Entry Level Chef - UK

Zizzi Restaurants; Exeter; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Free meals on shift

Earned wage access

Discounts on travel, cinema and brands

Virtual GP & EAP

Career progression

Job summary

Zizzi Restaurants in Exeter is hiring an Entry Level Chef. You don't need any previous kitchen experience—we'll teach you how to stretch dough and cook perfect al dente pasta in our open kitchen.

We're looking for a team player with a great attitude and love for Italian food who is eager to learn and grow with us across the kitchen. The role offers flexible hours, a minimum-hour contract, free meals on shift, and clear progression to Chef and Head Chef.

Qualifications

• No kitchen experience required; training provided.
• Positive attitude and strong work ethic.
• Willingness to learn and grow in a busy kitchen.
• Interest in Italian ingredients and the Zizzi menu.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook menu items in a high-energy open kitchen.
• Maintain dish quality and ensure each plate looks inviting.
• Master the menu and specs to keep service fast and consistent.
• Keep the kitchen clean and follow food safety procedures.
• Collaborate with teammates to keep the kitchen running smoothly.

Skills

Team player

Willing to learn

Positive attitude

Love for Italian food

Job description

Entry Level Chef £12.71 per hour plus tronc and benefits

You'll know us for bubbly pizza, fresh pasta, and good times. Zizzi started in 1999 with a little wine, a big oven, and the dream of doing Italian food, our way. We don't do bland food, people or restaurants.

About The Role

As a Trainee Chef, you'll get to learn how to stretch dough and make perfect al dente pasta in our open kitchen. You don't need any previous chef experience - we'll teach you the skills to build a kitchen career. We're looking for a team player ready to learn, with a great attitude, and a love for food.

What you'll do:

• Prepare and cook our menu to spec in a busy, high-energy open kitchen where our guests can see the magic happen.
• Take absolute pride in the quality of every dish that leaves your section, ensuring it turns heads every time.
• Master our menu and specs inside and out to ensure service remains fast and consistent during busy rushes.
• Maintain a spotless kitchen and follow all food safety procedures to the highest standard.
• Work closely with the rest of your team to keep the kitchen running smoothly and the energy high.

What's in it for you:

• Flexible hours and the guaranteed stability of a minimum-hour contract.
• Free meals when you're on shift, and 50% off when you aren't.
• Access your earned wages whenever you need them with Stream.
• Discounts on travel, cinema, and top brands.
• 24/12 Virtual GP and Employee Assistance Program.
• Career development opportunities. We'll help you grow to Chef, then even to Head Chef.

What we're looking for:

• This is an entry-level chef role, so you don't need any kitchen experience. Just a positive attitude, a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn.
• A love for Italian ingredients and a genuine desire to master the Zizzi menu.
• A reliable team player who stays calm when things get busy
• Positive energy for a busy, high-energy environment.
• Reliable and available for evenings, weekends, and busy holiday periods.

Why you'll fit right in:

We want you in the kitchen, as you are, from day 1. We love individuality - bold tattoos, bad singing, big laugh, brave choices. We're a Times Top 500 Employer because we celebrate everyone's differences. While we're on that, we're also the only Italian restaurant in the FT's UK's Best Employers 2026 Special Report (for working conditions, salary, potential for development and company image).