Established in 1988, Maurizio’s has long been recognized as the city’s most enduring Italian restaurant.

This beloved institution is being reimagined for a new era. Backed by one of Atlantic Canada’s largest and most established hospitality groups, the restaurant will reopen its doors as a modern yet authentic expression of Italian dining, blending heritage with innovation, precision with passion, and refinement with heart.

We are seeking a Chef de Cuisine who is ready to leave their mark — an accomplished, thoughtful leader who thrives in a collaborative team environment, yet brings the creative drive to establish something remarkable. You’ll play an integral role in this relaunch and re-envisioning, shaping the culinary identity and guest experience that will draw national attention and redefine Italian dining in Atlantic Canada.

This is a chance to be part of something significant: to honour legacy while leading innovation, to bring authenticity and sophistication into balance, and to build a kitchen culture grounded in excellence, mentorship, and shared pride.

About the Role

Rooted in chef-led creativity, our team is passionate about bringing people together with bold flavours, thoughtful ingredients, and warm, welcoming service. Every dish tells a story, and every experience celebrates connection, community, and a true sense of place in Halifax.

Maurizio’s offers a true taste of Italy in the heart of Halifax. Honouring its storied legacy, the reimagined restaurant blends tradition with sophistication, serving refined Italian dishes made with premium local produce and exclusive imported ingredients not found elsewhere in the city. From handmade pastas to expertly crafted cocktails, every detail reflects a commitment to quality, comfort, and timeless hospitality.

Reporting to the Executive District Chef, the Chef de Cuisine will guide the team to excellence and oversee all culinary operations at Maurizio’s. Ideally, this individual will have expertise in fine-dining cooking and will bring consistency to lunch and dinner services with seamless transition. They should value authenticity, precision, and flavour balance.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Communicating the restaurant’s vision to all team members and leading by example

• Recruiting, training, mentoring, and managing kitchen staff, fostering a positive and professional environment

• Setting performance goals and conducting regular evaluations for kitchen staff

• Fostering teamwork and collaboration between front- and back-of-house teams

• Creating and maintaining seasonal, innovative menus that reflect the restaurant’s concept and target audience

• Overseeing daily kitchen operations, ensuring food is prepared and presented to the highest standards

• Managing inventory, including ordering, storage, and usage of ingredients

• Ensuring equipment is well-maintained and reporting any maintenance issues promptly

• Implementing systems to reduce waste and maximize efficiency through portioning and adherence to approved recipes

• Analyzing sales and expenses to improve profitability while maintaining quality

• Sourcing cost-effective, high-quality ingredients

• Engaging with guests to understand preferences and gather feedback on food quality and presentation

• Handling special requests, dietary restrictions, and complaints professionally

• Maintaining a strong passion for and experience with handmade pasta

• Demonstrating solid understanding of traditional and modern bread-making techniques

• Applying hands-on experience using a pasta extruder

• Committing to a produce-first mentality, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients

• Upholding in-depth knowledge of Italian culinary techniques, regional specialties, and authentic ingredients

What We’re Looking For

• 2–3 years of previous Sous Chef or Chef de Cuisine experience in a similar environment

• Extensive knowledge of Italian cuisine

• High standards of kitchen cleanliness and organization

• Proven ability to perform in a fine-dining setting with rapid service times

• Passion for food and culinary excellence

• High level of integrity, discipline, and vision

• Strong team leadership and interpersonal skills

• Drive and initiative

• Exceptional communication skills with all levels of the organization

• A hands-on leader who motivates others by example

What’s in It for You

• Competitive salary

• Comprehensive extended health and dental benefits

• Discounts at GoodLife Fitness

• Company RRSP contributions

• Opportunities for growth and advancement within a major hospitality organization

Maurizio’s is an equal opportunity employer. We value our employees and their well-being. If you’re looking to join an organization that offers work-life balance, career growth, long-term stability, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to a cultural landmark — we invite you to apply.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected]