Waiter / Waitress

Ottolenghi Islington; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a vibrant restaurant community as a Waiter at a leading establishment in London. You will provide exceptional service while working closely with both guests and the kitchen team, contributing to a remarkable dining experience infused with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors. This role offers not only great career development opportunities but also comprehensive health benefits, staff meals, and exclusive workshops to enrich your culinary journey.

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Benefits

Staff Meals

Career Development Opportunities

English Language Training

Enhanced Parental Pay

£100 Uniform Voucher

Special Birthday Treat

Refer a Friend Bonus

Exclusive Workshops & Demos

Discounts Across the Ottolenghi Group

Wellness & Support

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a similar role preferred but not essential.
• Passion for food, service, and hospitality.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service and greet guests.
• Assist customers in on-site shop duties and maintain displays.
• Collaborate with kitchen staff to ensure smooth service.

Skills

Customer Service

Teamwork

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Communication

Job description

At Ottolenghi, we’re more than just a collection of restaurants – we’re a community driven by a shared passion for exceptional food, creativity, and hospitality. Rooted in a love for vibrant, seasonal ingredients, our culinary philosophy celebrates bold flavours, diverse influences, and the joy of sharing meals with others. From our thoughtfully crafted menus to the warm, welcoming atmosphere in our spaces, we aim to create memorable experiences for our guests while nurturing a culture of growth, collaboration, and inclusivity within our team.

Ottolenghi’s focus is on Mediterranean & Middle Eastern inspired dishes, as well as low intervention wines. Our eye-catching deli and shop area also sells the world-famous Ottolenghi vibrant, fresh salads, delicious cakes, and packaged products.

As a Waiter, you will:

• Provide excellent customer service with a warm and professional approach
• Greet guests, take orders, and ensure food and drinks are served promptly and accurately
• Assist customers in our on-site shop, including handling sales, restocking products, and maintaining displays
• Ensure a smooth flow between restaurant and shop duties, supporting team members as needed
• Anticipate guests’ needs and offer suggestions or recommendations
• Collaborate with kitchen staff to ensure smooth service and guest satisfaction
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the dining area
• Work effectively in a fast-paced, high-energy environment

What We’re Looking For:

• Previous experience in a similar role is preferred but not essential
• A passion for food, service, and hospitality
• A positive attitude, with a strong desire to exceed guest expectations
• Team-oriented and able to communicate clearly
• Strong attention to detail and excellent time management skills
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including evenings and weekends

What's in it for you:

• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Take care of yourself with a full health benefits package that supports your well-being.
• Staff Meals: Enjoy delicious meals on shift, crafted with the same passion and quality as what we serve our guests.
• Career Development Opportunities: We believe in growth! Enjoy access to tailored training and internal progression, so you can develop your skills and advance your career with us.
• English Language Training: We offer language courses at all levels (Basic, Intermediate, and Business) to help you excel both personally and professionally.
• Enhanced Parental Pay: After two years of service, you’ll benefit from enhanced Maternity, Adoption, Surrogacy, or Primary Care Giver Parent Pay, as well as Paternity Pay to support your growing family.
• £100 Uniform Voucher: Get started with a uniform voucher to ensure you look your best on the job.
• Special Birthday Treat: A little something to make your day extra special.
• Refer a Friend: Share the love and earn £500 each when you refer a friend to join our team.
• Exclusive Workshops & Demos: Enjoy monthly cooking demonstrations, as well as food, wine, and cocktail workshops in the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen to expand your culinary knowledge.
• Discounts Across the Ottolenghi Group: Receive generous discounts on food, drinks, and products across our restaurants and shops.
• Wellness & Support: Access to wellbeing resources, mental health support, and a caring environment where we take care of our team

We’d love to hear from you if you’re an experienced Waiter and are ready for the next step in your working journey.