Head Chef – Café Roma, San Luis Obispo, CA
Full-Time | Salary Negotiable | Housing Available
Café Roma, a beloved staple in San Luis Obispo’s dining scene since 1980, is seeking a Head Chef to lead our kitchen team. Known for our authentic Italian cuisine, warm ambiance, and exceptional service, Café Roma serves dinner Monday through Saturday and also hosts private events in our on-site banquet room.
We’re looking for a culinary professional with a passion for Italian cooking and proven experience leading a high-performing kitchen. This is an exciting opportunity to put your creative and organizational skills to work in a well-established, family-run restaurant with deep community roots.
Responsibilities:
Lead and inspire the kitchen staff to deliver consistently excellent dishes
Oversee daily kitchen operations, including prep and dinner service
Develop and update seasonal menus featuring regional Italian dishes
Manage food ordering, inventory, and vendor relationships
Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organization, and food safety
Collaborate with ownership and front-of-house team to create memorable guest experiences
Support banquet and special event menu planning and execution
Qualifications:
3+ years of experience as a head or sous chef in an Italian or fine dining setting
Strong knowledge of Italian cuisine and traditional cooking techniques
Experience with menu development and kitchen budgeting
Proven leadership skills and the ability to train and manage a diverse team
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, guest-focused environment
Perks:
Competitive salary (commensurate with experience)
On-site housing available if needed
Opportunity to lead a passionate team at one of SLO’s most iconic restaurants
Supportive, family-owned business culture
If you’re ready to bring your culinary vision to life in the heart of California’s Central Coast, we’d love to meet you.
Apply today at CafeRomaSLO.com or email your resume and cover letter to Marco