Home Spotlight What Restaurants Do Hostesses Make the Most Money at in New York?

What Restaurants Do Hostesses Make the Most Money at in New York?

nyc restaurants where hostesses can earn more main photo

NYC restaurants where Hostesses can earn more are often those with a focus on luxury dining, high guest volume and exceptional service standards. 

Below, we’ve grouped top restaurants into three categories to help Hosts/Hostesses find the best opportunities.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article about restaurant addresses and potential Hostess earnings is for general guidance only. While we strive to present accurate and up-to-date details, we recommend independently verifying the addresses and salary expectations directly with the establishments mentioned to ensure accuracy.

Fine-Dining NYC Restaurants Where Hostesses Can Earn More

Fine dining establishments in New York City offer Hosts/Hostesses a unique opportunity to work in some of the most prestigious and luxurious environments, where exceptional service is expected and celebrated.

1. Le Bernardin

Le Bernardin NYC

[Source: Le Bernardin]

As a Michelin-starred seafood restaurant, Le Bernardin stands out for its elegance and world-class service, attracting a sophisticated clientele and offering an excellent choice for professional growth. Hosts/Hostesses here are expected to maintain a polished and professional demeanor to complement the restaurant’s refined environment.

Address: 155 W 51st St, New York, NY 10019

2. Eleven Madison Park

Eleven Madison Park NYC

[Source: Eleven Madison Park]

This iconic fine-dining establishment offers Hosts/Hostesses the chance to work in one of the most prestigious restaurants in the world. Known for its impeccable service and innovative cuisine, Eleven Madison Park emphasizes personalized guest experiences, ensuring that every staff member, including Hosts/Hostesses, plays a vital role in maintaining its top-tier reputation.

Address: 11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010

3. Per Se

Per Se is a standout in the fine-dining category in the Time Warner Center with its exclusive atmosphere and high-profile guests. It provides Hosts/Hostesses with the opportunity to gain experience in a luxury setting, seamlessly managing reservations and accommodating the restaurant’s discerning clientele.

Address: 10 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019

4. Daniel

Chef Daniel Boulud Restaurants logo

[Source: Daniel Boulud]

Daniel, a Michelin-starred restaurant by Chef Daniel Boulud, offers an unparalleled fine dining experience. Its luxurious setting and focus on high-end service make it an exceptional choice for professional growth. Hosts/Hostesses here have the opportunity to work with a team that prides itself on excellence and precision in every detail of service.

Address: 60 E 65th St, New York, NY 10065

Trendy Hotspots in NYC Where Hostesses Can Earn More

Trendy restaurants in NYC are known for their lively atmospheres, stylish clientele and innovative menus. These venues are often frequented by celebrities and trendsetters, making them excellent places for Hosts/Hostesses who thrive in vibrant and dynamic environments.

1. Carbone

Carbone logo

[Source: Carbone]

With its retro Italian-American vibe and frequent celebrity appearances, Carbone offers a vibrant work environment with a constant flow of guests. Hosts/Hostesses here play a key role in managing the restaurant’s exclusive reservation system and ensuring a seamless dining experience.

Address: 181 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012

2. Catch NYC

catch la logo

[Source: Catch]

Known for its chic rooftop dining and fusion seafood menu, Catch NYC boasts an upscale vibe and stylish clientele, providing a dynamic atmosphere for hospitality professionals. Hosts/Hostesses at Catch NYC are often the first point of contact for guests, setting the tone for their memorable dining experiences.


Address: 21 9th Ave, New York, NY 10014

3. Tao Downtown

Tao Downtown combines Asian-inspired cuisine with a lively, luxurious ambiance. Thanks to its consistently high guest volume and energetic environment, Hosts/Hostesses here must excel in multitasking and maintaining order in a fast-paced setting.


