Chef de Cuisine

One of the most celebrated restaurants in the United States, estela is seeking a thoughtful, driven, and highly skilled Chef de Cuisine to lead its kitchen.

estela is an intimate downtown bistro from chef Ignacio Mattos, known for its vibrant, ingredient-driven cooking and enduring place in New York City’s dining landscape. Since opening in 2013, estela has earned a Michelin star and widespread acclaim, while continuing to evolve with each season.

This role is both operational and creative, requiring a leader who brings clarity, consistency, and a deep respect for craft. The Chef de Cuisine is responsible for setting the tone in the kitchen each day — maintaining the standards that have defined estela while continuing to evolve and push the work forward. Working closely with our Culinary Director, this position plays a critical role in shaping the guest experience, developing the team, and ensuring a culture where excellence and respect are non-negotiable.

Kitchen Leadership & Operations

• Lead all day-to-day kitchen operations with full ownership and accountability
• Set and uphold the pace, structure, and standards of service
• Build, mentor, and develop a cohesive and high-performing kitchen team
• Oversee scheduling, staffing, and labor management with a strong understanding of business needs
• Foster clear, direct communication across BOH and with FOH leadership
• Ensure consistency in execution, organization, and overall kitchen discipline

Culinary Direction & Execution

• Collaborate with the Culinary Director on menu development, evolution, and seasonal changes
• Drive the execution of dishes with precision, consistency, and attention to detail
• Maintain and elevate estela’s culinary identity while contributing new ideas thoughtfully
• Oversee ordering, inventory, and cost management to meet financial targets
• Uphold the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and compliance

Team Development & Culture

• Create an environment of accountability, growth, and mutual respect
• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and development for all kitchen team members
• Lead by example with professionalism, composure, and integrity
• Support a culture where high standards and a positive work environment go hand in hand

Desired Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef de Cuisine or strong Sous Chef ready to step into a leadership role
• Background in high-level, quality-driven kitchens (Michelin-starred or equivalent preferred)
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to motivate and guide a diverse team
• Deep understanding of culinary technique, seasonality, and kitchen systems
• Highly organized with strong operational and financial awareness
• Calm, focused, and solutions-oriented under pressure
• Flexible availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays

Company Values
We look for individuals who lead with a positive, respectful attitude and embody our core values:
Service, Excellence, Teamwork, Respect, and Resilience

Benefits 

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance for full time employees
• Incentive Program
• Commuter Benefits
• Personal Paid Time Off
• Discounted Gym Membership
• Dining Discounts in all Mattos Hospitality restaurants 
• Employee Wellness Program 
• Employee Assistance Program 

Physical Demands

• The physical demands for this position are seeing, hearing, speaking, reaching, lifting up to 25 pounds, occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds, standing for long periods, bending, and moving intermittently during working hours.

The duties of this position may change from time to time. Mattos Hospitality reserves the right to add or remove duties and responsibilities at its discretion. This job description is intended to describe the general level of work being performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive. 

At Mattos Hospitality our purpose is to create an inspiring, sustainable and prosperous business that brings joy, takes care of others, and helps build community through craftmanship around the table. Our company culture supports the growth and development of our employees and provides opportunities for education and advancement. 

We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws