Commie Chef

Job Title: Commis Chef | Pasta & Pizza Focus

Location: Gilson, South Yarra (Domain Road)

Salary: $60,000 - $70,000 + Superannuation

Work Type: Full Time or Casual

About Gilson Gilson is a highly regarded, high-volume all-day Italian restaurant nestled on Domain Road in South Yarra, directly opposite the Royal Botanic Gardens. We are a local institution celebrated for our relaxed atmosphere and commitment to simple, classic Italian-focused cuisine with a modern Australian edge.

The Opportunity We are seeking an energetic and passionate Commis Chef to join our bustling kitchen brigade. In this hands-on role, you will focus heavily on our renowned pasta and pizza sections, working closely with our Chef de Parties and Sous Chefs to deliver exceptional dishes during our busy daily services.

This is the perfect opportunity for an up-and-coming chef who wants to hone their technical skills in Italian cuisine. You will learn the foundations of high-volume, high-quality cooking in a supportive and professional environment, helping to uphold the standards that make Gilson a South Yarra staple.

Why Join Us?

• Mentoring & Development: Learn from an experienced, structured senior leadership team dedicated to training the next generation of top-tier chefs.

• Career Progression: A clear pathway to Chef de Partie roles for a dedicated and hardworking candidate.

• Stability: Join a financially secure, consistently busy venue with a fantastic reputation for quality and local loyalty.

Key Responsibilities

• Section Execution: Focus on the preparation and cooking of our signature pasta and pizza dishes during high-pressure lunch and dinner services (200+ covers).

• Quality Prep: Assist with daily mis-en-place, including making fresh pasta, preparing pizza dough, and crafting authentic Italian sauces and garnishes.

• Consistency: Strictly follow recipes, portion controls, and plating guides to ensure every dish meets Gilson’s exacting standards.

• Team Collaboration: Work efficiently and communicate effectively with the broader kitchen brigade and senior chefs.

• Hygiene & Compliance: Maintain a spotless, organized section, ensuring all food safety, hygiene, and OH&S standards are consistently met.

Skills & Experience

• Experience: Minimum 1+ years in a Commis Chef or strong Apprentice role, preferably within a fast-paced or Italian-focused kitchen.

• Technical Focus: A genuine passion for Italian cuisine, with basic foundational knowledge of pasta and pizza preparation (and a strong eagerness to master it).

• Work Ethic: Ability to remain calm, focused, and efficient during high-volume services.

• Team Player: A positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and the ability to take direction well from senior management.

• Qualifications: Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery (or working towards completion).