Address: 92 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011

4. STK Steakhouse

Known for its modern steakhouse concept and lively bar scene, STK attracts a mix of locals and celebrities. Hosts/Hostesses are critical to ensuring smooth table rotations and providing exceptional hospitality to a diverse clientele.


Address: 26 Little W 12th St, New York, NY 10014

High-Traffic NYC Restaurants Where Hostesses Can Earn More

High-traffic restaurants in NYC offer Hosts/Hostesses the chance to work in bustling environments with a steady stream of guests. These venues require strong multitasking and organizational skills, making them ideal for Hosts/Hostesses looking to build their experience while thriving in fast-paced settings.

1. Eataly

This bustling Italian marketplace and dining destination attracts a steady stream of guests throughout the day. It’s a great place to develop multitasking and organizational skills. Hosts/Hostesses at Eataly also gain exposure to diverse customer interactions, which is invaluable for professional growth.


Address: 200 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010

2. The Smith

With multiple Manhattan locations, The Smith offers hostesses a fast-paced environment where excellent service is essential. Its popularity among locals and tourists makes it a great venue to build hospitality skills. Hosts/Hostesses play an important role in managing high table turnover and ensuring a welcoming experience for all guests.

Address: Multiple locations including 1900 Broadway, New York, NY 10023

3. Serafina

Known for its vibrant atmosphere and accessible Italian cuisine, Serafina thrives on consistent high guest volume. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to grow in a dynamic hospitality setting. Hosts/Hostesses are often tasked with creating a warm, friendly environment that keeps guests coming back.


Address: Multiple locations including 1022 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10075

4. Carmine’s

Carmine's logo

[Source: Catch]

Carmine’s, a bustling Italian family-style restaurant, is always packed with tourists and locals alike. Hosts/Hostesses are responsible for managing large parties and coordinating smooth service in a lively, energetic environment.


Address: 200 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036

Understanding the Cost of Living for Hostesses in New York City

New York City offers incredible opportunities for Hosts/Hostesses, but it’s essential to factor in the city’s high cost of living. With steep expenses for housing, transportation and daily necessities, managing finances is key to sustaining a career here. 

Fortunately, working at high-end restaurants with consistent shifts and strong tipping potential can help balance these costs. By defining your financial objectives and targeting venues with steady guest traffic and upscale clientele, you can thrive in NYC’s hospitality industry.

How To Secure High-Income Hostess Roles in NYC

Landing a top-paying Host/Hostess job in New York City requires strategic preparation and skill-building. By focusing on the right opportunities and refining your professional approach, you can achieve success in this competitive market. Here are practical steps to help you get started:

  • Identify the best opportunities: Target restaurants in prime locations or those that attract a high-end crowd for better earning potential.
  • Perfect your professional image: Maintain a polished appearance and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills to stand out in high-end venues.
  • Be open to prime shifts: Evening, weekend and holiday shifts are often the most lucrative. Flexibility with scheduling can enhance your earnings.
  • Enhance your skill set: Strong organizational skills, excellent customer service and multitasking abilities are critical for excelling as a hostess.
  • Network to discover opportunities: Build relationships with industry professionals to learn about openings at top restaurants.
  • Leverage a specialized job board: Use hospitality-focused platforms to find roles that align with your goals, connecting you with employers offering competitive pay.

Conclusion: Best NYC Restaurants Where Hostesses Can Earn More

Whether it’s fine-dining venues, trendy hotspots or bustling high-traffic locations, NYC restaurants offer incredible opportunities for professional growth. By focusing on the right establishments, honing your skills and being proactive, you can thrive in New York City’s vibrant hospitality scene.

Our Criteria for Selecting High-Paying Host/Hostess Jobs

These New York City restaurants were selected based on key factors such as central locations, popularity and their attraction to high-end clientele. 

Establishments in busy areas, particularly those led by renowned Chefs or offering exclusive dining experiences, provide Hosts/Hostesses with exceptional opportunities to excel in a fulfilling hospitality career.

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