Captain / Lead Server

Maria Isabel is hiring a Captain

Maria Isabel opened on March 3rd, so we are still new and continuing to build the team as we grow.

In the short time since opening, we have been grateful to be Michelin Recommended, recognized with Michelin’s Exceptional Cocktail Program Award, and called “S.F.’s most ambitious Mexican restaurant in years unlike anything else in the Bay Area” by the San Francisco Chronicle.

We are proud of that recognition, but we are still a new restaurant with a lot of room to grow. We are looking for someone who wants to be part of that growth and help us continue raising the standard of service.

The Captain is a lead server role for someone with strong fine dining experience, ideally in a Michelin recognized restaurant or a restaurant working at that level. We are looking for someone who understands polished service, strong attention to detail, proper pacing, anticipation, and the importance of consistency every night.

This person should be able to run a strong section, take great care of guests, and help set the tone for the rest of the service team. They should be warm, confident, organized, and comfortable taking the lead during a busy service.

Our restaurant is rooted in Mexican tradition, Northern California ingredients, a thoughtful beverage program, and genuine hospitality.

The restaurant is busy, and the earning potential is strong. Servers are currently averaging $300+ a night in tips.

We are look for someone who

We are looking for someone with experience in a Michelin recognized or high end fine dining restaurant who understands polished service, pacing, table maintenance, and attention to detail. The right candidate can confidently lead a complete dining experience from arrival through departure, creating a warm and personal connection with guests while maintaining a high level of service. They should have strong food, wine, cocktail, and spirits knowledge, remain organized and calm during busy service, lead by example, support the team, and be open to feedback and continued learning.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead a section and provide warm, polished, and attentive service
• Maintain consistent Michelin level service standards
• Guide guests through the menu and make informed food and beverage recommendations
• Read each table and adjust the pace and style of service when needed
• Maintain strong knowledge of the menu, ingredients, preparations, and beverage program
• Communicate allergies and dietary restrictions clearly and correctly
• Stay ahead of timing, table maintenance, and guest needs
• Work closely with the service team, kitchen, beverage team, and managers
• Recognize service issues early and involve a manager when needed
• Set the standard for urgency, organization, cleanliness, and attention to detail
• Support the training of newer team members
• Complete opening, closing, side work, and required training
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications & Competencies

• At least three years of serving experience in a Michelin recognized or comparable fine dining restaurant
• Previous experience as a Captain, lead server, or in a restaurant management role preferred
• Strong understanding of polished steps of service, course pacing, table maintenance, and how to tailor the experience to each guest
• Ability to lead a complete dining experience from arrival through departure with warmth, confidence, and consistency, while building and maintaining strong relationships with regular guests
• Strong working knowledge of food, wine, cocktails, spirits, ingredients, and cooking techniques
• Comfortable explaining detailed dishes and beverage pairings without sounding rehearsed
• Able to manage a demanding section while staying aware of the full dining room, supporting the larger team, and learning our beverage pairings in order to confidently step in when needed
• Consistent attention to details such as table settings, cleanliness, timing, body language, and guest preferences
• Strong understanding of allergy procedures and the importance of clear communication with the kitchen and service team
• Able to recognize service issues early, make thoughtful decisions, and involve management when needed
• Calm, organized, and professional under pressure
• Leads by example and is comfortable helping train and raise the standards of the team
• Open to direct feedback, continued education, and being held accountable to the level of service expected from a restaurant working toward Michelin one-star recognition
• California Food Handler and Responsible Beverage Service certifications, or ability to obtain them within the required timeframe

Working Environment & Physical Requirements

Stand and walk for 6 to 7 hours per shift
Lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds
Ability to focus and multitask in a fast-paced dining room
Comfortable working in a busy restaurant with changing noise, lighting, and temperature levels
Navigate stairs, slick surfaces, and kitchen areas safely
Flexible availability required, including nights, weekends, and holidays based on business needs
Dinner service only, Tuesday through Saturday

What We Offer

Strong earning potential, with servers currently averaging $300+ a night in tips
A chance to join Maria Isabel while we are still new, having opened on March 3rd
A restaurant that is Michelin Recommended
Consistent dinner only scheduling, Tuesday through Saturday
A supportive team that cares about hospitality, craft, and each other
Education, growth, and advancement opportunities as the restaurant continues to grow
Family meal every day you work
Generous dining discounts and retail cost wine
401K matching after 6 months of employment
Paid sick days
Subsidized health, vision, and dental insurance

Maria Isabel’s Commitment to Equity & Inclusion

Maria Isabel is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. We believe different perspectives make our team stronger, our hospitality more thoughtful, and our connection to the community deeper.