Head Chef

The role: Head Chef

As Head Chef at Mea, you’ll be the driving force behind the kitchen, leading a talented team to craft unforgettable dining experiences. At Mea, we’re not just serving food — we’re curating a sensory journey that brings together the bold, sun-drenched flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean with the vibrant energy of Antwerp.

With Omri McNabb’s carefully crafted concept as your foundation, you’ll have the opportunity to lead a seasoned team, ensuring every dish stays true to the bold Mediterranean vision while adding your own expertise to elevate it. From the first prep in the morning to the final plate that leaves the kitchen, your leadership will drive consistency, precision, and creativity within the framework of a well-defined concept. As Head Chef, you’ll have the privilege of working closely with Omri, learning from his extensive experience while shaping a dining experience that leaves a lasting impact on every guest.

What you’ll do

• Lead the kitchen team, ensuring a smooth, efficient, and creative service each day.

• Oversee the preparation, cooking, and presentation of dishes to meet the highest standards.

• Drive the culinary vision of Mea, working closely with the team to innovate and refine the menu.

• Maintain consistency in quality, presentation, and execution across all dishes.

• Manage inventory, ordering, and cost control to keep operations efficient and profitable.

• Ensure health, safety, and cleanliness standards are met and exceeded in the kitchen.

• Train, mentor, and inspire junior chefs and kitchen staff, fostering a positive and productive working environment.

• Collaborate with other departments to ensure seamless service and a great guest experience.

You’ll be a great fit if you bring the below with you

• A passionate and skilled chef with significant experience in a senior kitchen role (3+ years).

• Experienced in leading and managing a team in a high-energy, fast-paced kitchen environment.

• Inspired by bold, seasonal ingredients and Mediterranean flavours.

• Highly creative, yet able to maintain consistency and high standards.

• A natural leader who thrives on motivating, mentoring, and developing your team.

• Experienced with kitchen operations, cost management, and inventory control.

• Fluent in English — Dutch is not required, but it would be a plus.

• Excited by the opportunity to be part of the opening team and shape the culinary culture of a new lifestyle restaurant.

What we offer

• A key leadership role in one of Antwerp’s most exciting new hotel openings.

• The chance to be part of a bold, growing brand with an international outlook.

• A supportive and energetic team culture where your voice matters.

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• Opportunities for growth and development as we expand.

Working at Via Antwerp

At Via Antwerp, we’re redefining the hospitality experience — blending contemporary design, a social spirit, and warm, intuitive service in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Opening in mid-June 2025, our hotel is designed to bring people together: travellers, creatives, professionals, and locals alike.

We believe exceptional hospitality starts with an exceptional team. That’s why we’re building a work environment that’s inspiring, supportive, and filled with opportunity. At Via Antwerp, you’ll find a culture that values authenticity, collaboration, and personal growth. We encourage new ideas, reward initiative, and create space for every team member to make a real impact.

Ready to join?

Whether you're just starting out or bringing years of experience, you'll be part of an opening team shaping something new — with room to grow, learn, and evolve alongside us. If you're passionate about people, energized by fresh challenges, and excited to help write the story of Via Antwerp from day one, we’d love to hear from you.