What Restaurants Do Hostesses Make the Most Money At?

The U.S. restaurant industry offers a wide range of opportunities to earn significant wages and tips. 

High-end dining establishments, high-traffic entertainment venues and exclusive VIP dining experiences provide some of the best earning potential. 

If you’re wondering what restaurants do Hostesses make the most money, this guide will highlight the top venues where you can maximize your earnings.

Luxury Fine-Dining Restaurants

Fine-dining restaurants attract wealthy clients and offer high-paying opportunities for Hosts/Hostesses. These restaurants have sophisticated atmospheres and exceptional service standards. Hosts/Hostesses earn great tips due to exclusive clientele and impeccable service.

1. Per Se (New York City, NY)

Per Se, located in the Time Warner Center, offers an upscale dining experience with French cuisine and a renowned tasting menu. The restaurant is known for its attention to detail, impeccable service and a clientele that includes celebrities, business moguls and high-profile clients. Hosts/Hostesses at Per Se manage exclusive reservations and assist guests through a meticulous dining process, ensuring high tips.

Address: 10 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10019

2. The French Laundry (Yountville, CA)

The French Laundry is a three-Michelin-star restaurant offering a world-class tasting menu. Under the direction of Chef Thomas Keller, it attracts a select clientele seeking an extraordinary dining experience. Hosts/Hostesses here play an essential role in maintaining the flow of reservations and managing the exclusivity of the restaurant, often resulting in substantial tips for their service.

Address: 6640 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599

3. Alinea (Chicago, IL)

[Source: Alinea]

Alinea is a Michelin three-star restaurant known for its innovative and interactive dining experience. With a commitment to modernist cuisine, the restaurant offers a world-renowned tasting menu. Hosts/Hostesses are responsible for handling high-demand reservations, managing VIP seating and greeting influential guests, ensuring they can earn top tips in this high-profile environment.

Address: 1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

4. Eleven Madison Park (New York City, NY)

[Source: Eleven Madison Park]

Eleven Madison Park is an innovative fine-dining venue that focuses on sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. With its Michelin-star reputation and a menu that evolves seasonally, it attracts an exclusive crowd. Hosts/Hostesses manage the steady flow of reservations and ensure top-notch service for VIP clientele, with the potential to earn generous tips in this high-end setting.

Address: 11 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010

5. Le Bernardin (New York City, NY)

[Source: Le Bernardin]

Le Bernardin, known for its exceptional seafood and fine dining, is a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers guests an exclusive experience. Hosts/Hostesses at this New York City staple handle reservations for an elite clientele, ensuring that the guest experience is flawless, which translates to higher earnings through tips.

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

Celebrity Chef-Driven Restaurants

When it comes to what restaurants do Hostesses make the most money, celebrity chef-driven restaurants offer lucrative opportunities for those who thrive in high-energy environments.

1. Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen (Las Vegas, NV)

[Source: Hell’s Kitchen]

Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen brings a dynamic and high-energy atmosphere to Caesars Palace. The restaurant serves a menu inspired by Ramsay’s popular TV show, featuring British and American comfort food. Hosts/Hostesses manage a high volume of guests, ensuring smooth reservations and seating arrangements. With Ramsay’s celebrity status, tips are substantial, and the environment is fast-paced.

Address: 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

2. Giada (Las Vegas, NV)

Giada De Laurentiis’ restaurant offers California-inspired Italian cuisine with a view of the Las Vegas Strip. Guests flock to Giada’s for its celebrity chef appeal and breathtaking views. Hostesses at this popular venue handle reservations for a steady flow of high-profile clients and earn substantial tips thanks to the restaurant’s luxurious setting.

Address: 3595 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109

3. José Andrés’ Jaleo (Washington D.C.)

Jaleo, created by celebrity chef José Andrés, serves traditional Spanish tapas with a modern twist. Located in Washington D.C., Jaleo is known for its vibrant atmosphere and high-quality cuisine. Hostesses here manage a busy dining environment, ensuring a smooth guest experience and earning great tips from its trendy, high-profile clientele.

Address: 480 7th St NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

High-Traffic, Trendy Restaurants

These popular restaurants offer bustling environments, attracting a steady flow of customers. Hostesses in high-traffic venues benefit from large guest numbers and busy dining hours, making them prime spots for earning tips. 

If you’re looking for what restaurants do Hostesses make the most money, high-traffic venues often provide the best earning opportunities during peak dining hours.

1. The Cheesecake Factory (Los Angeles, CA)

[Source: The Cheesecake Factory]

The Cheesecake Factory offers an extensive menu and attracts a large number of diners throughout the day. Hostesses manage seating for a high turnover of customers, especially during peak dining hours. The constant flow of guests ensures a steady stream of tips for Hostesses.

