Maitre D

Restaurant Information:
Carmel transports the energy, culture, and flavor of the renowned outdoor marketplace “Shuk HaCarmel” to Melrose Avenue, in the heart of LA’s food scene.Using some of the oldest techniques in the world— a wood-burning oven, an open flame grill— chef Asaf Maoz interprets ancient Levantine cooking traditions through a modern lens. As we approach our first anniversary, Carmel is evolving from a successful launch into a lasting presence on Melrose.

Job Description:

As a Maître D’ at Carmel, you set the tone for the entire guest experience. The Maître D’ is the first and last impression guests have of our restaurant, and we’re looking for someone warm, professional, and highly organized to ensure every visit begins and ends on a high note. You’ll work closely with the front-of-house and management teams to coordinate seating, manage reservations, and ensure a smooth and welcoming flow throughout service.

Responsibilities:

• Warmly greet guests upon arrival and thank them upon departure, creating a genuine and memorable first and last impression.

• Manage reservations, walk-ins, and waitlists using our reservation system efficiently.

• Coordinate with the floor manager and servers to optimize table turns and guest flow.

• Maintain an organized, clean, and professional host stand and entrance area.

• Handle guest inquiries with professionalism, providing accurate wait times and accommodating special requests when possible.

• Assist with large party coordination and seating logistics.

• Communicate clearly with the kitchen and service staff to ensure a seamless service experience.

• Support other front-of-house duties as needed to keep the team moving during peak service times.

• Welcomes guests in a warm and friendly manner, ascertains their dining preferences and needs, and determines where best to seat them.

• Maintains and updates the seating chart, including making reservations, keeping track of available tables, and managing waiting lists in coordination with kitchen and serving staff.

• Directs diners to their table or the bar, provides them with menus, and answers questions about chef’s specials and other menu features.

• Responds to guest requests and questions politely and efficiently, taking note of food allergies and other dietary restrictions and coordinating with kitchen staff and other team members as needed.

• Guides opening and closing of the restaurant in cooperation with the chef and back-of-house manager.

• Communicates with diners about specials, promotions, and wait times.

• May be called upon to assist in managing and scheduling wait staff
• Keeps waiting areas clean and organized and ensures that waiting customers are comfortable.
• Ensures diners have a pleasant, welcoming, and memorable dining experience.

Requirements:

• 2+ years of experience in a Lead Host, Maître D’ or Front Desk role in an upscale or high-volume restaurant setting preferred.

• Excellent communication and customer service skills with a natural ability to make guests feel welcome.

• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.

• Familiarity with restaurant reservation platforms (e.g., Resy, OpenTable).

• Calm under pressure and comfortable managing a busy dining room environment.

• Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

• Professional appearance and demeanor.