Founded in 2016 in Marylebone, Jikoni is a purpose-led restaurant and community-focused business founded on the belief that the purpose of a restaurant is to restore. We create warmth, generosity, and kindness through hospitality that transforms how people feel, drawing on multicultural culinary traditions and the wisdom of the maternal kitchen. Our approach, “Cooking Without Borders,” celebrates diversity by sharing flavours, stories, and techniques from Asia, the Far East, India, the Middle East, and East Africa, bringing the nourishing, selfless essence of home-cooked meals to every guest.
Since our founding, Jikoni has grown steadily and is now poised to expand to 2 new sites: a vibrant new restaurant in Bloomsbury and a new all-day café and restaurant project with the new V&A East Museum in Stratford’s Olympic Park. This expansion will serve as the foundation of the Jikoni Group.
What we're looking for
We’re seeking a talented and passionate Chefs to join our team. In this role, you’ll work closely with the Executive Chef and BOH team, playing an important part as a foundational member of our new kitchen team (opening April 2026). This is a hands-on role where you’ll support the development of a new restaurant, continue to learn and grow in a dynamic environment and contribute positively to a growing team by exemplifying our company values: (Multiculturalism & Pluralism, Integrity, Hospitality & Seva (Selfless Service), Excellence, and Entrepreneurialism).
- Emotional Skillset: You embody the qualities that define great hospitality: Kindness, Optimism, Self-Awareness, Curiosity, Integrity, and Empathy.
- Values Alignment: You share our family values of Multiculturalism & Pluralism, Integrity, Hospitality & Seva (Selfless Service), Excellence, and Entrepreneurialism.
- Leadership & Ambition: A desire and drive to build and shape new channels of the business, contribute to a positive and supportive culture and build a career with us.
- Culinary Curiosity: A deep curiosity for our style of maternal cooking and immigrant cuisine and global flavours
What we offer
- Career Progression: Opportunities for growth in a dynamic and progressive company and working directly with senior management and directors to grow your leadership, business and hospitality skills while contributing to business with a positive purpose.
- Unique Training: Go beyond the kitchen with visits and hands-on training with our biodynamic farm partner and specialist producers.
- Competitive Package and Team Benefits: Delicious and wholesome team meals, a 51% team discount at our restaurants upon passing probation, 28 days holiday, a company pension scheme and private health insurance plans for all team members.
Skills Required
- Kindness, optimism, self-awareness, curiosity, integrity, and empathy
- Alignment with multiculturalism, pluralism, integrity, hospitality, selfless service, excellence, and entrepreneurialism
- Desire and drive to help build and shape new business channels
- Ability to contribute to a positive and supportive team culture
- Culinary curiosity and interest in maternal cooking, immigrant cuisine, and global flavours
- Passion for hospitality and hands-on kitchen work
What We Do
Jikoni is a purpose-led, community-focused restaurant business built around restorative hospitality. Its “Cooking Without Borders” approach draws on multicultural culinary traditions and the wisdom of maternal home cooking, sharing flavours and stories from Asia, the Far East, India, the Middle East and East Africa. It also operates an all-day café and offers private dining and event catering, using food to celebrate cultural exchange and nourish guests.
