Head Chef – Arcana (Mission District, San Francisco)
About Us
Arcana is a plant-filled wine bar and restaurant in the heart of the Mission, where natural wines, Mediterranean-inspired food, and community-driven events come together. Our kitchen is small and creative, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms and purveyors. We host artists, musicians, and cultural events alongside our food and wine program, making Arcana a place where hospitality meets creativity and community.
We are seeking a Head Chef who thrives in a collaborative, hands-on environment. This role is perfect for a chef who wants to lead with vision while also being deeply engaged in the day-to-day cooking and mentoring of a small, passionate team.
Responsibilities
Lead daily kitchen operations in a 3–4 person team, cooking side-by-side with line and prep cooks
Design and evolve Arcana’s menu (operational and private events), with a focus on Mediterranean and California seasonal ingredients
Manage inventory, ordering, and relationships with local purveyors and farmers
Maintain food and labor cost controls while ensuring high quality and consistency
Ensure compliance with all health and sanitation standards
Train and mentor cooks, cultivating a positive and collaborative kitchen culture
Collaborate with ownership on food and beverage pairings, special events, and seasonal menus
Qualifications
Minimum 4–5 years professional kitchen experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership role
Strong knowledge of seasonal California produce and Mediterranean/Middle Eastern flavors (experience with natural wine–friendly food a plus)
Ability to manage both creative menu development and operational execution in a small kitchen
Skilled in inventory management, cost control, and scheduling
Excellent organizational and communication skills
Passion for hospitality, teamwork, and community
A positive, collaborative, can-do attitude — we are looking for a leader who inspires their team and brings joy to the kitchen
Schedule & Compensation
Full-time, salaried position
Typical schedule: 5 days/week, including evenings and weekends
Salary range: $70,000 – $80,000 DOE
Benefits include:
Health and dental coverage
Paid time off
Opportunities for growth as Arcana expands into new projects
Our Culture
Arcana is a queer- and BIPOC-friendly workplace, and we are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive environment for both staff and guests. We value curiosity, creativity, respect, and collaboration in everything we do. BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals highly encouraged to apply.
To Apply
Please email your resume along with a short paragraph about yourself and why you’d like to join our team.
We can’t wait to meet you.