Head Chef | Cape Winelands

𝗝𝗗 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 is recruiting on behalf of a family-owned wine estate in the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands, for a warm, grounded and creative 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗙

Our client is a family-owned wine estate in the Stellenbosch Winelands, offering a relaxed, slow-living experience built around wine, warm hospitality, and a genuine sense of community. The estate’s bistro-style restaurant is a natural gathering place for visiting guests and a loyal base of estate residents who return time and again. This is not a high-volume city kitchen or a formal fine-dining environment — it is a place where good food, honest cooking, and genuine human connection are what matter most, and where the chef is as much a part of the fabric of the estate as the vines themselves.

The Head Chef will take full ownership of the kitchen and the restaurant’s food offering — developing and running a seasonal, produce-driven bistro menu, managing a small and close-knit kitchen team, and maintaining the warm, personal atmosphere that defines the estate’s character. A two-bedroom cottage on the estate is included as part of the package, making this a genuine lifestyle role for someone ready to trade the pace and pressure of a city kitchen for something more meaningful: a slower, more intentional environment where creativity, community, and quality of life go hand in hand. The successful candidate will be a recognisable presence in the restaurant — comfortable engaging with regulars, building relationships with estate residents, and making every guest feel genuinely at home.

📌 A food portfolio must be submitted with your application that clearly displays your creativity, innovation and attention to detail. (All images will be checked via google lens to ensure ownership)

𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

• A minimum of five years’ experience as a Head Chef or senior chef in a bistro, wine estate, boutique hotel, or relaxed hospitality environment.
• A confident bistro and farm-to-table cooking sensibility — skilled at seasonal, produce-driven menus that are approachable, flavourful, and beautifully executed.
• A warm, personable nature with a genuine ability to connect with regular guests and estate residents — comfortable being a familiar and welcoming presence in the restaurant.
• Experience leading a small, close-knit kitchen team with a hands-on, collaborative approach.
• Solid working knowledge of food safety legislation, hygiene standards, and kitchen compliance requirements.
• Hands-on experience managing procurement, supplier relationships, stock control, and food cost management.
• A relevant culinary qualification is advantageous.
• Self-motivated and comfortable working in a quieter, estate-style environment — able to maintain high standards without the structure of a large brigade.
• A genuine affinity for the lifestyle — someone who appreciates good wine, the beauty of the Winelands setting, and the slower, more considered pace of estate living.
• Contactable professional references will be required.

𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘆 –  On application

📌 𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗘 – Although we appreciate all applications received, we will only reply to those candidates who have the background and experience required. Thank you.