Comis Chef

Mercato; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercato in North Adelaide is seeking a passionate Chef to join our kitchen team, working with Head Chef to deliver high-quality Italian dishes.

You will maintain consistency, safety, and presentation in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen, and collaborate with skilled chefs and apprentices to create memorable dining experiences for our guests.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years in a similar kitchen role.
• Experience in professional, high-volume environments.
• Pizzeria specialization is preferred.
• Certificate III or higher in Commercial Cookery is desirable.
• Strong food safety understanding.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook food according to menu guidelines.
• Maintain consistency, quality and presentation.
• Monitor stock levels and minimise waste.
• Work with chefs and apprentices to ensure smooth operations.
• Adhere to safety and kitchen procedures.

Skills

3+ years experience

High-volume kitchen

Pizzeria experience

Teamwork & communication

Education

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Job description

About Mercato

Mercato is an institution of food, wine and entertainment, central to Italian living. For over 50years, we have been bringing authentic Italian food, wine and experiences to Adelaide, with a strong focus on exceptional service, quality products and creating memorable experiences for our customers.

Our philosophy is simple yet important — to inspire the world to eat and drink better, feel safe and valued at work, and end each day fulfilled and part of a greater good.

Located in beautiful North Adelaide, Mercato combines a proud heritage with an exciting future. We are passionate about Italian food, provenance, hospitality and bringing people together, and we are looking for a passionate Chef to join our kitchen team.

Why Join Us?

• Join a team devoted to providing joy and togetherness to our customers through dedicated service and memorable experiences.
• Work in a vibrant culinary environment steeped in Italian culture.
• Be part of a supportive and well-structured team.
• Work with a team that genuinely loves what they do.
• Opportunity to develop your culinary skills within a growing and customer-focused business.

The Role

As a Chef at Mercato, you will work closely with the Head Chef and kitchen team to prepare and deliver high-quality food in line with our menu, recipes and kitchen standards.

You will play an important role in maintaining consistency, quality and presentation while contributing to an efficient, safe and positive kitchen environment.

What Your Day Looks Like

• Preparing and cooking food according to menu guidelines, recipes and Head Chef requirements.
• Preparing food to meet special dietary requirements.
• Maintaining consistency in taste, quality and presentation across all dishes.
• Monitoring stock levels and helping to minimise food wastage through appropriate stock rotation and portion control.
• Assisting with receiving and accounting for supplies and deliveries while on shift, including checking food quality and ensuring correct storage.
• Maintaining kitchen and food storage areas in a clean, safe and hygienic condition in accordance with Food Safety legislation.
• Demonstrating cooking techniques and advising junior kitchen team members on appropriate cooking procedures.
• Assisting with menu planning and contributing ideas where appropriate.
• Working collaboratively with chefs, cooks and apprentices to ensure smooth kitchen operations.
• Following food safety, kitchen and operational procedures at all times.

What You Bring

To be successful in joining the Mercato team, you will have:

• A minimum of 3 years' experience in a role performing similar duties.
• Experience working in a professional, high-volume and fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Experience or specialisation in pizzeria is preferred.
• A minimum Certificate III or above in Commercial Cookery is desirable.
• Strong understanding of food preparation, cooking techniques and food safety requirements.
• A commitment to quality, consistency and presentation.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• The ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining attention to detail.
• Flexibility and availability to work days, nights and weekends.
• A genuine passion for food and hospitality.

Be Part of the Mercato Journey

If you are a motivated Chef who takes pride in preparing quality food, enjoys working as part of a team and has a passion for Italian cuisine and hospitality, we would love to hear from you.

Mercato is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.