Entry Level Chef - UK

Zizzi; Henley-on-Thames; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on shift

50% off when not on shift

Earned wage access with Stream

Discounts on travel, cinema, and top品牌

24/7 Virtual GP and Employee Assist. 

Career development to Chef and Head • 

Job summary

Zizzi is seeking an enthusiastic Trainee Chef for our open kitchen in the UK. No prior kitchen experience is required as we will teach you the skills to build a kitchen career. You should be a team player with a positive attitude and a love for Italian ingredients and the Zizzi menu.

In this entry-level role, you’ll learn to stretch dough and cook al dente pasta while our guest sees the action. Flexible hours and a minimum-hour contract help you plan your week.

Qualifications

• No previous chef experience required; you will be trained.
• Team player with a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Love for Italian ingredients and the Zizzi menu.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook the menu to spec in a busy open kitchen.
• Take pride in the quality of every dish and maintain consistency.
• Master the menu and specs to ensure fast service during rushes.
• Maintain a spotless kitchen and follow food safety procedures.
• Work with the team to keep the kitchen running smoothly.

Job description

Entry Level Chef £12.71 per hour plus tronc and benefits

Our story:

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.
• 24/7 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).