Lead Host

Are you the kind of person who can light up a room while keeping it running seamlessly?

Tarallucci e Vino is looking for a confident, charismatic, and highly motivated Lead Host to join our Union Square team! We're searching for someone who genuinely loves people, thrives in a lively restaurant environment, and understands that exceptional hospitality goes far beyond greeting guests at the door. At Tarallucci e Vino, we believe great hospitality is a balance of warmth, personality, and attention to detail. We're a welcoming Italian restaurant with a passionate team, delicious food, and a genuine love for bringing people together.

Our ideal Lead Host is naturally outgoing, quick on their feet, and always one step ahead. Someone who can connect with guests effortlessly, communicate confidently with the team, and take true ownership of the guest experience from arrival to departure.

• Own the front door: Welcome every guest with genuine warmth, confidence, and enthusiasm, making each person feel immediately acknowledged and cared for.

• Lead the flow of service: Manage reservations via OpenTable, walk-ins, waitlists, and seating arrangements while maintaining a smooth, efficient dining room.

• Be the communication hub: Work closely with servers, managers, and the entire front-of-house team to ensure everyone stays informed about seating, table turns, guest needs, and service updates.

• Create memorable guest experiences: Build relationships with regulars, engage guests in conversation, anticipate their needs, and handle special requests with charm and professionalism.

• Stay one step ahead: Keep an attentive eye on the dining room, patio, and guest-facing areas, proactively addressing details before they become issues.

• Maintain impeccable standards: Ensure the host stand, menus, wine lists, and guest areas are organized, clean, polished, and ready for service.

• Lead by example: Bring positive energy, accountability, and a hands-on attitude to every shift. Take initiative, support your teammates, and set the tone for exceptional hospitality.

• A people person through and through! You're energetic, personable, naturally social, and love making connections.

• Confident and assertive: You communicate clearly, take ownership of your responsibilities, and aren't afraid to take the lead.

• Sharp and detail-oriented: You notice the little things, think ahead, and know how to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.

• Proactive and self-motivated: You don't wait to be told what needs to be done. You see it, own it, and get it done.

• Calm under pressure: You can juggle a busy door, a ringing phone, and a full dining room while maintaining your composure and a welcoming smile.

• A natural team player: You understand that great service depends on great communication and collaboration.

• Previous hosting experience in a busy, full-service NYC restaurant required; lead host experience strongly preferred.

• Familiarity with OpenTable and reservation management systems preferred.

• Must be available to work evenings and weekends.

• $23/hour + tips

• A fun, supportive, and passionate team

• A lively restaurant atmosphere with wonderful guests and delicious Italian food

• An opportunity to take ownership of a key front-of-house role and make a real impact on the guest experience

• A workplace that values hospitality, teamwork, initiative, and personality

We're hiring immediately!

If you're the kind of person who remembers faces, loves a bustling dining room, communicates with confidence, and takes pride in making everything run beautifully, we'd love to meet you.

Apply with your resume and availability for evening and weekend shifts.

Bring your personality, your energy, and your passion for hospitality. We'll bring the pasta!