Fine Dining Servers share most of the same responsibilities as regular Servers, with a few quite important differences. Since they’re employed in a fine dining establishment, Fine Dining Servers need to adhere to stricter etiquette and have a more formal code of conduct.
If you’re an employer looking to hire a Fine Dining Server, crafting an enticing job description to attract quality candidates is the most important aspect of the hiring process. To help you out, we’ve created a free Fine Dining Server job description template you can modify and use for your own job ad.
Fine Dining Server Job Description Template
[Restaurant Name] is seeking an experienced Fine Dining Server to join our team at our esteemed [Location] location.
As a Fine Dining Server, you’ll use your knowledge and skills to provide an incredible dining service to our patrons. Your attention to detail will ensure that every aspect of interacting with the guests, from seating them to presenting menus, is executed professionally.
If you feel you have what it takes to succeed as a Fine Dining Server and you’re passionate about the role, this is a great opportunity to showcase your skills and gain hands-on experience. Salary: $[Salary range] per year + tips Schedule: Full-time – [Number] hours per week
Fine Dining Server Duties & Responsibilities
- Greet guests and escort them to their tables
- Present menus and offer recommendations
- Take orders from guests, keeping in mind special requests such as dietary restrictions
- Serve and present dishes
- Maintain a polished appearance and positive demeanor
Fine Dining Server Requirements & Skills
- Previous working experience in a fine dining establishment or an upscale restaurant
- Proficiency in wine service, including knowledge of varietals and presentation techniques
- Superb interpersonal skills
- A keen eye for details
- Familiarity with multiple POS systems
- Available to work evenings and weekends as required
Fine Dining Server Education & Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Completion of a food safety or hospitality training course
- Certification in responsible alcohol service
Common Fine Dining Server Duties and Responsibilities
When writing a job description, you want to make it as clear and detailed as possible. Doing so will eliminate any chances of causing misunderstandings. Here are the most common Fine Dining Server duties you should include in your description:
- Greeting guests and accommodating them if the Host/Hostess is preoccupied
- Delivering food and beverages promptly and professionally
- Providing table service and answering menu questions
- Making food suggestions and assisting diners with their selection
- Processing cash and credit card payments
What To Include in Fine Dining Server Skills and Experience
Fine Dining Servers need to have impeccable etiquette and a positive demeanor to serve high-class customers given the nature of the establishment they work in. Here’s what workers in this role need to have to succeed:
- Exceptional attention to detail
- Top-class customer service skills
- Immaculate communication skills and patience
- Knowledge about wine and beverage pairings
- Ability to multitask under pressure
- Time management and organizational skills
You can check out the video below to see what skills candidates need to have to thrive in this role. Even though it seems obvious, some things, such as serving guests only from the left-hand side, can only be obtained through practical experience.
Fine Dining Server Education and Experience
Generally speaking, Fine Dining Servers don’t need anything more than a high school diploma to be able to do a good job. Previous experience working as a Server, especially in a high-end establishment, is much more important than anything else.
If you want a Server who’s already experienced, include in your job description that previous experience in an upscale establishment is required. If you don’t mind giving a less-experienced Server a chance, perhaps someone who’s only worked in casual restaurants before, then you can hire them and give them some hands-on training.
Additionally, some establishments want to hire applicants who have already completed a food safety or hospitality training course, and if you want to do the same, make sure to list it under education requirements.
Fine Dining Server Salary Expectations
On average, Fine Dining Servers earn $56,584 per year in the United States, which is significantly more than the average Server salary of $35,457 per year.
This doesn’t include tips or bonuses, so the actual annual wage for Fine Dining Servers might be even higher depending on your location and the specific establishment.
Similar Job Titles
Fine Dining Server Job Description FAQ
If the candidate has some Server experience, even in a casual restaurant, then you can consider them and offer them practical training on the job itself. Otherwise, if a candidate has no Server experience whatsoever, you should probably look at other candidates’ portfolios.
There is no specific age requirement for Fine Dining Servers, but since most establishments want a candidate with several years of experience, they tend to hire someone who’s 18 years or older in most cases.
Your questions should help you decide whether the applicant can perform well as a Fine Dining Server. Ask specific questions related to their previous experience, their skills, and maybe even some hypothetical questions about how they’d handle a given scenario. We have a list of common Fine Dining Server interview questions that you can refer to, to help you come up with answers for your own interview process.
The two roles are similar but not identical. Servers interact with customers much more since they work in casual restaurant settings, while Fine Dining Servers work in upscale establishments and adhere to stricter rules and codes of conduct. The two roles also differ from the Waiter/Waitress role.
