Breakfast Chef, Larder Chef & Chef de Partie – Hot Section

Basq Essendon Fields
Full-Time and Casual Opportunities Available

Basq Essendon Fields is growing, and we are looking for three experienced, reliable and passionate chefs to strengthen our kitchen team.

Basq is an established restaurant and functions venue with a strong focus on premium steaks, quality produce, European and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, seasonal menus and warm hospitality.

We are currently recruiting for:

• Breakfast Chef

• Larder Chef

• Chef de Partie – Hot Section

These positions would suit chefs who take pride in their section, value consistency and enjoy working within an organised, professional kitchen.

We are looking for an experienced Breakfast Chef who can confidently manage breakfast preparation and service.

You will be responsible for:

• Preparing and cooking breakfast dishes consistently

• Preparing daily sandwiches

• Managing egg cookery and breakfast service

• Completing morning preparation and section setup

• Maintaining presentation, portion and quality standards

• Monitoring stock and communicating ordering requirements

• Ensuring the section is clean, organised and ready for service

• Assisting with lunch preparation when required

The successful candidate will have:

• Previous experience in a busy breakfast or brunch kitchen

• Strong egg cookery and time-management skills

• The ability to work independently during service

• Excellent organisation and preparation skills

• Reliable early-morning and weekend availability

• A calm and professional approach during busy periods

This role offers a predominantly morning and daytime-focused roster, with some flexibility required around functions and business needs.

Our Larder Chef will be responsible for maintaining a well-prepared, organised and consistent cold section.

Responsibilities may include:

• Preparing salads, starters, cold dishes and garnishes

• Preparing function and canapé items

• Assisting with cabinet, takeaway and grab-and-go products

• Managing mise en place for lunch, dinner and function services

• Maintaining portion control and presentation standards

• Monitoring stock rotation, freshness and food waste

• Supporting the wider kitchen team during busy services

The successful candidate will have:

• Previous experience working in a larder or cold-section role

• Strong knife skills and attention to detail

• Good knowledge of food preparation, storage and presentation

• The ability to manage preparation lists and service priorities

• Experience in restaurant or function catering

• A clean, organised and efficient working style

We are seeking an experienced Chef de Partie who can confidently manage a busy hot section during lunch, dinner and function services.

This is a hands-on service position suited to a capable chef who is comfortable working with premium proteins, sauces, pans and high-volume restaurant service.

Responsibilities will include:

• Managing an allocated hot section during service

• Preparing and cooking dishes to Basq’s recipes and standards

• Working across pans, grill or other hot-section areas as required

• Cooking steaks and proteins accurately and consistently

• Coordinating orders with the Head Chef and kitchen team

• Maintaining section preparation, stock and cleanliness

• Supporting junior chefs during preparation and service

• Assisting with functions, events and seasonal menu changes

• Monitoring portion control, food quality and waste

The successful candidate will have:

• Previous experience as a Chef de Partie or strong Demi Chef

• Confidence working on a busy hot section

• Sound knowledge of cooking temperatures and protein cookery

• Experience with steaks, grill cooking and restaurant service

• Strong communication and service coordination skills

• The ability to stay calm and organised under pressure

• Availability for evenings and weekends

Experience in a steakhouse, premium casual restaurant, hotel or functions venue will be highly regarded.

Across all three roles, applicants must demonstrate:

• Relevant commercial kitchen experience

• Reliability and punctuality

• Strong food preparation and service skills

• Pride in food quality, presentation and consistency

• Excellent food-safety and hygiene standards

• The ability to work efficiently within a team

• A positive, respectful and professional attitude

• Flexibility across weekdays and weekends

• A genuine interest in building a stable, long-term position

Applicants must hold current Australian working rights. Sponsorship is not available for these positions.

• Competitive remuneration based on experience

• Full-time and casual opportunities

• Consistent hours for the right candidates

• A professional and supportive kitchen environment

• Exposure to breakfast, restaurant, steakhouse and function service

• Opportunities to grow and develop within the business

• Staff meals

• Free onsite parking at Essendon Fields

• A stable role within a growing hospitality venue

Apply through SEEK with your current résumé and a short introduction outlining:

• The position you are applying for

• Your relevant kitchen experience

• Your current availability

• Your preferred number of hours

• Your Australian working-rights status

Please ensure the position you are applying for is clearly stated in your application.

Only applicants with relevant experience and suitable availability will be contacted.