Host/Hostess for Upscale/Fine Dining

Company Description

Ristorante Tosca is a renowned Italian restaurant located in downtown Washington, DC, known for its refined Northern Italian cuisine and sophisticated dining experience. For 25 years, it has been a favorite among business leaders, policymakers, and locals, offering a polished atmosphere for business lunches and special occasions. The menu features seasonal ingredients, house-made pastas, and elegant dishes, paired with a curated wine list emphasizing Italian selections. With exceptional service and a vibrant bar scene, Tosca remains a premier destination for both local patrons and visitors.

Role Description

Ristorante Tosca seeks a polished, professional, and gracious Host/Hostess to join our front-of-house team. As the first and final point of contact for our guests, this position plays a critical role in setting the tone, managing the flow, and upholding the overall standard of the dining experience. We are looking for an individual who demonstrates strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and a consistent, guest-focused approach to service in a fast-paced, upscale environment.

This position offers approximately 30 hours per week, with evening shifts beginning at 4:30 PM and concluding at close (typically around 10:30 PM). Service is dinner-only. The schedule is consistent, with Sundays off and one additional weekday. We offer competitive hourly compensation, a staff meal at the end of each shift, and paid vacation after one year of employment for team members in good standing.

Primary responsibilities include greeting and welcoming guests with warmth and professionalism; managing reservations and telephone communications with clarity and courtesy; and directing the pace of service through accurate seating and real-time table management. The Host/Hostess must maintain awareness of the dining room at all times, ensuring coordination between guests, servers, and management. This role also requires the ability to anticipate guest needs, manage special requests and occasion notes with discretion, and maintain an organized host stand. Additional responsibilities include providing coat and bag check services in accordance with restaurant procedures, monitoring the cleanliness and presentation

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of host experience in a fine dining or upscale restaurant
• Working knowledge of reservation systems, such as OpenTable
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills
• Professional presentation and conduct
• Ability to manage high-volume service periods while maintaining organization and attention to detail
• Reliable and punctual
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team