Head Chef – Authentic Italian Restaurant | Downtown Toronto

$60,000 – $70,000 per year

On behalf of our client, a growing authentic Italian restaurant in downtown Toronto, we are seeking a talented and driven Head Chef to take full ownership of their kitchen. This is an excellent opportunity for a well-credentialed sous chef who is ready to step into their first Head Chef role and lead a kitchen focused on truly authentic, high-quality Italian cuisine.

The Prospect

Our client is looking for a culinary leader who will be responsible for the quality, consistency, and authenticity of everything leaving the kitchen. The food here is very Italian — traditional techniques, genuine flavours, and a deep respect for classic Italian cooking. The owners are hands-on and actively involved, so you will work closely with them day-to-day.

With plans to expand into catering and additional projects, there is strong potential for upward mobility and the chance to help shape the future of the company.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead the kitchen team day-to-day, setting and maintaining the highest standards for authentic Italian food quality, presentation, and timing
- Develop and refine menus that stay true to genuine Italian cuisine — balancing tradition, seasonality, and operational efficiency
- Oversee ordering, inventory management, and cost control with a focus on quality Italian ingredients
- Hire, train, schedule, and mentor kitchen staff in authentic Italian cooking techniques and standards
- Uphold rigorous food safety, cleanliness, and organizational standards
- Collaborate closely with the hands-on owners and front-of-house on special events, authentic Italian catering opportunities, and future concepts




- Contribute ideas as the company expands into catering and new projects while protecting the integrity of the Italian menu

Ideal Candidate
- Proven experience as a sous chef (or equivalent senior kitchen role) in a high-quality restaurant, ideally with strong Italian cuisine experience
- Deep knowledge of and passion for authentic Italian cooking — this is not fusion or “Italian-inspired”; the food must be genuinely Italian
- Strong technical skills, refined palate, and respect for traditional Italian methods and ingredients
- Demonstrated leadership ability and readiness to own a kitchen
- Excellent organizational and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with hands-on ownership
- Valid food safety certification (or willingness to obtain)
- Based in or willing to work in downtown Toronto

Compensation & Growth
- Competitive salary range: $55,000 – $70,000 depending on experience
- Opportunity to lead a kitchen focused on very authentic Italian cuisine for the first time
- Direct collaboration with hands-on owners
- Clear path for advancement as the company expands into catering and other projects
- Supportive environment that values culinary integrity, creativity, and professional development
- Dynamic downtown Toronto location

If you are a skilled sous chef with a genuine passion for authentic Italian food, ready to step up, work closely with engaged ownership, and grow with a company that has real momentum, we would like to hear from you. Pay: $55,000.00-$70,000.00 per year

Application question(s)

- Do you have extensive work history for reputable Italian restaurants?

Experience:
- Fine Dining: 4 years (required)
- Sous Chef : 2 years (required)

Work Location: In person

📌 Head Chef (Toronto)
🏢 Walt Hospitality Group
📍 Toronto