Captain

Xiquet by Danny Lledó; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Michelin-starred environment

Wine & food exposure

Professional development

Mondays off

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Xiquet by Danny Lledó in Washington, DC is seeking an experienced Captain who can lead a section and deliver Michelin-level hospitality from guest arrival to farewell.

The ideal candidate is warm, composed under pressure, knowledgeable about wine and food, and passionate about creating a thoughtful, precise dining experience in a fine dining environment.

This role offers the opportunity to mentor teammates, maintain high standards, and grow within a celebrated restaurant group.

Qualifications

• 1 to 2+ years of fine dining experience in a Captain or equivalent role
• Strong understanding of fine dining service
• Good knowledge of wine
• Basic knowledge of spirits and cocktails
• Strong communication and guest interaction skills
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-standard environment
• DC DOH certification preferred, or ability to obtain one within 30 days

Responsibilities

• Lead your assigned section with confidence, professionalism, and attention to detail
• Deliver thoughtful, personalized hospitality throughout the entire guest experience
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of the menu, ingredients, techniques, and culinary story
• Guide guests through the tasting menu through engaging and knowledgeable storytelling
• Maintain precise timing and communication with the kitchen, sommelier team, and other members of the service team
• Anticipate guest needs and address requests before they become concerns
• Maintain proper posture, presentation, professionalism, and stamina throughout service
• Assist in maintaining the restaurant's standards of cleanliness, organization, and presentation
• Support and mentor other members of the service team
• Contribute to a positive, professional, and collaborative restaurant culture
• Uphold the standards expected of a Michelin-starred restaurant at every service

Skills

Fine dining

Captain experience

Wine knowledge

Communication

Guest interaction

DoH certification

Education

DC DOH certification

Job description

Job Details

CaptainAbout the Position

We are looking for experienced Captains who are passionate about fine dining, hospitality, and the craft of service. The ideal candidate understands what it means to work in a Michelin-starred restaurant and takes pride in delivering thoughtful, precise, and highly personalized hospitality.

At Xiquet, we believe Michelin-level service is about more than technical execution. It is about genuine hospitality, attention to detail, consistency, product knowledge, timing, and creating an experience that feels effortless for the guest.

The right candidate embraces this culture and understands the standards required to maintain it. You should be confident leading a section, comfortable engaging with guests, knowledgeable about food and wine, and committed to continually developing your craft.

The Restaurant

Xiquet, pronounced chee-KETT, by internationally award-winning Chef Danny Lledó earned its MICHELIN Star in 2021, just one year after opening its intimate dining room in Glover Park, and has retained the Star each year since.

Now recognized among Washington, DC's leading fine dining restaurants, Xiquet offers modern Spanish cuisine inspired by the flavors and traditions of Valencia, brought to life with exceptional ingredients and warm Mediterranean hospitality.

Guests experience a curated 10-course tasting menu that begins with vibrant aperitivos and tells the story of Valencia through Chef Danny's perspective. The menu is prepared in our stunning, glass-enclosed, wood-fire kitchen, creating an immersive experience at the heart of the restaurant.

Service concludes in our elegant mezzanine lounge with after-dinner drinks and special treats.

At Xiquet, you will spend your evenings engaging with curious and cultured guests, focusing on quality, hospitality, and storytelling rather than volume. This is an environment where hospitality professionals can develop their craft, take pride in their work, and grow within the industry.

Accolades

• One Star, Michelin Guide 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
• Sommelier of the Year, Michelin Guide 2022
• AAA Five Diamond Award 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
• Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
• 2023 RAMMY Award for Formal Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year
• Top 100 Restaurants, Washingtonian 2023
• OAD Top 100 in North America since 2023

The Position

As a Captain, you are responsible for leading your section and creating a seamless experience from the moment the guest arrives until the final goodbye.

You should be genuinely warm, detail-oriented, composed under pressure, and committed to making every guest feel cared for. You understand that the last table of the evening deserves the same level of energy, attention, and hospitality as the first.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead your assigned section with confidence, professionalism, and attention to detail
• Deliver thoughtful, personalized hospitality throughout the entire guest experience
• Demonstrate strong knowledge of the menu, ingredients, techniques, and culinary story
• Develop and maintain strong food, wine, and beverage knowledgeGuide guests through the tasting menu through engaging and knowledgeable storytelling
• Maintain precise timing and communication with the kitchen, sommelier team, and other members of the service team
• Anticipate guest needs and address requests before they become concerns
• Maintain proper posture, presentation, professionalism, and stamina throughout service
• Assist in maintaining the restaurant's standards of cleanliness, organization, and presentation
• Support and mentor other members of the service team
• Contribute to a positive, professional, and collaborative restaurant culture
• Uphold the standards expected of a Michelin-starred restaurant at every service

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for hospitality professionals who genuinely love fine dining.

Our ideal candidate understands that Michelin-level service is built on consistency, precision, hospitality, product knowledge, and attention to detail. You should take pride in the small things and understand how those details come together to create a memorable experience.

We Are Looking For Someone Who

• Has a genuine passion for fine dining and hospitality
• Has experience working as a Captain or in a comparable fine dining service role
• Understands the expectations and discipline of a Michelin-starred environment
• Is comfortable leading a section independently
• Has strong food and wine knowledge
• Communicates clearly and professionally
• Remains calm, composed, and welcoming during a demanding service
• Is naturally warm and approachable with guests and colleagues
• Takes direction well and actively seeks opportunities to improve
• Takes pride in their appearance, posture, professionalism, and attention to detail
• Wants to build a long-term career in hospitality

Qualifications

• 1 to 2+ years of fine dining experience, preferably in a Captain or equivalent role
• Strong understanding of fine dining service
• Good knowledge of wine
• Basic knowledge of spirits and cocktails
• Strong communication and guest interaction skills
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-standard environment
• Ability to stand and remain active for extended periods
• DC DOH certification preferred, or ability to obtain one within 30 days

Schedule

We are hiring full and part time. We are open Tuesday through Sunday each week.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Opportunity to work in a Michelin-starred restaurant
• Exposure to high-level food, wine, and hospitality
• A focused fine dining environment centered on quality rather than volume
• Opportunities for continued training and professional development
• Every Monday off as the restaurant is closed
• Opportunity to grow within a developing hospitality group