Host/Hostess

Job Summary

Osteria Brooklyn is seeking a friendly, organized, and professional Italian Restaurant Host to welcome guests and help create a positive dining experience. The ideal candidate has excellent communication skills, a welcoming personality, and the ability to manage guest seating and reservations efficiently in a busy restaurant environment.

As an Italian Restaurant Host, you will be responsible for greeting guests, managing the waitlist, coordinating table assignments, answering guest inquiries, and communicating with servers and management to help maintain smooth restaurant operations.

Responsibilities

• Welcome guests warmly and provide a professional first impression.
• Manage guest arrivals, reservations, and walk-in seating.
• Maintain an organized waitlist and communicate estimated waiting times when appropriate.
• Escort guests to their tables and provide menus.
• Coordinate table assignments with servers to maintain balanced service.
• Answer phone calls and respond to general questions about restaurant hours, reservations, and dining arrangements.
• Assist guests with seating preferences and special requests whenever possible.
• Communicate guest needs, reservations, and special occasions to the restaurant team.
• Keep the entrance, host stand, and waiting area clean and organized.
• Monitor table availability and coordinate with servers to prepare tables for incoming guests.
• Assist with managing guest flow during busy dining periods.
• Handle guest concerns politely and refer complex issues to management.
• Support restaurant opening and closing procedures as assigned.
• Work collaboratively with servers, kitchen staff, and management to ensure efficient service.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by restaurant management.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Previous hosting, restaurant, hospitality, or customer service experience is preferred but not required.
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Friendly, courteous, and professional demeanor.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Ability to remain calm and welcoming during busy service periods.
• Good attention to detail when managing reservations and seating arrangements.
• Dependability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic.
• Ability to work effectively with restaurant staff and management.
• Basic computer or reservation-system skills are an advantage.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Commitment to providing excellent guest service.

Work Environment

This position operates in an Italian restaurant setting where hospitality, organization, and teamwork are essential. The host serves as the first point of contact for guests and helps establish a welcoming atmosphere. The role requires frequent communication with guests and coworkers, along with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities during busy dining hours.

What We Offer

• Opportunities to develop hospitality and customer service skills.
• On-the-job training and guidance.
• A collaborative and supportive restaurant team.
• Experience with guest relations, reservations, and dining room coordination.
• Opportunities to learn additional restaurant operations.
• Potential for professional development within the hospitality industry.
• Compensation and scheduling based on the position and company policies.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit an application highlighting their customer service experience, communication skills, and availability. Applicants who are organized, dependable, and passionate about creating a welcoming guest experience are encouraged to apply.

Pay: $19.59 - $21.49 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Parental leave
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement

Work Location: In person