Aegean soul. Brunswick edge. Lead the kitchen at one of Melbourne’s most transportive Greek-inspired venues.

Lead the next evolution of modern Mediterranean dining in Melbourne’s inner north. Taverna is seeking a driven and strategic Executive Chef to lead our kitchen operations and guide the venue into its next chapter.

Located on Lygon Street in Brunswick East, Taverna blends the bold flavours of the Aegean with the edge of inner-north Melbourne. It’s already a neighbourhood favourite - but we’re aiming higher: a benchmark kitchen delivering uncompromising consistency, a team culture built on trust and excellence, and a food identity that’s confidently Greek, seasonally driven, and unmistakably Melbourne.

This is a career-defining opportunity to put your stamp on a growing venue with serious potential to have your mark. You’ll be supported by committed, hands-on owners who understand hospitality from the inside out - and who are investing in long-term success, not short-term hype.

About Taverna

At Taverna, the focus is on bold, uncomplicated Greek fare built around charcoal, seasonal produce, and shared-table generosity. It’s about returning to that feeling of going back home to Greece and having delicious, simple food that makes you feel alive.

The dining experience is relaxed but refined. The room is stylish and transportive. The menu balances nostalgia with freshness. Think slow-cooked lamb shoulder, tarama, grilled prawns, and a very close to heart Moussaka served with wine that leans Mediterranean but drinks like Melbourne.

About the Role

You will oversee all facets of kitchen leadership — from team development and operational flow to menu strategy, food cost control, and compliance. You'll work closely with Taverna's owners, experienced hospitality operators who understand the rhythms of the industry and are committed to building something long-term. A balance of creativity and discipline is key. We’re not chasing awards, but we do chase excellence - every service, every plate, every team interaction.

Your Key Responsibilities

Lead kitchen operations with a strategic lens: process, people, and performance.

Build, mentor, and retain a high-performing team through training, clear expectations, and accountability.

Design and deliver a refined, produce-led menu rooted in Greek traditions and driven by seasonality.

Drive consistency through prep systems, recipe documentation, and quality control.

Oversee rostering, ordering, stock control, and food costs in line with budget targets.

Managing financial performance—including COGs, rostering efficiency, and supplier relationships.

Championing kitchen culture—a calm, focused environment where feedback, reliability, and continual improvement are non-negotiable.

Collaborate with FOH and ownership to create a cohesive and memorable guest experience.

Lead from the front — setting the tone on the pass and off it.

What You’ll Bring

Proven experience in a senior kitchen leadership role (Head Chef or Executive Chef).

A deep connection to Mediterranean cuisine (Greek strongly preferred) with a modern, produce-led approach.

A rigorous operational mindset: comfortable with spreadsheets, prep plans, ordering systems, HACCP, and cost control.

A composed, people-first leadership style, able to mentor junior staff while holding high standards.

A strategic mindset with a long-term vision - interested in building a legacy, not chasing fads.

Excellent communication and collaboration skills, especially in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.

Integrity, humility, and a strong sense of ownership.

A desire to build something lasting with the right people, not just clock in and out.

What We Offer

Salary package of $100–120k + super (based on experience and impact).

Flexibility and support from involved, hands-on owners who understand the industry.

Full control of your kitchen operations with backing to build and refine.

An honest growth pathway, no hype, just opportunity for those who build the foundations right.

A venue already loved by locals with plenty of potential still to unlock.

Ready to lead with heart and experience? Apply now and help shape the next chapter of Taverna.

We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, cultures, and experience levels to apply. If you’re passionate about honest food, strong culture, and team-first leadership, we’d love to meet you - even if you don’t tick every box.