Maitre D

About il Buco Alimentari & Vineria

Located in the heart of NoHo, il Buco Alimentari & Vineria is an Italian-inspired restaurant, market, and bakery known for its seasonal ingredients, artisanal craftsmanship, and warm, lively atmosphere.

Opened in 2012, Alimentari brings together house-made breads, pastries, salumi, and authentic Italian-inspired products with an all-day dining experience that feels both distinctly Italian and quintessentially New York.

As part of the il Buco family, we are passionate about food, genuine hospitality, and creating memorable experiences for our guests.

We are seeking an experienced Maître D who can bring that same energy and care to the front door; someone who understands the importance of making guests feel welcome while confidently managing the pace and flow of a busy restaurant.

Learn more about il Buco Alimentari & Vineria and the il Buco family at ilbuco.com.

What You'll Do

• Welcome guests and set the tone for their experience from the moment they arrive
• Manage daily reservations, waitlists, walk-ins, cancellations, and special requests using Resy
• Oversee table assignments and rotation to support an efficient service
• Monitor table status and communicate seating timing with the service team
• Adjust seating decisions based on reservations, table availability, restaurant pacing, and guest needs
• Maintain an accurate understanding of table numbers, sections, position numbers, and all active dining spaces
• Communicate throughout service with servers, management, and the kitchen to support a coordinated operation
• Recognize returning guests and accommodate preferences whenever possible
• Respond to guest questions and concerns promptly and professionally
• Maintain thorough knowledge of reservation policies, restaurant hours, food and beverage offerings, and service standards
• Assist with payments, gift certificates, and other front-of-house needs as necessary
• Monitor the front-of-house environment and assist where needed during service
• Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the host area
• Represent il Buco Alimentari & Vineria professionally and graciously

Leadership & Team Standards

The Maître D will work closely with management to keep the host team aligned with il Buco Alimentari & Vineria's standards and expectations. This position is expected to be a consistent presence on the floor and a resource for the hosts throughout service.

• Partner with management to reinforce front-door procedures and service expectations
• Lead by example in professionalism, communication, and guest interactions
• Coach hosts on proper greeting, seating, reservation, and waitlist procedures
• Provide real-time guidance to hosts during service
• Ensure the host team is prepared and informed before each shift
• Address performance or service concerns appropriately and communicate them to management
• Share relevant guest feedback and observations with management
• Help maintain consistency across the host team from shift to shift

Who You Are

You are someone who takes hospitality seriously. You understand that guests remember how they were treated just as much as what they ate.

You are confident without being overbearing, attentive without being intrusive, and able to remain composed when the restaurant is busy. You have good instincts, strong judgment, and the ability to make decisions while keeping the guest experience at the center of what you do.

You are:

• Naturally welcoming and personable
• Comfortable interacting with a wide range of guests
• Observant and able to anticipate needs
• Calm and composed under pressure
• A clear and effective communicator
• Accountable and comfortable taking ownership
• Organized and detail-oriented
• A team player who collaborates well with both front- and back-of-house
• Comfortable giving and receiving feedback
• Someone who leads through their actions and sets a positive example for others

Experience & Requirements

• 2–3+ years of experience in a high-volume, fine-dining, or high-end restaurant
• Previous experience as a Maître D, Lead Host, or in a comparable front-of-house leadership position
• Demonstrated experience managing reservations, table assignments, and dining room flow
• Experience with Resy or a comparable reservation system
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work AM, PM, weekends, and holidays
• Professional appearance and grooming in accordance with company standards
• Ability to stand for 4–8 hours per shift, with occasional bending, reaching, and climbing
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally
• Ability to work in a restaurant environment with varying temperatures
• Fluency in written and spoken English where necessary for effective job performance
• Resume required and two professional references

Life at il Buco

Join a team that cares deeply about food, hospitality, and the experience we create for our guests.

We offer:

• Health insurance
• 401(k)
• PTO
• Employee dining discount
• Employee merchandise discount
• Opportunities to learn and grow within the il Buco family
• The opportunity to work alongside a passionate and experienced hospitality team

If you have the experience, judgment, and genuine passion for hospitality to own the front door and help create a dining experience guests want to return to, we would love to hear from you.

il Buco Alimentari & Vineria is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.