Head Chef - Japanese Restaurant (City of London)
Head Chef - Japanese Restaurant (City of London)

Head Chef - Japanese Restaurant (City of London)

London Full-Time 58000 - 68000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the launch and setup of a luxury Japanese restaurant kitchen.
  • Company: Join a stunning new fine dining restaurant in Kensington, London.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a salary up to £68,000 and luxury-level perks.
  • Why this job: Shape a world-class kitchen and culinary identity from day one.
  • Qualifications: Must have experience in luxury dining and a passion for Japanese cuisine.
  • Other info: This is a unique opportunity to create a kitchen culture focused on growth and excellence.

The predicted salary is between 58000 - 68000 £ per year.

We are recruiting a Head Chef for the launch of a stunning new modern Japanese fine dining restaurant, opening October 2025 in the heart of Kensington. This is a rare opportunity to take creative and operational leadership of a luxury opening — set within a design-led space offering panoramic views over London.

With a clear focus on precision-led Japanese techniques, exceptional produce, and elevated guest experience, the concept blends the elegance of fine dining with the soul of authentic Japanese cooking.

What We Offer:
  • Salary up to £68,000, depending on experience
  • A comprehensive package of luxury-level benefits:
  • Development programs
  • Exclusive brand collaborations and events
  • Supplier visits and excursions
  • Uniform and laundry provided
  • Above industry standard on Pension / Holiday and other entitlements
  • Staff Dining and enhanced care for you and the team
  • A state-of-the-art kitchen, designed in collaboration with the incoming Head Chef
  • A leadership role in one of the capital’s most anticipated new openings
Your Role:
  • Lead the launch and full kitchen setup, including layout design, supplier sourcing, and equipment selection
  • Build and train a high-performance brigade across all sections — hot, sushi, robata, tempura, pastry
  • Develop a refined, seasonal menu celebrating modern Japanese cuisine with international influence
  • Oversee daily service with consistency, calmness, and detail — maintaining Michelin-level discipline and finesse
  • Work closely with the Executive Team to shape the culinary identity and guest journey from day one
  • Champion a kitchen culture built on professionalism, mentorship, and excellence
  • Drive all aspects of BOH operations, including cost control, compliance, training, and innovation
About You:
  • An experienced Head Chef with a proven background in luxury dining environments
  • A deep understanding of Japanese cuisine and a genuine passion for its craft, culture, and seasonal sensibility
  • Experienced in new openings — confident in kitchen planning, team structuring, and supplier coordination
  • A natural leader who thrives in high-performance, detail-driven environments
  • Organised, composed, and collaborative — someone who inspires confidence in their team
  • Committed to creating a kitchen culture that values growth, standards, and creativity

This role offers the rare opportunity to design and lead a world-class kitchen from the ground up — combining the elegance of Japanese tradition with the innovation of modern luxury dining. Apply now to shape the future of one of London’s most exciting new culinary destinations.

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Contact Detail:

Organic Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Japanese Restaurant (City of London)

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in modern Japanese cuisine. This will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your passion and commitment to the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with other professionals in the culinary industry, especially those who have experience in luxury dining or Japanese cuisine. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations.

✨Tip Number 3

Visit similar high-end Japanese restaurants to observe their operations and menu offerings. This hands-on experience can give you ideas for your own approach and show your dedication to understanding the market.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your vision for the kitchen culture and team dynamics during the interview. Highlighting your leadership style and how you plan to inspire and mentor your team will set you apart as a candidate.

We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Japanese Restaurant (City of London)

Expertise in Japanese Cuisine
Leadership and Team Management
Menu Development
Kitchen Planning and Layout Design
Supplier Coordination
Cost Control and Budget Management
Operational Excellence
Attention to Detail
Training and Mentorship
High-Pressure Decision Making
Creativity and Innovation
Communication Skills
Understanding of Food Safety Regulations
Passion for Culinary Arts

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of a Head Chef in a luxury Japanese restaurant. Familiarise yourself with the specific skills required, such as knowledge of Japanese cuisine and experience in high-end dining.

Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in luxury dining environments and your expertise in Japanese cuisine. Include specific achievements, such as successful restaurant openings or menu development, to demonstrate your capability for this role.

Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for Japanese cooking and your vision for the restaurant. Discuss how your leadership style aligns with creating a positive kitchen culture and your commitment to excellence in culinary standards.

Showcase Your Creativity: If possible, include examples of your previous menu designs or innovative dishes that reflect your understanding of modern Japanese cuisine. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can contribute creatively to the new restaurant.

How to prepare for a job interview at Organic Recruitment Ltd

✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion

Make sure to express your genuine love for Japanese cuisine during the interview. Share specific experiences that highlight your understanding of its techniques and culture, as this will resonate with the interviewers who are looking for someone passionate about their craft.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As a Head Chef, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've built and trained high-performance teams in the past. Discuss your approach to mentorship and how you foster a positive kitchen culture, as this is crucial for the role.

✨Prepare for Operational Questions

Expect questions about kitchen operations, including cost control and compliance. Be ready to discuss your experience with supplier sourcing and equipment selection, as well as how you plan to maintain Michelin-level standards in service and food quality.

✨Present Your Vision for the Menu

Think about how you would develop a refined, seasonal menu that celebrates modern Japanese cuisine. Be prepared to share your ideas on menu design and how you would incorporate international influences while maintaining authenticity, as this will demonstrate your creativity and strategic thinking.

Head Chef - Japanese Restaurant (City of London)
Organic Recruitment Ltd
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