Restaurant Host

Position Overview

The Host or Hostess at Graciela Restaurant occupies one of the most important roles in our dining room: as the very first and last impression our guests receive, you are the living embodiment of our brand. You are an ambassador of Graciela — composed, warm, and highly organized — whose presence sets the tone for an evening of exceptional hospitality before a single dish is served. With meticulous attention to the flow of the dining room, you ensure that every table turn is seamless, every transition is graceful, and every guest feels not merely welcomed, but genuinely anticipated. Whether receiving a first-time visitor or a returning VIP of the highest profile, you bring the same standard of poise, discretion, and personal care to every interaction.
Key Responsibilities

● Guest Reception & Departure: Warmly greet and seat all guests upon arrival with a genuine and polished welcome, and deliver a gracious, personalized farewell at the close of each dining experience to leave a lasting and favorable impression.
● Reservation Management: Manage all reservations and waitlists with precision using OpenTable, ensuring that accuracy is maintained throughout the service and that all special requests, dietary considerations, and VIP notations are thoroughly logged and proactively communicated to the service team.
● Floor Management: Monitor dining room flow and table turn cadence in close coordination with floor managers and servers, optimizing seating efficiency and maintaining a steady, unhurried rhythm throughout high-volume service periods.
● VIP & High-Profile Guest Handling: Anticipate the individual preferences and needs of returning guests and high-profile clientele, maintaining unwavering discretion, strict confidentiality, and a composed, respectful demeanor at all times.
● Waitlist & Walk-In Management: Communicate accurate and transparent wait time estimates to walk-in guests, managing the waitlist with professionalism, fairness, and a calm presence during peak and high-demand periods.
● Team Communication: Serve as a reliable communication hub between the host stand, floor managers, and service staff, ensuring seamless guest transitions and eliminating gaps in service through clear, timely information sharing.
● Telephone & Inquiry Handling: Answer all incoming calls with polish and professionalism, fielding reservation inquiries, special occasion requests, and general restaurant questions in a manner that reflects Graciela's elevated brand voice.
● Appearance & Environment Standards: Maintain an immaculate and inviting host stand and entrance area at all times, ensuring that the first physical impression of Graciela is fully consistent with our brand's standards of understated elegance.
● Special Events Support: Assist in the coordination and execution of private dining events, large-party reservations, and special occasions, working collaboratively with the management team to ensure every detail is accounted for.
● Problem Resolution: Address guest concerns, seating delays, or service interruptions with immediate grace and urgency, de-escalating situations with professionalism and escalating appropriately to management when the circumstance demands.
Required Qualifications

● Minimum 2 years of host or front-of-house experience in a fine dining or upscale restaurant environment, with a demonstrated record of excellence in guest-facing roles.
● Proficiency with the OpenTable reservation and table management platform, including waitlist management, guest notes, and shift reporting functions.
● Demonstrated experience successfully managing high-volume service periods with composure, efficiency, and unwavering attention to the guest experience.
● Proven experience working with high-profile, VIP, or celebrity clientele, with the utmost discretion, sensitivity, and professionalism at every touchpoint.
● Exceptional verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the natural ability to connect warmly and authentically with guests of all backgrounds.
● A polished, professional personal appearance and demeanor befitting a premier fine dining establishment at all times.
● Strong organizational abilities and acute attention to detail, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities simultaneously without sacrificing accuracy or quality.
● The ability to remain calm, focused, and solution-oriented in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, maintaining composure under all circumstances.
● Availability and flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by operational needs.
Preferred Qualifications

● Familiarity with New York City's fine dining landscape and an understanding of the expectations and standards held by the city's most discerning guests.
● Prior experience in private dining coordination, event hosting, or managing large-format hospitality experiences within an upscale setting.
● Multilingual abilities are a welcomed asset and may be particularly beneficial in our internationally diverse dining environment.
● A working knowledge of wine, spirits, and culinary terminology that enables confident and informed interaction with guests seeking guidance.
What We Offer

● Competitive hourly compensation commensurate with experience, reflective of the caliber and seniority of the role within the New York City fine dining market.
● Gratuity participation as part of a team-based service model that recognizes and rewards excellence in guest hospitality.
● Complimentary staff meals during scheduled shifts, ensuring our team is well-nourished and cared for throughout service.
● A collaborative, professional, and mutually respectful work environment that values every team member's contribution to the guest experience.
● Meaningful opportunity to grow and advance within a distinguished, award-recognized hospitality brand committed to internal development.