Host

Ottolenghi; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff meals

Staff discount

Health plan

GP helpline

Refer a Friend

Job summary

Ottolenghi is seeking a friendly host to welcome guests and manage reservations with a warm, professional approach. You will coordinate with the floor team to ensure smooth seating and provide information on wait times and availability.

We value enthusiasm for guest experience, outstanding interpersonal skills, and the ability to stay calm and organised in a fast-paced hospitality environment.

Qualifications

• Previous front-of-house or hosting experience in hospitality, 1+ years.
• A warm, confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Genuine enthusiasm for guest experience and creating a great first impression.

Responsibilities

• Welcome and greet guests warmly as the first point of contact.
• Manage reservations, walk-ins, and waitlisting efficiently.
• Communicate waiting times and availability clearly.
• Coordinate with floor and management to ensure smooth seating.
• Maintain a welcoming entrance and host area.
• Handle guest enquiries, special requests, and complaints professionally.
• Support the front-of-house team during service as required.

Skills

People skills

Organised

Calm under pressure

Reservation systems

IT systems

Tools

IT systems

Job description

At Ottolenghi, we're known for vibrant food, busy delis, and restaurants full of energy, but what really matters is our people. We create environments where teams feel supported, take pride in what they do, and deliver a genuinely warm experience to every guest.

What you’ll do

• Welcome and greet guests warmly as the first point of contact.
• Manage reservations, walk-ins, and waitlisting efficiently.
• Communicate accurately with guests about waiting times and availability.
• Coordinate with floor and management teams to ensure smooth seating flow.
• Maintain a welcoming and well-presented entrance and host area.
• Handle guest enquiries, special requests, and complaints with professionalism.
• Support the front-of-house team during service as required.

What we’re looking for

• Previous front-of-house or hosting experience in hospitality, 1+ years.
• A warm, confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Genuine enthusiasm for guest experience and creating a great first impression.

Key skills

• Natural warmth and exceptional people skills.
• Organised and calm in a fast-paced environment.
• Confident using reservation systems and managing guest flow.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Well-organised with excellent attention to detail.
• Comfortable using relevant IT systems.
• Ability to multitask and problem-solve in a fast-paced environment.
• Calm under pressure with a solution-focused mindset.
• A genuine passion for hospitality and guest experience and continuous improvement.

What’s in it for you?

• 28 days annual leave per year, inclusive of bank holidays
• Delicious Ottolenghi staff meals on shift and generous staff discount
• Health and well-being support through our HSF healthcare plan (covering dental, optical, physiotherapy, and more), plus a 24/7 GP helpline and access to Perkbox discounts
• Refer a Friend Bonus: £500 for each successful referral
• Learning & Development opportunities including management coaching, WSET wine training, Ottolenghi Chef’s Academy workshops, and access to external courses
• A warm, inclusive working culture where individuality, growth, and creativity are celebrated
• Enhanced Parental Pay after two years’ service
• A special birthday treat to celebrate your day
• Exclusive workshops and demos, including cooking, food, wine, and cocktail sessions in the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen
• A collaborative and creative environment where your ideas are valued

If you care about great food, great people, and doing things properly, we'd love to hear from you.