Chef

Ilili lebanese grill and mezze; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier Lebanese restaurant in London seeks a passionate Lebanese Chef to lead its kitchen team. The role includes overseeing the preparation of signature dishes, managing a fast-paced kitchen, and mentoring junior chefs. Candidates must have extensive experience in high-end Lebanese cuisine and a valid food safety certification. This position offers a competitive salary, work-life balance, and the opportunity for growth within the UK market.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous holiday allowance

Staff meals provided

Qualifications

• Proven experience in authentic Lebanese cuisine.
• Experience managing a fast-paced kitchen team, ideally at Head Chef or Senior Sous level.
• Technical skills in traditional Lebanese cooking techniques.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the preparation of signature mezze and grills.
• Collaborate on seasonal menu developments.
• Manage stock control and supplier relationships.
• Mentor junior staff on Lebanese cooking techniques.
• Maintain 5-star food hygiene standards.

Skills

Expertise in high-end Lebanese cuisine

Mastery of Lebanese spices and butchery

Leadership in kitchen management

Advanced English communication

Education

Valid Level 3 Food Safety certification

Job description

Overview

Lebanese Chef – ilili Restaurant. Location: 351 kennington lane, London, United Kingdom SE11 5QY. Cuisine: Authentic & Contemporary Lebanese. Position: Full-Time. The Role. At ilili, we pride ourselves on delivering the 'soul of Lebanon' to our guests. We are looking for a passionate, experienced Lebanese Chef to lead our kitchen team. You will be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of authentic Lebanese flavors while managing kitchen operations, food safety, and team development. The ideal candidate will have a deep-rooted understanding of traditional Levantine techniques—from the perfect Kibbeh texture to the art of the charcoal grill—blended with a modern approach to plating and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Culinary Excellence: Oversee the preparation and execution of our signature mezze, grills, and stews, ensuring every dish meets ilili’s standards.
• Menu Development: Collaborate on seasonal specials that showcase Lebanese heritage with local UK ingredients.
• Kitchen Management: Manage stock control, GP margins, and supplier relationships.
• Team Leadership: Mentor and train junior staff in authentic Lebanese cooking techniques.
• Compliance: Ensure 5-star food hygiene standards (HACCP) are maintained at all times.

Requirements

• Expertise: Proven experience in high-end Lebanese or Middle Eastern cuisine.
• Leadership: Experience managing a fast-paced kitchen team (Head Chef or Senior Sous level).
• Technical Skill: Mastery of Lebanese spices, butchery, and traditional bread-making.
• Compliance: Valid Level 3 Food Safety certification (preferred).
• Right to Work: Must have a valid visa or right to work in the UK.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive Salary.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous holiday allowance and structured rotas.
• Growth: Opportunity to help expand the ilili brand within the UK.
• Culture: Staff meals provided on shift (authentic Lebanese home-cooking!).

Additional Details

• Experience: Required
• Languages: English – Advanced
• Employment: Full-time
• Schedule: 9AM-6PM
• Salary: from £12.21 hourly
• Starting time: Immediate start!

About Ilili Lebanese grill and mezze: ilili is a premier Lebanese destination blending Mediterranean tradition with high-end sophistication. Join our team to deliver authentic Beirut flavours and elevated charcoal-fired grills to the UK’s elite dining scene.