Address: 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90036

2. Yardbird Southern Table & Bar (Miami, FL)

Yardbird is famous for its Southern comfort food and lively atmosphere. The restaurant attracts both locals and tourists, ensuring hostesses have a busy schedule. Hostesses here greet and seat guests while managing a high-volume dining experience, earning great tips in the process.

Address: 1600 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

3. The NoMad Restaurant (New York City, NY)

The NoMad is a stylish restaurant combining luxury with a lively atmosphere. Hostesses are tasked with seating a constant flow of guests while ensuring exceptional service. With its popularity among locals and tourists, tips for hostesses are generous, especially during peak hours.

Address: 1170 Broadway, New York, NY 10001

4. STK (Los Angeles, CA)

[Source: STK]

STK is a modern steakhouse known for its lively atmosphere and high-energy vibe. Hostesses here manage a fast-paced dining experience with a high volume of customers. The venue’s constant traffic, combined with its upscale clientele, provides Hostesses with great earning potential.

Address: 930 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Conclusion: What Restaurants Do Hostesses Make the Most Money?

Hosts/Hostesses across the U.S. can maximize their earnings by targeting high-demand restaurants. 

Notably, cities like New York City and Los Angeles are home to a significant number of prestigious dining establishments, which often offer higher wages and generous tips. 

For instance, New York City boasts 74 Michelin-starred restaurants as of 2024, while Los Angeles also features several top-tier culinary destinations.

These prestigious venues attract affluent clientele, providing Hosts/Hostesses with ample opportunities to earn substantial tips. 

Additionally, the average hourly wage for a restaurant Hostess in New York City is approximately $18, and in Los Angeles, it’s around $19, both figures being above the national average. 

By focusing on such high-profile restaurants in these cities, Hosts/Hostesses can significantly enhance their earning potential.

How To Find a High-Paying Job as a Hostess in the United States

Finding a job as a Hostess in the United States can be a rewarding career path, especially in high-demand locations. 

Start by researching restaurants in your area or in cities known for their vibrant hospitality industries, such as New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

Many restaurants post job openings on their websites or on job boards like Indeed, Culinary Agents and OysterLink. 

Networking is also essential — attend industry events, connect with professionals on LinkedIn and reach out to restaurant managers directly. 

For those looking to break into high-end venues, consider gaining experience in fast-paced, mid-range restaurants to build your skills. 

Certification in food safety or alcohol awareness (when applicable) can also enhance your qualifications. 

Finally, flexibility with scheduling and a friendly, professional demeanor are essential traits that will make you stand out to potential employers.

Tips for Advancing Your Career as a Hostess in the United States

If you’re looking to grow within the hospitality industry, consider these actionable steps to enhance your career and increase your earnings.

• Enhance your customer service skills: Exceptional customer service is key to earning tips and advancing in the industry. Continuously improve your communication and problem-solving skills to provide the best experience for guests.
• Seek upscale restaurants or higher-traffic venues: Consider transitioning to high-end dining establishments, celebrity Chef-driven restaurants or popular, high-traffic spots where you can earn higher wages and tips.
• Pursue certification and training: Consider earning certifications such as Food Safety Manager Certification or Alcohol Awareness Training to enhance your qualifications and increase job opportunities, particularly in higher-end venues.
• Develop leadership skills: If you’re interested in career advancement, take on more responsibilities, such as training new employees or managing reservations, to gain valuable leadership experience.
• Network within the industry: Build connections with Restaurant Managers, Chefs and other professionals in the hospitality industry. Attend events and join industry groups to expand your network and discover new job opportunities.
• Explore roles in restaurant management: Hostess positions can be a stepping stone to roles like Maitre d’, Floor manager, or even Assistant Restaurant Manager. Learn about the day-to-day operations to prepare for these potential career moves.
• Learn multiple languages: Being bilingual or multilingual can set you apart, especially in areas with diverse clientele. It can also open doors to positions in international or high-end restaurants.
• Stay adaptable and open to opportunities: Be open to working at different types of venues, whether casual, upscale or fast-paced. The more experience you gain in different settings, the more valuable you become in the hospitality industry.

Criteria for Choosing What Restaurants Do Hostesses Make the Most Money

These restaurants were selected based on their reputation for offering high pay, generous tips and attracting elite clientele. 

Locations in high-demand cities like New York, Los Angeles and Miami were prioritized. 

Celebrity Chef-driven and Michelin-starred venues were also considered for their lucrative work environment and top-tier service standards.