Head Chef - Contemporary Italian Restaurant Dalston £50,000+

COREcruitment International; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading restaurant recruitment agency is looking for a Head Chef to launch a new contemporary Italian bistro in Dalston. This role involves spearheading kitchen operations, menu development, and team management. The ideal candidate has proven experience as a Head Chef or as a Sous Chef aiming to step up. The restaurant features a semi-open kitchen and a focus on elevated Italian classics. Excellent work-life balance with evening-only hours Wednesday to Sunday makes this a unique opportunity.

Benefits

Excellent work-life balance

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef eager to advance.
• Strong skills in modern Italian cuisine, especially fresh pasta.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all kitchen operations, including team management.
• Execute and refine the core menu to maintain quality.
• Lead a small kitchen team and develop weekly specials.

Skills

Modern Italian cuisine expertise

Team management

Cost control

Menu development

Creativity

Job description

Lead the launch of a unique, contemporary Italian neighbourhood bistro with a speakeasy twist.

We are seeking a creative and skilled Head Chef to spearhead the kitchen of a brand-new, exciting restaurant concept in Dalston. This is a rare opportunity to build a team and menu from the ground up for a venue set to become a local destination.

The Restaurant & Concept :

• Contemporary Italian cuisine with a focus on elevated classics and fresh pasta.
• Core menu developed with a Michelin-starred consultant, with your input on future menus
• Intimate 30-cover dining room with a secret, speakeasy bar.
• Open Wednesday to Sunday, evenings only (5 pm - 11 pm), excellent work-life balance.
• Brand new, fully installed kitchen with a semi-open pass.

The Head Chef Role :

• Full responsibility for the kitchen, including team management, stock, and cost control.
• Execute and eventually evolve the core menu, maintaining the highest standards.
• Lead a small, tight-knit brigade (Head Chef and Chef de Partie to start).
• Develop weekly specials to showcase market-fresh ingredients.

The Ideal Head Chef :

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or ambitious Sous Chef ready to step up.
• A genuine passion for and strong skills in modern Italian cuisine, particularly fresh pasta.