Required Years of Experience
2 years
Job Details
📍 New Orleans, LA | Full-time
Saffron NOLA, a James Beard-nominated restaurant, is seeking a Junior Sous Chef to join our award-winning team. Recognized as a Best New Restaurant (2018) and home to Best Chef: South (2024, 2025) nominees, Saffron NOLA is a leader in modern Indian cuisine, blending technique with the flavors of Louisiana and the Indian subcontinent.
We are looking for a driven, disciplined, and passionate chef who thrives in a high-expectation, detail-focused kitchen.
What We’re Looking For:- 2+ years of experience in an elevated, technique-driven kitchen.
- A passion for Indian flavors and Louisiana ingredients, with a strong sense of precision and execution.
- Strong leadership and communication skills to mentor and guide the team.
- The ability to maintain consistency, organization, and discipline in a fast-paced environment.
- Support the Sous Chef and Co- Executive Chefs in all aspects of kitchen operations.
- Ensure the highest standards for plating, taste, and execution.
- Contribute to menu development, bringing creativity while honoring Saffron’s identity.
- Train and lead line cooks, reinforcing discipline and consistency.
- Manage inventory, ingredient sourcing, and kitchen organization.
- Uphold the highest standards for food safety, hygiene, and kitchen efficiency.
- Be part of a James Beard-nominated team redefining Indian cuisine in America.
- Work with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients in an innovative, technique-driven kitchen.
- Opportunities for growth and advancement in one of New Orleans' most acclaimed restaurants.
- If you’re ready to take your culinary career to the next level, apply now.
Compensation Details
Compensation: Salary/Hourly (Based on Experience) plus tips
Benefits & Perks: Health Insurance, Paid Time Off, 401k, Potential Bonuses, Dining Discounts, Wellness Program
Required Skills
Experience in an Elevated, Technique Driven Kitchen
Passion for Indian Flavors and Louisiana Ingredients
Precision and Execution
Leadership and communication skills
Consistency and Organization in a Fast Paced Environment
Plating, Taste, and Execution Standards
Menu Development
Training and Leading Kitchen Staff
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Part of Saffron NOLA & The Kingsway
Saffron Nola, is the culmination of the Vilkhu family’s lifetime of passion for culture and food. Their James Beard nomination for Best New Restaurant in 2018 was hard earned after gracing the New Orleans community with a catering business for 26-years and a pop up restaurant for 6-years. In its second year, Saffron Nola continues to garner accolades and charm guests with food and hospitality.
The vision was born from husband and wife team, Arvinder Vilkhu and Pardeep Vilkhu whose journey immigrating from India to New Orleans inspired the joy of marrying their heritage with New Orleans tradition and ingredients. Saffron’s menu is Indian at its core with influence spanning the globe from Chef Arvinder's experiences. Following in his father’s footsteps, Ashwin Vilkhu, Head Chef & GM, uses the same tradition and nuanced flavors to create Saffron’s culinary-focused cocktail menu. Similar spices and ingredients can be seen across the food and beverage menus, creating a cohesive guest experience and offering elevated riffs on classic cocktails. The wine menu is also created in harmony with the kitchen where pairings are thoughtfully selected to highlight spices and flavors found throughout the menu.
The Vilkhu’s mission is to communicate the evolution of Indian Cuisine by making it accessible to guests on a modern stage . Like their dining table at home, the menu is designed for sharing and incorporates things they love from both India and New Orleans. While immigrating to the US, the Vilkhu family was exposed to the bounties of Louisiana, and more importantly, how food underscores the rich culture and community that makes New Orleans so special. Their immediate love and respect for their new home can be seen in Saffron’s use of fresh local ingredients like gulf fish, gulf shrimp, oysters, gumbo, charcuterie, and more; all while using Indian techniques and spices to spotlight the bounties of their local farm partners.
The Vilkhu’s personal touch and care for the guest experience is immediately evident upon welcome. Every detail of the design and conceptualizing of the space is purposeful to create a unique dining experience. However, the most important aspect of the experience is the superior service and hospitality that makes you feel like you are part of the Vilkhu and Saffron family.
