Located in the heart of Gothenburg, Mestiza is a vibrant fusion restaurant dedicated to bridging the rich, intricate culinary traditions of South Asia with modern fine dining. We build thoughtful, inventive dishes that honor authentic South Asian flavors—layering spices and traditional techniques—while tailoring the dining experience seamlessly for a Swedish audience.
As we enter our next phase of growth and pivot into an elevated South Asian fusion concept, we are looking for a visionary Head Chef (Köksmästare) with fine-dining and fusion expertise to lead our kitchen brigade, refine our culinary strategy, and actively develop the Mestiza concept further.
Your Role & Responsibilities
As our Head Chef, you will be both the creative engine and operational leader behind Mestiza’s culinary direction.
Concept & Menu Development: Design and execute innovative fine-dining tasting menus and seasonal dishes that celebrate South Asian spice profiles, reimagined for a modern local audience.
Mastery of Flavor & Plating: Bring artistic fine-dining presentation to authentic South Asian flavor foundations, maintaining flawless precision during service.
Kitchen Leadership: Lead, train, and guide the kitchen team, fostering a supportive, productive, and disciplined work environment.
Sourcing & Supplier Relations: Build relationships with specialized importers for authentic spices and ingredients while sourcing top-quality local Swedish produce.
Financial Oversight: Manage food costs (Råvarukostnad), optimize margins, manage inventory, and handle kitchen scheduling.
Hygiene & Compliance: Maintain strict compliance with Swedish food safety regulations and HACCP standards (Egenkontroll).
Who You Are
South Asian Culinary Mastery (Mandatory): Deep, practical knowledge of South Asian regional cuisines, complex spice blending (masalas, tempering, fermentations, tandoor work), and traditional cooking methods.
Fine Dining & Fusion Experience: Proven track record in fine-dining or upscale establishments, with a demonstrated ability to elevate traditional flavors into multi-course dining experiences.
Proven Kitchen Leader: Minimum 3+ years as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a fast-paced, high-standard restaurant.
Basic English Communication: Able to give clear instructions, coordinate service, and communicate effectively with the team in English. Knowledge of Swedish is not required.
Market Intuition: A clear understanding of how to present bold, complex global spices to appeal to high-end dining expectations.
What We Offer
Creative Freedom: Direct autonomy to shape the menu, innovate with seasonal ingredients, and define the future culinary direction of Mestiza.
Inclusive Environment: An open workplace focused purely on passion, technique, and culinary craft.
Competitive Executive Compensation: Salary package reflective of fine-dining standards, experience, and collective agreement benchmarks (Kollektivavtal).
Impact & Ownership: A key position working closely with restaurant leadership to position Mestiza as a landmark culinary destination in Gothenburg.
Sustainable Work Environment: Balanced, structured scheduling focused on team longevity and quality of service.
How to Apply
If you have the mastery, passion, and vision to drive the next evolution of fusion dining in Gothenburg, we want to hear from you.
Please send your CV, a short introduction, and a portfolio/photos of your culinary work to
[email protected] with the subject line "Head Chef Application – Mestiza Gothenburg".
