Waiter

Ottolenghi Hampstead; Greater London; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Delicious staff meals on shift

Staff discount

Health and wellbeing support (HSF plan

24/7 GP helpline

Perkbox discounts

Refer a Friend Bonus: £500

Job summary

Ottolenghi Hampstead is seeking an enthusiastic waiter to join our busy front-of-house team. You will welcome guests, take orders with accurate knowledge of the menu, and help ensure an exceptional dining experience from arrival to departure.

We’re looking for a warm communicator who thrives in a team, stays calm under pressure, and takes pride in every detail. Hospitality experience and a passion for food and guest care are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in front-of-house hospitality preferred.
• Must have a genuine passion for food, drinks and guest experience.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Welcome and seat guests, ensuring a warm and attentive start to every visit.
• Take food and drink orders accurately and with menu knowledge.
• Serve with care and maintain a high standard of dining room presentation.
• Collaborate with kitchen and bar teams to ensure smooth service flow.
• Handle guest queries and feedback professionally and proactively.

Skills

Food & drink service

Communication

Team player

Attention to detail

IT systems

Multitasking

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.

Ottolenghi Hampstead brings the warmth and creativity of our delis to one of London's most beloved neighbourhoods. Nestled in the heart of Hampstead village, our deli has become a cherished gathering place for the local community.

What you’ll do

• Welcome and seat guests, ensuring they feel looked after from the moment they arrive.
• Take food and drink orders accurately and with genuine knowledge of the menu.
• Serve food and beverages with care, attention to detail, and great timing.
• Build rapport with guests and respond to their needs proactively.
• Maintain the dining room to a high standard throughout service.
• Collaborate with kitchen and bar teams to ensure smooth service flow.
• Handle guest queries and feedback with professionalism and warmth.
• Support the wider front-of-house team and pitch in wherever needed.

What we’re looking for

• Previous experience as a waiter or in front-of-house hospitality.
• A genuine passion for food, drink, and creating great guest experiences.
• A warm, confident communicator who thrives in a team environment.

Key skills

• Excellent knowledge of food and drink service.
• Attentive, calm, and professional under pressure.
• A genuine love of hospitality and making guests feel welcome.
• 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 food, drink, 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