Ci Siamo - Executive Chef

Ci Siamo is a distinguished restaurant that forms a vital part of Danny Meyer’s renowned Union Square Hospitality Group. Founded in collaboration with James Beard semifinalist Chef Hillary Sterling, Ci Siamo has earned its place as one of the New York Times Top 100 restaurants. This celebrated establishment honors the beauty of simplicity by centering its culinary approach around live-fire cooking, which speaks to the essence of authentic, natural flavors. The Italian-inflected menu is inspired by Chef Sterling’s extensive global travels, combining the best of traditional and contemporary culinary techniques. The restaurant's philosophy is rooted in the careful selection of seasonal ingredients and purposeful preparations, ensuring each dish exemplifies understated excellence. The name Ci Siamo, which translates loosely to "we've made it" or "we've arrived," reflects the restaurant's ambition to blend classic culinary traditions with modern elegance, creating a dining experience that feels both transportive and warmly familiar.

Expanding from its acclaimed New York origins, Ci Siamo is launching a new location in Boston's vibrant Seaport neighborhood, an upcoming waterfront hub at Commonwealth Pier. This strategic expansion seeks to embed the same dynamic energy, culinary innovation, and commitment to hospitality excellence that defines Ci Siamo. The Boston venue is poised to become a prominent culinary destination, embodying the high standards and creative spirit associated with its sister restaurant. They are currently assembling an opening team that shares their passion for food, service, and community cultivation.

The Executive Chef role at Ci Siamo Boston is a pivotal position responsible for driving culinary innovation, operational excellence, and team leadership. Reporting directly to the Director of Operations and working closely with the General Manager, the Executive Chef is charged with fostering an exceptional dining experience characterized by outstanding food quality and welcoming hospitality. This role demands a visionary leader who can inspire and cultivate a high-performing kitchen team capable of maintaining the restaurant's stellar reputation. The position requires residency in the Boston area with occasional travel to New York for onboarding, training, and professional development.

The successful candidate will be an ambitious and experienced leader with at least eight years in culinary management within a high-volume, fast-paced setting. They must bring a competitive yet collaborative spirit to the role, ensuring that team members are supported and motivated to grow. Key responsibilities include establishing rigorous standards of culinary excellence alongside Chef Sterling, overseeing the preparation of innovative and seasonally adaptive menus, and enforcing the highest levels of food safety and sanitation. Operational responsibilities extend to managing kitchen workflows, inventory, purchasing, and cost controls, all while fostering alignment between front-of-house and back-of-house teams for seamless service.

On the strategic front, the Executive Chef serves as an important liaison with Union Square Hospitality Group’s corporate offices, implementing company-wide initiatives and integrating feedback to continually enhance the guest experience. Guiding their team to deliver Enlightened Hospitality, a core principle of USHG's culture, this role requires strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to inclusion and diversity. Compensation for this position ranges from $130,000 to $145,000 annually, with up to $30,000 in performance-based bonuses, reflecting the candidate’s experience and impact. Working at Ci Siamo offers not only competitive pay but also robust benefits and a deep commitment to employee well-being, professional growth, and meaningful community engagement. This role presents an exceptional opportunity for a passionate culinary leader to take a central position in a prestigious hospitality group dedicated to excellence, innovation, and hospitality artistry.