Sous Chef

Job Title : Sous Chef

Location : Washington, D.C.

Salary : $70,000 - $85,000 + Bonus

Skills : Middle Eastern Culinary Expertise, Fine Dining Operations, Menu Development, Culinary Techniques & Execution, Kitchen Leadership & Team Development, Flavor Profiling & Spice Blending, Food Cost Control & Inventory Management, Mediterranean Cuisine, Food Quality & Presentation

About Company / Opportunity :

An acclaimed, upscale dining destination in Washington, D.C., offering a sophisticated culinary experience centered on Italian-inspired cuisine, premium ingredients, and creative culinary techniques. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, distinctive menu, and commitment to exceptional hospitality, the restaurant delivers an elevated dining experience that blends traditional culinary craftsmanship with modern presentation.

This is an exciting opportunity for a talented Sous Chef to join an established culinary team, contribute to menu execution and development, and work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment. The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in Italian cuisine, along with formal training or professional experience in Middle Eastern culinary traditions, ingredients, and techniques.

The position offers the opportunity to collaborate with experienced culinary leadership, contribute creative ideas, develop team members, and maintain exceptional standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation.

Responsibilities :

• Assist the Executive Chef with daily kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Execute Italian-inspired cuisine using refined culinary techniques and premium ingredients.
• Apply Middle Eastern culinary knowledge, including regional ingredients, spice blends, marinades, and traditional cooking methods.
• Support menu development, seasonal specials, recipe testing, and creative dish development.
• Supervise and train kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative, disciplined, and high-performing team.
• Maintain consistency in food preparation, portioning, plating, and execution during high-volume service.
• Oversee kitchen organization, mise en place, station readiness, and service timing.
• Assist with inventory management, ordering, receiving, and proper product storage.
• Monitor food costs, labor efficiency, waste reduction, and portion control.
• Enforce food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness standards throughout the kitchen.
• Collaborate with culinary leadership to introduce new ideas while maintaining the restaurant's culinary identity.
• Maintain a professional kitchen environment focused on teamwork, accountability, and exceptional guest experiences.

Must-Have Skills :

• Middle Eastern Culinary Training & Expertise – Formal training or professional kitchen experience with Middle Eastern cuisine, regional ingredients, spice profiles, and traditional cooking techniques.
• Italian Cuisine & Fine-Dining Experience – Proven ability to execute elevated Italian-inspired dishes with exceptional technique, presentation, consistency, and attention to detail.
• Kitchen Leadership & Operations – Experience leading culinary teams, managing high-volume service, maintaining quality standards, and supporting food cost control and inventory management.

Nice to Have Skills :

• Luxury Hotel or Michelin-Starred Restaurant Experience – Background in award-winning restaurants, luxury hospitality, or recognized fine-dining establishments.
• Menu Development & Culinary Innovation – Experience creating seasonal menus and incorporating Middle Eastern and Mediterranean ingredients into contemporary Italian-inspired cuisine.
• Food Cost & Inventory Management – Strong knowledge of recipe costing, inventory controls, waste reduction, purchasing, and labor optimization.