Restaurant management offers competitive salaries, especially in fine dining, where high expectations and premium experiences often translate to a higher Restaurant Manager salary.
Below is a list of top-paying fine dining restaurants in the U.S., categorized by type and manager wages.
Establishments Where Restaurant Manager Salaries Are Most Competitive
Some restaurant types consistently offer higher pay for managers, thanks to higher revenue, upscale service models or demanding operational needs. Here's where manager compensation tends to be strongest.
High-End Steakhouses
Steakhouses are known for premium cuts of meat and exceptional service, requiring managers to ensure operational excellence. These restaurants often attract affluent clients willing to spend more, which reflects in the compensation offered to their management teams.
1. Ruth’s Chris Steak House
[Source: Ruth's Chris Steak House LinkedIn]
Ruth’s Chris is a well-established fine dining steakhouse known for its sizzling USDA Prime steaks served on hot plates. With upscale locations across the country, the restaurant draws high-end clientele for an elegant dining experience. Restaurant Managers oversee daily operations, ensuring flawless service and maintaining top food standards. This leads to high salaries and bonuses.
Location: Nationwide (including major cities like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles)
2. Morton’s The Steakhouse
[Source: Morton's The Steakhouse website]
Morton’s is one of the most iconic steakhouses in the U.S., offering high-quality steaks, seafood and an extensive wine list. Known for its elegant and refined atmosphere, Morton’s caters to upscale customers seeking a luxurious dining experience. Managers at Morton’s earn competitive wages due to premium pricing, high-ticket sales and a busy atmosphere.
Location: Nationwide, with key locations in New York, Chicago and Las Vegas
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3. Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
[Source: Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse website]
Del Frisco’s is a high-end steakhouse offering prime steaks, fresh seafood and an extensive wine list for an upscale experience. With luxurious locations in major cities, it attracts affluent clientele for fine dining events, business meetings and celebrations. Restaurant Managers are compensated well for managing large teams and ensuring smooth operations in a high-volume, high-revenue setting.
Location: Nationwide, with locations in cities like New York, Las Vegas, and Dallas
4. The Capital Grille
[Source: The Capital Grille LinkedIn]
The Capital Grille offers an elegant setting with a focus on dry-aged steaks and a rich wine selection. The chain is renowned for its exceptional customer service and high-quality food. The Capital Grille’s upscale offerings and busy locations require managers to oversee both front- and back-of-house operations. They ensure a luxurious guest experience.
Location: Nationwide, including major cities like Boston, Miami and San Francisco
5. Smith & Wollensky
[Source: Smith & Wollensky website]
Smith & Wollensky is a premium steakhouse known for top-tier USDA Prime steaks and exceptional dining. The high-end clientele and demand for premium steaks ensure managers are well-compensated for maintaining high standards. Base salaries, performance bonuses and tips boost overall earnings.
Location: Nationwide, with flagship locations in New York City, Las Vegas and Chicago
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Michelin-Starred French and European Restaurants
These restaurants reward Restaurant Managers with substantial compensation packages due to their high standards and elite clientele.
1. Le Bernardin
Chefs and staff at Le Bernardin, an iconic Michelin-starred French seafood restaurant in New York City, refine seafood dishes and provide exceptional service. The restaurant's reputation for culinary excellence attracts a sophisticated clientele willing to pay top dollar for a world-class dining experience. Le Bernardin rewards its Restaurant Managers generously for overseeing operations at such a prestigious establishment, offering high salaries, performance bonuses and benefits.
Location: New York City, NY
2. Jean-Georges
Jean-Georges, a Michelin-starred restaurant in New York City, blends French techniques with global flavors to offer innovative cuisine in a chic, modern setting. The restaurant’s culinary creativity and attention to detail draw in an elite clientele. Restaurant Managers are highly compensated due to the complex nature of operations, high guest expectations and the overall prestige of the establishment, with substantial base salaries and performance bonuses.
Location: New York City, NY
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