Waiter/waitress Yamazato Restaurant*

Hotel Okura Amsterdam is an international 5 star hotel. Step in our world and experience how Eastern and Western influences are uniquely entwined through our mix of Japanese and Dutch culture. On the ground floor of Hotel Okura Amsterdam you will find the authentic Japanese Yamazato Restaurant. Yamazato is the first traditional kaiseki restaurant outside of Japan that is awarded with a Michelin star. More than fifty specialties from traditional kaiseki ryori cuisine, the Japanese haute cuisine, are prepared by the skilled hands of Executive Chef & Manager Masanori Tomikawa and the team of Japanese chefs. By using typical Japanese materials in the interior, and the adjacent garden with a beautiful cherry blossom in spring, you feel as if you are in Japan. The authentic Japanese Yamazato Restaurant has been awarded with a Michelin star since 2002. In order to strengthen our team, we are continuously looking for enthusiastic Waiters/Waitresses. At the moment, we are looking for 6 Waiters/Waitresses to join our team. Do you have knowledge of Japanese dishes and the kaiseki kitchen? Are you flexible and hospitable? Do you have an eye for detail and would you like to work in an authentic Japanese restaurant? Then this vacancy is for you!

What can you expect?

The standards that apply to kaiseki cuisine greatly differ from the modern Japanese cuisine. The Yamazato menu is composed according to the classic kaiseki structure. The kitchen distinguishes itself by focusing on the purity of seasonal, traditional Japanese ingredients. The style is minimalistic and all dishes are in balance, from the taste and texture to the appearance and colours of the dishes. The dishes, tableware as well as the kimonos of the waitresses are all immersed in symbolism according to the changes of the season.

As a Waiter/Waitress, you are responsible for taking orders, serving dishes, handling payments and cleaning the tables and the restaurant. In addition, you are able to explain the kaiseki dishes to the guests and provide information about Japanese dishes, methods of preparation, Japanese traditions and customs.

Your main tasks are:

• Operational tasks in the restaurant, such as taking orders, serving guests and arranging payments;
• Looking after mise en place and providing information about Japanese dishes, methods of preparation, Japanese traditions and customs;
• Pro-actively selling restaurant products;
• Working in a multicultural environment;
• Maintaining excellent contact with guests in foreign languages;
• Ensuring that the tables and restaurant remain clean;
• Following guidelines with regards to safety, Arbo, hygiene and HACCP.

You will work 5 days a week, 7.6 hours a day. You are also available to work on public holidays. The shifts are from 16:00 till closing of the restauran

What do we offer?

• Contract: 1 year contract;
• Salary: Group 4. Click HERE for the salary overview;
• Bonus: 1 week salary when the hotel reaches the budgeted GOP (Gross Operating Profit) level and you get a minimum total score of successful in your yearend evaluation;
• 8% holiday allowance (pro rata);
• 25 vacation days per year (pro rata);
• Compensation for National Holidays;
• Horeca CAO applies;
• General Pension Scheme of Hospitality and Catering;
• General Survivors pension;
• Fun and social staff events (such as the annual staff party, Sinterklaas celebration, team outings, and boot camps);
• Attractive family and friends rates on overnight stays at Hotel Okura Amsterdam;
• Once a year staff discount in one of the restaurants (50%);
• Staff discount in our restaurants (20%);
• Contribution to travel expenses from 10 km (one way);
• After obtaining the probationary period, you will receive an overnight stay with breakfast as a gift (2 people), so that you can experience the hotel as a guest!

What are we asking?

Of course, we are first and foremost interested in you and what we as an employer can do for you to provide a great workplace. Nevertheless, we expect from you that:

• Hospitality related education is a preference;
• Similar work experience (1-2 years) in luxury hotels and/or restaurants is a preference;
• You have sufficient knowledge of Japanese dishes and menus;
• You are fluent in English, preferably also in writing. Japanese language is also preferred;
• You are flexible and have a guest-minded attitude;
• You are used to following guidelines with regards to safety, Arbo, hygiene and HACCP;
• You have a job-related education;
• You have an eye for detail;
• Knowledge of Japanese culture, customs and the kaiseki kitchen is mandatory for this position.
• As part of the pre-employment screening, you will be asked for a minimum of two positive references.

Enthusiastic? That’s great, please apply!

Do you also want to be part of Okura's experienced and enthusiastic team? Apply quickly via the button below! We are looking for multiple Waiters/Waitresses. A selection assessment is one component of our recruitment process.