Restaurant Receptionist

ICTEngage; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent restaurant in Pretoria is seeking a Restaurant Receptionist to provide exceptional service as the first point of contact for guests. Responsibilities include managing reservations, greeting guests, and coordinating seating. The ideal candidate will have previous restaurant experience, excellent communication skills, and a strong guest-service mindset, ensuring a welcoming and organized front-of-house environment.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a restaurant, preferably fine dining.
• Ability to remain calm and friendly under pressure.
• Neat appearance and professional etiquette.

Responsibilities

• Welcome guests and manage flow at the entrance.
• Handle reservations and coordinate seating.
• Maintain communication with the kitchen team regarding guest needs.

Skills

Professional communication skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Strong organizational abilities

Tech-savvy

Ability to multitask

Job description

The Restaurant Receptionist is the first point of contact for all guests and plays a key role in creating an exceptional dining experience. This person manages reservations, greets guests warmly, coordinates seating, and ensures smooth front-of-house communication. A high level of professionalism, polish, and guest-focused service is essential.

Key Responsibilities

Guest Reception & Service

• Warmly welcome guests upon arrival and acknowledge departures.
• Maintain a professional, polished presence at all times.
• Manage the guest flow to ensure a calm, organized entrance experience.
• Provide accurate information about menus, service times, dress code, and restaurant policies.
• Handle guest requests, complaints, and escalations with grace and efficiency.

Reservations & Seating Coordination

• Manage and confirm bookings via phone, email, and reservation systems.
• Maintain the reservations book/system and ensure accurate updates.
• Plan and coordinate seating to balance guest experience and operational efficiency.
• Communicate guest preferences or special requests to the floor and kitchen team.
• Manage walk-ins and waiting lists professionally.

Communication & Front-of-House Support

• Work closely with management to update and follow daily service plans.
• Liaise with servers, managers, and kitchen team regarding table status, VIP bookings, and guest requirements.
• Assist with arranging special occasions (anniversaries, birthdays, private dining).
• Ensure the reception area is presentable, tidy, and welcoming at all times.

Administration & Operational Duties

• Answer phone calls and respond to guest queries promptly and professionally.
• Process and confirm bookings, deposit payments (if required), and cancellations.
• Maintain accurate records of guest notes, preferences, and special events.
• Assist with opening and closing procedures at the host stand.
• Handle administrative tasks such as menus, handover notes, and floor plans.

Minimum Requirements

• Previous experience working in a restaurant is mandatory (fine dining experience is a strong advantage).
• Professional communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to remain calm, confident, and friendly under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a strong guest-service mindset.
• Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail.
• Tech-savvy and comfortable with reservation systems or POS (training provided if needed).
• Neat, well-groomed appearance and professional etiquette.

Competencies & Characteristics

• Warm, hospitable, and people-oriented.
• Strong sense of professionalism and discretion.
• Able to multitask and manage a fast-paced environment.
• Problem solver with a positive, solution-driven approach.
• High level of punctuality and reliability.
• Team player with a willingness to support FOH operations.