Senior Sous Chef - Royal Opera House

Set within the iconic Royal Opera House, Cicoria is an Italian restaurant and terrace bar created in partnership with renowned chef Angela Hartnett. Our food is generous, seasonal and rooted in Italian cooking, with a service style that is warm, relaxed and full of personality.

We are looking for a talented and experienced Senior Sous Chef to support the Head Chef in leading the Cicoria kitchen. This is a brilliant opportunity for a confident chef who loves Italian food, takes real pride in consistency and wants to be part of a high-profile restaurant in one of London's most unique venues.

As Senior Sous Chef, you’ll work closely with the Head Chef to lead the kitchen team and deliver consistently excellent food across restaurant service, terrace dining, pre-theatre menus, post-show trade and events. You’ll help set the tone in the kitchen, supporting the team through busy services, maintaining high standards and making sure every plate leaves the pass with care and confidence.

You will:

• Support the Head Chef in leading, training and developing the kitchen team.
• Deliver beautiful, consistent Italian food with a focus on quality ingredients and seasonality.
• Run sections and services confidently, stepping up to lead the kitchen when needed.
• Be calm, organised and positive under pressure.
• Work closely with front of house to support a smooth and memorable guest experience.
• Help manage prep, ordering, stock, wastage and kitchen organisation.
• Understand food cost, GP and the commercial side of a successful kitchen.
• Maintain excellent standards of food safety, hygiene, allergens and health and safety.
• Bring energy, ideas and pride to menus, terrace moments, seasonal specials and events.
• Help create a kitchen culture where people feel supported, challenged and proud of the food they serve.

We are looking for someone with strong experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a quality restaurant, hotel or premium hospitality environment. Experience with Italian cooking would be a real advantage, but more important is passion, personality and a genuine love of good food.

A senior kitchen role in one of London’s most unique venues. Targeted earnings of £50-£55k per annum. The chance to work in an Italian restaurant connected to Angela Hartnett and the Royal Opera House. A supportive senior team and the opportunity to grow with Cicoria. Quality team meals on duty. Uniform provided. Paid holiday. Staff benefits and recognition programmes. Career development within a respected hospitality group. A busy and varied environment, from restaurant service to terrace dining, events and performance-led trade.

Beyond experience, we’re looking for someone with warmth, pride and ambition. A chef who leads by example, supports the team and cares about delivering food that guests remember. Apply now.