Cook (Full-Time)

VIA DOLCE; Canberra; On-site; AUD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A premium café and patisserie in Canberra is seeking a qualified Cook to join their kitchen team. You will be responsible for preparing and presenting a range of Italian dishes while ensuring high standards of food quality and safety. The ideal candidate will have experience in busy kitchens, particularly in Italian cuisine. This role offers a supportive environment and the opportunity to work with premium ingredients.

Benefits

Supportive kitchen environment

Consistent roster

Opportunity to work with premium ingredients

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Cook in a busy kitchen environment.
• Experience in an Italian restaurant or café.
• Strong knowledge of Italian cuisine and pizza preparation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook, and present dishes for all meal services.
• Operate a wood-fired oven and prepare pizza bases.
• Ensure food quality meets restaurant standards.

Skills

Experience in a busy kitchen

Knowledge of Italian pastries and gelato

Ability to work under pressure

Understanding of food safety regulations

Education

Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery

Job description

About us

Established in 2013, VIA DOLCE PTY LTD is a premium café and patisserie in Canberra’s city centre, known for authentic Italian desserts, pastries, and gelato made fresh in-house. From hand-rolled pasta and pizza dough to artisan cakes and slices, we combine craftsmanship, quality, and warmth to deliver a true taste of Italy to locals and visitors alike.

About the role

We’re looking for a qualified Cook to join our kitchen team. This position plays a vital role in food preparation and service, maintaining the high standards of freshness, flavour, and presentation that our customers love.

Responsibilities

• Preparing, cooking, and presenting a range of dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner service
• Preparing ingredients, sauces, and pizza bases; hand-stretching and topping pizzas; operating a wood-fired oven
• Ensuring all food is cooked and presented to VIA DOLCE standards, including dietary and allergen requirements
• Monitoring and regulating cooking temperatures of ovens, grills, and fryers
• Safely storing food with accurate labelling and stock rotation
• Maintaining kitchen cleanliness, hygiene, and HACCP compliance
• Managing stock control, ordering, and waste minimisation
• Contributing to menu development and training junior kitchen staff

Skills and experience

• Proven experience as a Cook in a busy kitchen environment
• Proven experience as a Chef/Cook in an Italian restaurant, patisserie, or café
• Strong knowledge of Italian pastries, gelato, and classic Italian cuisine, including pizza preparation and operation of a wood-fired oven
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure while maintaining precision and attention to detail
• A sound understanding of food safety regulations and HACCP principles

Qualifications

• A Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery (or an equivalent overseas qualification)

What we offer

• A supportive and professional kitchen environment
• A consistent roster in a central Canberra location
• The opportunity to work with premium ingredients and authentic Italian-inspired cuisine

How to apply

Please apply with your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.

Applications close 28 days from posting date.

Equal opportunity

VIA DOLCE PTY LTD is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of background or belief.

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