Jonathan graduated from The Art Institute of California with an Associates of Science in Culinary Arts in 2005, he began his career at Roy’s in La Jolla as a line cook before becoming a corporate trainer and then sous chef in 2008. After five years with Roy’s, Jonathan moved to Kitchen 1540 at L’Auberge Del Mar as sous chef and was quickly promoted as chef de cuisine in late 2011. In December of 2013, Jonathan was hired as the head chef of Georges at the Cove in La Jolla, California under the wing of Executive Chef/Partner Trey Foshee. There he oversaw all culinary operations of all three levels: Georges California Modern, Level 2, and Ocean Terrace. During the winter of 2018, Bautista was the consulting/opening chef for the award-winning speakeasy bar/restaurant concept: The Realm of 52 Remedies. Mid pandemic October 2020 Jonathan began conception of a new project Kingfisher, opening January 2022, Kingfisher opened to much acclaim and Jonathan was short list nominated as a James Beard Award Finalist as well as earning Michelin recognition.

Now at the helm of San Diego classic and Michelin recognized The Fishery, Jonathan ushers in the 26th year of operation alongside ownership and a rockstar management team. Besides his love of local produce and San Diego sunshine- Jonathan is also known as Khloe’s dad, his 4 year-old chihuahua, and on his days off you can find the two of them adventuring about San Diego!