Job Cook/Chef, Victoria

At Garden e Cucina, we believe the beauty of cooking lies in its simplicity—good, clean, fresh ingredients, prepared with love, care, and creativity. Nestled within Diaco’s Garden Nursery in Heatherton, our café offers a unique garden-to-plate experience that combines beautiful flavours with a thoughtfully designed garden setting.

We are inspired by the idea of creating something more than just a meal. It’s about evoking a feeling—a sense of vibrancy, abundance, and richness in every dish. Each plate should contrast and complement its surroundings, offering a luxurious yet approachable experience that connects food, presentation, and environment in harmony.

The Role

We’re seeking a Cook who shares our passion for crafting fresh, modern dishes that embody flavourful & seasonal homestyle cooking. This full-time role invites you to transform simple, seasonal ingredients into dishes that are not just delicious but also visually inviting.

At Garden e Cucina, your cooking will:

• Highlight contrasts and harmony in flavour, texture, and presentation.

• Celebrate fresh, seasonal produce, including food from our garden.

• Create meals with authentic and natural ingredients.

• Enhance the connection between our food and our environment.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a cook who thrives on creating dishes that leave a lasting impression.

The ideal candidate:

• Has a love for vibrant, flavourful cooking: You understand fresh ingredients and know how to make them shine.

• Your responsibility is to design plates that don’t just satisfy hunger but evoke a sense of happiness— vibrant creations that playfully connect flavours, colours, and textures.

• You appreciate the art of presentation, understanding that a beautiful plate is fresh, interesting and relatable.

• Thinks creatively: You’re not afraid to experiment, building layers of flavour and visual contrast in your dishes.

• Loves creating moments: You see food as a way to connect people and community.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare dishes that celebrate flavour, locally sourced produce, and thoughtful presentation.

• Collaborate with the team to create an environment of generosity and care.

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation, and efficiency in the kitchen.

• Use fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients, including those from our adjacent garden.

Why Join Us?

• Create with purpose: Your cooking will reflect our mission of homestyle cooking, flavour and care.

• Work in a stunning environment: Be inspired by the beauty of our garden setting.

• Join a passionate team: Collaborate with people who love food and the stories it tells.

Apply Now

If you’re excited to craft dishes that are as rich in flavour as they are in feeling, we’d love to hear from you. Submit your resume and a brief cover letter sharing why you’re the perfect fit for Garden e Cucina.

Let’s create something vibrant, abundant, and extraordinary together!