Job Description
IKARIA
FOR THE SOUL & BODY
Fine Dining | Eastern Mediterranean La Jolla, California Opening Fall 2026
ABOUT IKARIA
Ikaria takes its name from the Greek island renowned for longevity, vitality, and a life lived with purpose—one of the world’s celebrated Blue Zones.
Opening Fall 2026 in La Jolla, IKARIA is a fine dining destination inspired by the coastal cultures of Greece, Cyprus, Crete, Western Anatolia, and the Levant. Rooted in the traditions of the Eastern Mediterranean and guided by seasonal California ingredients, IKARIA is designed as a place where exceptional food, thoughtful hospitality, and genuine human connection nourish both body and soul.
Every detail matters—from the fish brought ashore each morning to the warmth of the welcome at the door. We believe luxury is not formality, but care.
IKARIA is brought to life by the team behind Puesto and Marisi, a hospitality group of more than 800 passionate professionals dedicated to culinary excellence, thoughtful beverage programs, and unforgettable guest experiences.
This is a rare opportunity to help build a landmark restaurant from the ground up—to shape the culture, establish the standards, and define what IKARIA becomes for years to come.
ABOUT YOU
- You are a hospitality leader first.
- You lead with confidence, humility, and accountability, creating an environment where excellence is expected, teamwork is celebrated, and people feel inspired to grow.
- You understand that exceptional service is not simply executing standards—it is creating meaningful moments that guests remember long after they leave.
- You thrive in dynamic environments and see opportunity where others see obstacles. You enjoy building systems, developing talent, and setting a vision that others want to follow.
- Most importantly, you view opening a restaurant not as a job, but as a chance to create something lasting.
WHAT YOU BRING
- 5+ years of General Manager experience in a chef-driven fine dining, luxury hospitality, or Michelin-caliber environment
- Proven success leading high-performing teams while delivering exceptional guest experiences and strong financial results
- Full P&L ownership, including budgeting, forecasting, labor management, cost controls, and profitability
- Experience hiring, developing, mentoring, and retaining both salaried leaders and hourly team members
- Strong food and beverage acumen, including wine and craft cocktail programs; Eastern Mediterranean wine knowledge is a plus
- Pre-opening or new restaurant opening experience strongly preferred
- Outstanding communication skills, emotional intelligence, and calm-under-pressure decision making
- Working knowledge of TOAST, OpenTable, TripleSeat, Restaurant365, CTUIT, and related hospitality systems
- Expertise in inventory management, food safety, regulatory compliance, and operational execution
- A passion for Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, culture, wine, and hospitality
- A relentless commitment to craftsmanship, continuous improvement, and hospitality excellence
YOUR IMPACT
- Building and leading a world-class hospitality team
- Establishing service standards that reflect the vision of IKARIA
- Creating a culture rooted in accountability, professionalism, warmth, and hospitality
- Driving financial performance while protecting the integrity of the guest experience
- Collaborating closely with culinary, beverage, and operations leadership
- Ensuring every guest interaction reflects our philosophy of care, generosity, and excellence
WHY IKARIA?
- Competitive compensation package above market average
- Performance-based bonus opportunities
- Comprehensive healthcare benefits
- Paid time off
- Dining privileges across Puesto and Marisi restaurants
- Hands-on mentorship from some of Southern California’s most accomplished hospitality leaders
- Clear growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding restaurant group
- The opportunity to help create one of Southern California’s most anticipated restaurant openings
JOIN US
Some restaurants are built to succeed.
Others are built to endure.
At IKARIA, we are creating a restaurant inspired by a philosophy of living well—through hospitality, craftsmanship, community, and care.
If you’re ready to build something meaningful from the very beginning, we’d love to meet you.
IKARIA For the Soul & Body