Executive Chef

Executive Chef – Bardea Steak

Wilmington, DE | Competitive Salary + Bonus | James Beard Nominated Restaurant

Bardea Steak is not your typical steakhouse. As part of the award-winning Bardea Restaurant Group, we bring an unmatched level of creativity, passion, and precision to everything we do. Our team is led by Chef Antimo DiMeo—James Beard semifinalist and visionary culinary artist—who blends world-class technique with childhood memories and global inspiration. From artisanal cuts of rare-breed beef to unforgettable snacks from land and sea, our tasting menus and à la carte offerings challenge the ordinary and celebrate innovation.

We are currently seeking a seasoned Executive Chef to join our growing restaurant group—one with strong brand presence, national recognition, and deep cultural roots in Delaware. This is a rare opportunity to take the reins at a flagship concept under a highly creative and collaborative leadership team.

• Lead and inspire the back-of-house team with a collaborative, visionary approach.
• Oversee all culinary operations: line execution, food quality, prep, inventory, and cleanliness.
• Collaborate closely with Chef Antimo DiMeo on menu development and creative direction.
• Develop new recipes and seasonal menus that align with the Bardea philosophy.
• Manage kitchen staff schedules, training, and performance development.
• Ensure food cost, labor, and operational budgets are met or exceeded.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, consistency, and presentation.

• Proven Executive Chef with a track record at highly regarded, award-winning restaurants.
• Steakhouse experience is a major plus.
• Passionate, creative, and deeply committed to culinary excellence.
• Experience managing high-performing, collaborative kitchen teams.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, demanding environment with uncompromising standards.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills, with an eye for detail and innovation.

• Competitive Base Salary
• Performance-Based Bonus
• Expected Schedule: 5 evening shifts per week
• Opportunities for growth within a 10+ restaurant group that promotes from within.

This is a chance to step into a role with tremendous upside—working with a beloved James Beard-nominated chef, in a restaurant group that's actively expanding and nationally recognized for culinary innovation. If you’re ready to lead, grow, and leave your mark on a steakhouse that defies expectations, we want to hear from you.