Restaurant Server

Location: El Encanto, Santa Barbara, CA

About the Role

The Restaurant Server is responsible for delivering exceptional food and beverage service while creating memorable dining experiences consistent with the standards of a luxury hospitality environment. This position serves as a key ambassador of the restaurant and hotel, providing personalized, attentive, and anticipatory service to guests while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, product knowledge, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Guest Service & Dining Experience
  • Welcome guests in a warm, professional, and engaging manner.
  • Present menus and provide detailed descriptions of menu items, daily specials, ingredients, and preparation methods.
  • Make knowledgeable food and beverage recommendations, including wine pairings and specialty cocktails.
  • Anticipate guest needs and provide personalized service throughout the dining experience.
  • Maintain a thorough understanding of guest preferences and special requests.
• Food & Beverage Service Operations
  • Accurately enter orders into the point-of-sale system and communicate special requests to the culinary team.
  • Serve food and beverages according to established luxury service standards and sequence of service.
  • Monitor guest satisfaction and respond promptly to requests or concerns.
  • Ensure tables are properly maintained, cleared, and reset throughout service periods.
  • Process guest checks and payments accurately and efficiently.
  • Assist with opening and closing duties, including side work assignments and station preparation.
• Operational Excellence
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of dining areas, service stations, and back-of-house areas.
  • Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and responsible alcohol service requirements.
  • Maintain knowledge of hotel amenities and local attractions to assist guests as needed.
  • Collaborate with culinary, stewarding, and other hotel departments to support seamless operations.
  • Support special events, private dining functions, and seasonal programming as assigned.
• Luxury Hospitality Standards
  • Deliver exceptional, intuitive, and personalized service at all times.
  • Remain professional, composed, and solutions-oriented when handling guest concerns.
  • Uphold the hotel’s luxury standards, grooming expectations, and service culture.
  • Maintain confidentiality of all guest and company information.
  • Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to support operational needs across the department.

Requirements

• Minimum one (1) year of restaurant or hospitality experience preferred.
• Previous luxury hotel or fine dining experience strongly preferred.
• Food Handler Certification required or ability to obtain within required timeframe.
• Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) certification required in accordance with California law.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and guest engagement skills.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and lift up to 25 pounds.
• Flexible schedule availability including weekends, evenings, and holidays.