Host

Experienced Host | Osteria Marzano
Hiring One Full-Time & One Part-Time Host
Starting at $15/hour + tips | Higher starting pay based on experience

Osteria Marzano is a family-owned, upscale casual Italian restaurant in Alexandria, led by father-daughter team Chef Carmine Marzano and Elena Pouchelon. We bring together scratch-made Italian cuisine, a modern atmosphere, and warm, personal hospitality. From cooking classes and wine dinners to happy hour seven days a week and other special events, we’re always creating new reasons for our guests to gather around the table.

We care deeply about our guests and our team—and we’re looking for two experienced hosts who take that same pride in their work.

The role

As a host at OM, you set the tone for every guest’s experience. We’re looking for someone who enjoys connecting with people, thinks ahead, and takes ownership of guest services. You should be comfortable balancing a warm welcome with the organization and quick thinking that keep a busy dining room running smoothly.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Welcoming guests with warmth, confidence, and professionalism.

• Making and managing reservations, maintaining the seating chart, and coordinating seating flow with servers and managers.

• Thinking strategically about table assignments and adjusting reservations to optimize seating capacity while honoring guest needs.

• Reviewing reservation notes before each shift and coordinating arrangements for special requests and occasions.

• Staying informed about cooking classes, wine dinners, daily happy hour, and special events so you can confidently promote them, answer guest questions, and explain how to reserve or participate.

• Taking initiative to review event details and ask management questions before a guest needs the answer.

• Answering phones, taking phone orders accurately, and communicating important messages to management.

• Anticipating guest needs, solving problems thoughtfully, and knowing when to involve a manager.

• Completing daily opening and closing duties consistently and independently.

Who we’re looking for

• Previous restaurant hosting experience is required.

• OpenTable experience is preferred; lead host or maître d’ experience is a big plus.

• An exceptionally personable, guest-focused approach.

• Strong organization, multitasking, and communication skills.

• Sound judgment and the ability to stay composed under pressure.

• Reliability, professional presentation, and attention to detail.

• Initiative: you recognize what needs to be done, follow through, and complete everyday responsibilities without repeated reminders.

Why join OM?

We’ve worked hard to build a positive, supportive environment where people enjoy coming to work. Our team members regularly tell us OM is their favorite place they’ve worked, and that means a lot to us.

We offer:

• Minimum starting pay of $16/hour + tips, with higher starting rates based on experience.

• Dining discounts and employee meal discounts.

• A free membership to a 24-hour gym next door.

• Free parking.

• Opportunities to cross-train, develop new skills, and advance within the restaurant.

• A welcoming team that values teamwork, accountability, and great hospitality.

Apply

Email your résumé and availability, noting whether you’re interested in full-time or part-time work. You’re also welcome to apply in person before the dinner rush.

Osteria Marzano
6361 Walker Lane, Suite 140
Alexandria, VA 22310

Get to know us:
Website: osteriamarzano.com
Instagram: @osteriamarzano
Facebook: @OsteriaMarzano