Head Chef
Posted 16 days 8 hours ago by Topchefs
Permanent Full-Time Role Excellent Package & Relocation Support
I am recruiting an experienced Italian Head Chef for one of Leinster's most respected, family-owned and operated Italian restaurants. This is a role that only becomes available every decade or so. The restaurant is a long-standing fixture in Ireland's major food guides, including the Michelin Guide, and is known for combining genuine warmth on the floor with serious, classic Italian cooking in the kitchen. Fresh pasta is made daily, Italian ingredients are imported directly from trusted producers, and the kitchen makes the most of local Irish fish and meat. It is a busy, high-volume, high-quality operation, backed by an unusually settled brigade and front-of-house team where staff stay for years. The incoming Head Chef will step into a well-resourced, fully staffed kitchen with experienced senior chefs already in place across every section.
The Role- Lead the kitchen day-to-day, setting the pace on the pass and keeping food standards consistent across busy services.
- Manage, mentor, and organise a settled, capable brigade in a calm, structured manner.
- Oversee ordering, stock control, kitchen hygiene, and menu execution in close partnership with the hands-on family owners.
- Protect the authentic Italian identity of the food-from fresh handmade pasta to classic meat and seafood dishes.
- An Italian Head Chef with a strong grounding in classic Italian cooking and fresh pasta.
- Comfortable leading a kitchen that delivers both high quality and high volume without losing composure or consistency.
- A steady, people-focused leader who values long-term stability and enjoys working closely with independent, family-run ownership.
- International kitchen experience is an advantage for those relocating, though strong candidates moving directly from Italy (including chefs with seasonal CVs) are very welcome.
- Work Authorisation: Candidates must be eligible to work within the European Union and/or Ireland.
- An excellent, highly competitive basic salary, with flexibility for the right person.
- A very strong overall package including a consistent share of tips and an annual bonus.
- Employer-funded pension contribution after 12 months.
- Private accommodation provided on arrival to take the pressure off relocating while permanent local housing is arranged.
- Meals on duty, staff discounts, and uniforms/safety wear provided.