Hiring a chef isn’t just about technical skill — it’s about finding someone who fits your kitchen culture, delivers under pressure, and represents what your brand stands for. Whether you're running a fine-dining restaurant in Melbourne or a high-turnover bistro in Sydney, this guide outlines the top skills to look for when hiring a chef in Australia in 2026.
Great chefs know how to balance taste, texture, timing, and presentation. But they also need to move fast — especially in high-pressure kitchens. Look for:
✅ Sharp knife skills
✅ Clean and organised prep station setup
✅ Consistent portioning and plating
✅ Versatility across different menus (e.g., brunch, à la carte, tasting menus)
Chefs are not solo performers — they lead kitchen teams. Pay attention to how a candidate:
✅ Gives direction under pressure
✅ Resolves conflicts calmly
✅ Delegates prep and tasks effectively
These soft skills directly impact team morale and service flow.
Efficiency drives profitability. Seek out chefs who can:
✅ Complete mise en place efficiently with minimal waste
✅ Sync with front-of-house during service
✅ Stay calm and productive during busy periods (e.g., 50+ covers a night)
Chefs must be champions of food safety and hygiene. Ensure they are up to date with:
✅ HACCP standards
✅ Safe food storage and handling
✅ Cross-contamination prevention
✅ Local health regulations and audits
Your next chef should be confident in responding to modern dining expectations. Look for experience in:
✅ Vegan and vegetarian menu creation
✅ Allergen-sensitive meals
✅ Gluten-free alternatives
✅ Culturally diverse dishes
One of the most overlooked hiring factors: attitude.
✅ Are they coachable and open to feedback?
✅ Do they collaborate well with the rest of the team?
✅ Can they adapt to your kitchen’s style and pace?
A great attitude leads to stronger retention and better team dynamics.
Skills assessment is just one part of the process — our ultimate guide to hiring kitchen staff in Australia explains how to combine skills, attitude, and structure into better hiring decisions.
Once you’ve screened for the above skills, dive deeper with scenario-based questions:
“How do you handle a last-minute menu change during service?”
“Tell us about a time you led a team through a stressful dinner rush.”
“How do you manage portion control and food waste?”
Rushed hiring often leads to mismatches. Too many venues focus only on what’s on a resume — not what happens on the floor. Avoid costly mistakes by building a structured interview and trial shift process.
Now that you know what to look for, take action. Post your chef vacancy on Venture Uplift and get matched with rated, skilled culinary professionals ready for long-term roles across Australia.
