Host

Zola is seeking a Host & Cocktail server part time. Zola is an upscale French Bistro located in the heart of downtown Palo Alto. We pride ourselves in serving seriously delicious French inspired cuisine, craft cocktails, fine wine, & creating excellent and genuine dining experiences with each of our guests. 


Host / Cocktail ServerPosition Summary

The Host / Cocktail Server is responsible for creating a warm, welcoming first impression while ensuring an exceptional guest experience from arrival through departure. This dual-role position manages the host stand, reservation system, and guest flow while providing attentive food and beverage service to a small cocktail section. The ideal candidate is personable, organized, detail-oriented, and committed to delivering outstanding hospitality.

Essential ResponsibilitiesHost Duties

• Welcome every guest entering and leaving the restaurant with warmth, professionalism, and genuine hospitality.

• Manage reservations, seating, and waitlists using OpenTable.

• Confirm upcoming reservations and communicate with guests as needed.

• Coordinate seating to ensure smooth service and balanced table rotation.

• Maintain accurate guest notes and dining preferences, including special occasions, dietary restrictions, food allergies, birthdays, anniversaries, and other important requests.

• Communicate all guest preferences and special accommodations to the management and service team prior to guest arrival.

• Monitor the dining room and collaborate with management to maximize seating efficiency while maintaining service standards.

• Answer guest inquiries professionally in person and by phone.

Cocktail Service Duties

• Provide full-service food and beverage service to a designated cocktail section.

• Take accurate food and beverage orders and enter them promptly into the POS system.

• Serve cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages responsibly while following all applicable alcohol service laws and company policies.

• Deliver food and beverages promptly while ensuring quality and presentation standards are met.

• Anticipate guest needs by offering refills, menu recommendations, and attentive table maintenance.

• Present checks, process payments accurately, and thank guests for their visit.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the cocktail area, including tables, menus, and service stations.

General Expectations

• Deliver exceptional hospitality and create memorable guest experiences.

• Maintain a positive, professional demeanor in a fast-paced environment.

• Communicate effectively with managers, servers, bartenders, kitchen staff, and support staff.

• Demonstrate excellent multitasking and time-management skills.

• Maintain knowledge of the restaurant's food, beverage, and cocktail offerings.

• Follow all health, safety, sanitation, and responsible alcohol service guidelines.

• Assist with opening, closing, and side work as assigned.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in restaurant hosting, serving, or hospitality preferred.

• Experience with OpenTable or similar reservation software is preferred.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to multitask while maintaining attention to detail.

• Ability to remain calm and professional during busy service periods.

• Must be able to stand and walk for extended periods and lift items as required for normal restaurant operations.

Successful team members consistently create welcoming first impressions, communicate guest preferences accurately, provide attentive cocktail service, and contribute to a seamless dining experience by working collaboratively with the entire restaurant team.