JF Restaurants is a New York City-based hospitality group led by Michelin-starred Chef and Restaurateur John Fraser.
Executive Chef
Ondîne | John Fraser Restaurants | Coming Fall 2026
Join the opening team at Ondîne, the newest project from Chef John Fraser. Returning to the same West Village dining room years after an earlier chapter, Chef Fraser reimagines the space as an intimate 35-seat French-inspired bistro rooted in immediacy, thoughtful sourcing, and nostalgia. Every dish is prepared with intention—from herbs cut to order to sauces finished à la minute—showcasing exceptional ingredients sourced both near and far. A focused wine list curated by Amy Racine, a limited cocktail program, and a dynamic daily offering complete the experience.
We are seeking experienced Executive Chef candidates to lead the culinary team and bring this vision to life. This is a rare opportunity to shape an opening restaurant from the ground up, building a culture founded on craftsmanship, collaboration, and genuine hospitality. The ideal candidate is an inspiring leader with a refined culinary background, a passion for mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. If you thrive in intimate, ingredient-driven restaurants where every detail matters, we'd love to hear from you.
What We're Looking For
- Michelin-starred or comparable fine dining experience required.
- A passionate and inspiring culinary leader with a deep respect for French technique, seasonality, and ingredient-driven cooking.
- Proven experience leading high-performing kitchen teams with a commitment to mentorship, accountability, and collaboration.
- Strong financial acumen with experience managing food cost, labor cost, inventory, purchasing, and kitchen operations.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and execute menus while maintaining consistency, quality, and operational excellence.
- Exceptional organizational and communication skills with meticulous attention to detail.
- A calm, hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced, refined dining environment.
- Full-time availability, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Food Protection Certification required.
What You'll Do
As Executive Chef, you will lead the culinary vision and daily operations of Ondîne, working closely with Corporate Chef to bring Chef John Fraser's concept to life. You'll build, mentor, and inspire a talented kitchen team while fostering a culture of excellence, curiosity, and genuine hospitality.
You'll oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, including menu execution, food quality, purchasing, inventory, food and labor cost management, staffing, training, and compliance with food safety standards. You'll collaborate with leadership on menu development, seasonal offerings, and operational strategy while ensuring every dish reflects the precision, simplicity, and craftsmanship that define Ondîne.
As a member of the opening team, you'll help establish the systems, standards, and culture that will shape the restaurant from day one. From hiring and developing talent to refining recipes and supporting service, you'll play a critical role in creating an exceptional culinary experience for both guests and the team.
If you're an accomplished chef who leads with humility, values mentorship, and is excited by the opportunity to build something extraordinary from the ground up, we'd love to hear from you.
John Fraser Restaurants is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and growing team while making a meaningful impact on our company. If you meet the qualifications and are excited about this opportunity, we encourage you to apply and join our team!