows restaurants with active cook postings on Indeed, each links straight to the application.
Restaurants currently hiring cooks in Toronto
Sourced from Indeed Canada as of May 11, 2026. Some postings may be filled before this page is next refreshed, posted dates are shown so you can prioritize the freshest listings.
JOEY Restaurants
Line Cook / Prep Cook, JOEY Sherway Gardens · Toronto, ON · Posted February 27, 2026
View on Indeed →Cactus Club Cafe
Line/Prep Cook, First Canadian Place · Toronto, ON · Posted February 27, 2026 · Part-time
View on Indeed →The Village Taphouse
Line/Prep Cook, King Taps King & Portland · Toronto, ON · Posted February 27, 2026 · Part-time
View on Indeed →Alo Food Group
Line Cook (Garde Manger), Alobar Yorkville · Toronto, ON · Posted April 20, 2026 · Full-time
View on Indeed →What cooks in Toronto actually earn
Ontario's general minimum wage is $17.60/hour as of October 2025. Prep cook roles typically start near minimum wage; line cook roles start around $18–$20/hour for entry level and rise to $22–$28/hour for experienced cooks at upscale rooms like Oliver & Bonacini or Alo. Chefs de partie and sous chefs earn more, often with a small share of service. Many kitchens also offer staff meals and shift drinks, modest perks that add up across a week.
How to apply for a Toronto cook job
The Indeed link is the fastest way to apply at chains and restaurant groups (JOEY, Cactus Club, Oliver & Bonacini). For independents, a printed resume dropped off in person between lunch and dinner service (2pm–4pm) tends to get a faster reply than email. Bringing food handler certification (about $30 online, valid 5 years) is a real signal. For more on getting hired at Toronto restaurants, including front-of-house roles and walk-in application strategy, see our restaurant jobs guide on Canuck Hire. If you prefer working at owner-led restaurants over national chains, see our list of independent businesses currently hiring in Toronto.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need culinary school to be hired as a line cook in Toronto?
No. Many Toronto line cooks started as prep cooks or dishwashers and worked up. Upscale rooms (Alo, Oliver & Bonacini) may prefer culinary school or prior fine-dining experience, but high-volume rooms like Cactus Club and JOEY hire on attitude, speed, and reliability over credentials.
What is the difference between a prep cook and a line cook?
Prep cooks do mise en place, chopping, portioning, sauces, before service. Line cooks work a specific station during service (grill, sauté, garde manger). Prep is the more common entry point with no experience; line cook is the next step up.
How much do line cooks in Toronto make per hour?
Entry-level line cooks earn around $18–$20/hour. Experienced cooks at upscale restaurants earn $22–$28/hour. Prep cooks typically start near Ontario's $17.60/hour minimum wage and rise with experience.
What certifications help when applying to a Toronto kitchen?
A Food Handler certificate is the most practical, about $30 online, valid 5 years, and signals you understand food safety. Smart Serve isn't typically required for BOH roles. Culinary school is helpful at fine-dining rooms but not necessary at most restaurants.
Are kitchen shifts mostly evenings and weekends?
Yes for most dinner-focused restaurants. Lunch-focused spots and breakfast/brunch restaurants (Lake Restaurant, café-style operations) have daytime shifts. Hotel and airport kitchens like SSP Group run more varied schedules. Expect Friday and Saturday evenings to be the busiest shifts at almost every restaurant.