Head Chef

Head Chef | Barrafina Restaurant | Abu Dhabi September 2026 Opening

Barrafina is thrilled to announce our next international opening in the beautiful and dynamic city of Abu Dhabi
. Scheduled to open in September 2026
, this new restaurant marks another exciting step in Barrafina’s journey, and we’re now looking for a brilliant Head Chef to lead the kitchen and bring our signature Barrafina spirit to the UAE capital.

We’re looking for a chef with impeccable standards, a genuine passion for Spanish cooking, and a deep respect for exceptional ingredients prepared with care and simplicity.

You’ll be an inspiring and hands‑on leader, building a supportive and motivated team, while fostering an atmosphere full of creativity, pride and joy.

At Barrafina
, our chefs work in front of our guests, so confidence, warmth and a genuine love of hospitality are key. This is an incredible opportunity to take one of London’s most loved restaurants global, leading a talented team and representing the Barrafina spirit in Dubai.

• Head Chef salary of AED 25,000 per month (equivalent to £5,175 & tax‑free)
• Typical working week of six days and 48 hours
• Work visa and visa assistance
• Medical health insurance
• Housing and transport allowance
• Sit‑down meals with you and your team (more details to be confirmed closer to the opening)
• 30 days of paid annual leave after one year, plus public holidays

We’re excited to hear from candidates who bring curiosity, commitment, and a passion for Hospitality. We believe in creating an inclusive, diverse, and equal workplace where everyone is valued. In return, we offer competitive salaries, opportunities for career development, and continuous training, all within a supportive and friendly team where camaraderie and mutual respect are at the heart of everything we do.

• Ideally 3‑5 years’ experience in a senior kitchen leadership role, ideally in a high‑volume, quality‑driven environment
• Ideally someone already based in the UAE
• Interest and love for Spanish food and culture
• Formal culinary training or equivalent hands‑on experience preferred
• Strong understanding of both classic and modern cooking techniques, with a passion for delivering exceptional food
• Plan and develop menus across outlets, balancing seasonality, guest preferences, cost, and concept
• Lead and manage the daily operations of the kitchen team, ensuring smooth, efficient service
• Schedule and supervise Chefs, Cooks, and kitchen staff to maintain productivity and quality
• Train, mentor, and support team members to develop skills and maintain high standards
• Conduct regular food stock checks and forecast future needs to ensure seamless operations
• Work closely with purchasing and suppliers to guarantee product quality, freshness, and timely delivery
• Ensure correct storage, handling, and rotation of all food items in line with food safety standards
• Uphold hygiene, sanitation, and health & safety standards across all kitchen areas
• Implement portion control and waste‑reduction practices to manage food costs
• Support recipe development and plating standards to ensure consistency and presentation
• Collaborate on menu pricing and cost control to meet profitability targets
• Prepare kitchen‑related data for budgeting and monitor food and labour costs against targets
• Conduct performance reviews and provide regular feedback to the kitchen team
• Identify and grow future kitchen leaders, supporting internal promotions and succession planning
• Work closely with the Operations Manager to meet company goals and drive performance
• Support catering and events by collaborating on menus and execution with the Events Manager
• Take the lead on kitchen‑related projects as needed by the Operations Manager
• Be hands‑on in service where needed, stepping in to support the team and lead by example
• Represent the kitchen team professionally, maintaining a clean, safe, and presentable appearance at all times
• Be the face of a Group known for its warm welcome and guest care

Apply for the Head Chef role today and a dedicated member of our talent team will be in touch.