Head Chef – Italian Cuisine

Unify Group; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

Unify Group in Abu Dhabi is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the culinary operations of a standalone fine-dining Italian restaurant. You will own kitchen operations, menu development, and team performance.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in Italian cuisine, proven leadership, and strong knowledge of HACCP, food safety, and cost control. Fluent English is required; Italian is a plus. This role emphasizes premium ingredients, refined presentation and kitchen excellence.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive culinary experience with significant Italian cuisine.
• Proven experience as Head Chef, Chef de Cuisine or senior Sous Chef stepping up.
• Experience in standalone fine-dining Italian or Michelin-recognised restaurants.
• Strong knowledge of authentic regional Italian cuisine, ingredients and techniques.
• Experience in menu development, food costing, inventory and waste management.
• Ability to lead and develop a multicultural kitchen team.
• HACCP knowledge; ADAFSA knowledge/certification is desirable.
• Fluent English; Italian language skills are an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation and execution of authentic Italian cuisine, including pasta and wood-fired cooking.
• Develop seasonal menus while upholding fine-dining standards.
• Maintain exceptional food quality, presentation and consistency.
• Manage food cost, COGS, inventory, waste control and supplier relationships.
• Source premium Italian and European ingredients.
• Lead, train and develop the kitchen team with scheduling and performance management.
• Ensure efficient kitchen operations during high-volume service.
• Maintain HACCP, ADAFSA, food safety, hygiene and sanitation standards.

Skills

Italian cuisine

Team leadership

Menu development

Food cost

Quality control

HACCP knowledge

Fluent English

ADAFSA knowledge

Education

Culinary Arts qualification

Job description

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the culinary operations of a standalone fine-dining Italian restaurant in Abu Dhabi. The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in authentic Italian cuisine, premium ingredients and refined presentation, with full ownership of kitchen operations, menu development, food quality and team performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and execution of authentic Italian cuisine, including fresh pasta, risotto, meat and fish preparation, curing and wood-fired cooking.
• Develop seasonal menus while maintaining authenticity, creativity and fine-dining standards.
• Maintain exceptional standards of food quality, presentation and consistency.
• Manage food cost, COGS, inventory, waste control, kitchen ordering and supplier relationships.
• Source and work with premium Italian and European ingredients.
• Lead, train and develop the kitchen team, including scheduling and performance management.
• Ensure efficient kitchen operations during high-volume service.
• Maintain compliance with HACCP, ADAFSA, food safety, hygiene and sanitation standards.

Candidate Requirements

• 5+ years of progressive culinary experience, with significant experience in Italian cuisine.
• Proven experience as a Head Chef, Chef de Cuisine or experienced Sous Chef ready to step into a Head Chef position.
• Strong background within a standalone fine-dining Italian restaurant or Michelin-recognised restaurant.
• Excellent knowledge of authentic regional Italian cuisine, ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.
• Strong experience in menu development, food costing, inventory and waste management.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a multicultural kitchen team.
• Good knowledge of HACCP; ADAFSA knowledge/certification is highly desirable.
• Culinary Arts qualification or equivalent preferred.
• Fluent English; Italian language skills are an advantage.