PJ's in the City is a busy, contemporary venue in the heart of Canberra Civic, offering a quality Italian Australian inspired à la carte dining experience alongside a premium pub atmosphere. We are seeking an experienced and passionate Chef to join our kitchen team and assist in delivering fresh, authentic, high-quality Italian cuisine with consistency and creativity with minimum 1-year full time post qualification.

Key Responsibilities

- Prepare, cook and present a wide range of Italian-inspired à la carte dishes to a consistently high standard.
- Prepare fresh pasta dishes, risottos, premium meat, seafood and poultry dishes, antipasti and traditional Italian sauces using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Assist in the development and implementation of seasonal menus, daily specials and new menu items reflecting contemporary Italian cuisine.
- Ensure all dishes are prepared and presented in accordance with established recipes, portion specifications and quality standards.
- Monitor food quality, taste and presentation throughout service.
- Estimate food requirements, order stock and maintain appropriate inventory levels.
- Inspect the quality of ingredients and ensure correct storage and stock rotation procedures are followed.
- Minimise food wastage while maintaining profitability and portion control.
- Supervise, train and mentor kitchen staff in food preparation techniques, presentation standards and safe work practices.




- Coordinate kitchen operations during busy lunch and dinner services to ensure efficient workflow and timely service.
- Ensure compliance with all Food Safety Standards, HACCP principles, workplace health and safety requirements and kitchen hygiene regulations.
- Monitor, maintain and report on kitchen equipment to ensure it remains in safe working order.
- Work collaboratively with management to maintain exceptional customer satisfaction and continuous improvement of the menu offering.

Essential Requirements

- Demonstrated experience preparing authentic Italian and Mediterranean-style à la carte cuisine in a busy commercial kitchen.
- Sound knowledge of fresh pasta, sauces, risotto, meat, seafood and contemporary Italian cooking techniques.
- Strong understanding of food safety legislation and kitchen hygiene practices.
- Ability to work efficiently under pressure during high-volume lunch and dinner service.
- Excellent organisational, communication and time management skills.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends and public holidays.
- A genuine passion for quality food, teamwork and delivering an exceptional dining experience.

If you are a skilled Chef with experience in Italian cuisine and a passion for producing high-quality à la carte food, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity with PJ's in the City.

Pay: $75,000.00 – $85,000.00 per year

Benefits

- Employee discount

Work Location: In person

📌 Chef – Full Time (38 Hours per Week) (Canberra)
🏢 PJs Pub CanberraT/a PJ's in the City
📍 Canberra