Restaurant Jobs in Europe: How to Find Positions Available

For those passionate about food, culture, and travel, securing restaurant jobs in Europe offers an exciting career opportunity. 

Europe’s rich culinary heritage provides a wide array of positions that cater to different skills, backgrounds, and interests. 

European Restaurants: From Stars to Accessibility

Europe’s restaurant industry is diverse, ranging from the most exclusive fine dining establishments to affordable, family-run restaurants. 

Michelin-Starred Restaurants:

• Examples:
  • Le Bernardin (Paris, France): A world-renowned seafood restaurant with three Michelin stars, known for its innovative and exquisite preparations.
  • El Celler de Can Roca (Girona, Spain): This three-Michelin-starred establishment is celebrated for its creative interpretation of Catalan cuisine.
  • The Ledbury (London, UK): A two-star Michelin restaurant offering modern European dishes crafted with seasonal ingredients.
• Role Types: Chef de Partie, Sous Chef, Pastry Chef, Sommelier, Restaurant Manager, Host/Hostess
• Earnings Potential: High earnings, with base salaries ranging from €25,000 to €50,000 annually, plus tips and bonuses. These prestigious establishments often offer excellent benefits and the opportunity to work with some of the best culinary professionals in the world.
• Requirements: Experience in fine dining, exceptional attention to detail, and a solid understanding of haute cuisine techniques. Multilingualism can also be a significant advantage.

Casual Dining & Bistro Restaurants:

• Examples:
  • Chez l’Ami Jean (Paris, France): A renowned bistro offering a warm atmosphere with traditional French fare and a twist.
  • Trattoria da Enzo (Rome, Italy): A family-run trattoria serving simple, delicious Italian dishes that reflect the charm of Roman cuisine.
• Role Types: Line Cook, Waitstaff, Bartender, Host/Hostess, Dishwasher
• Earnings Potential: While earnings are generally lower than Michelin-starred establishments, tips and bonuses can enhance the overall salary. Average annual salaries range from €20,000 to €30,000 for full-time roles.
• Requirements: Experience in hospitality or food service is beneficial but not always necessary. These restaurants are great for those looking to build experience in the industry while enjoying a more relaxed work environment.

Cafes and Pizzerias:

• Examples:
  • Caffè Florian (Venice, Italy): One of the oldest cafes in Europe, where waitstaff can learn the art of engaging with tourists in a historical setting.
  • Pizzeria La Montecarlo (Rome, Italy): Known for its simple yet delicious pizza, this bustling pizzeria offers a casual work environment with lots of customer interaction.
• Role Types: Barista, Cook, Waitstaff, Pizza Maker, Cashier
• Earnings Potential: Entry-level positions in cafes and pizzerias may offer salaries from €15,000 to €22,000 annually, with additional tips and meal allowances often included.
• Requirements: Typically require little to no prior experience, though an enthusiasm for customer service and a passion for food are essential.

Hotel Restaurants and Resorts:

• Examples:
  • The Dorchester (London, UK): This luxury hotel’s restaurant offers a Michelin-starred dining experience with exclusive benefits for staff.
  • Badrutt’s Palace Hotel (St. Moritz, Switzerland): Known for its luxury service and high-end dining, offering roles with excellent accommodation and international clientele.
• Role Types: Executive Chef, Room Service Attendant, Banquet Staff, Catering Manager
• Earnings Potential: Depending on the size and location of the hotel or resort, salaries can range from €20,000 to €45,000 annually, with additional perks like accommodation, meals, and even travel opportunities.
• Requirements: High standards of customer service and experience in large-scale food preparation. Multilingualism can be an asset when interacting with international guests.

Restaurant Jobs in Europe Available and Their Benefits

Restaurant jobs in Europe offer a range of positions with their own responsibilities and financial benefits. 

Chefs (Head Chef, Sous Chef, Line Cook):

• Earnings Potential: €25,000 – €45,000 annually, depending on the type of establishment and location. Michelin-starred restaurants often provide higher salaries and additional incentives like profit sharing.
• Benefits: Meals during shifts, health insurance, and access to culinary training programs. Working at renowned restaurants offers prestige, career progression, and networking opportunities.

Waitstaff (Servers, Bartenders, Hosts):

• Earnings Potential: €15,000 – €30,000 annually, with tips potentially making up a significant portion of earnings. Tips can be substantial in busy, upscale locations, sometimes adding 20-30% to base earnings.
• Benefits: Meal discounts, tips, flexible working hours, and opportunities to interact with international customers. These roles often offer social benefits and the chance to work in dynamic, fast-paced environments.

Kitchen Assistants and Dishwashers:

• Earnings Potential: €18,000 – €22,000 annually, with some positions offering additional bonuses for performance or long-term service.
• Benefits: These positions often provide health insurance, paid vacation days, and meals during work hours. They are great for individuals looking to enter the industry and gain experience.

Searching and Applying

The traditional job-search methods of submitting applications online or through agencies remain effective.

A more original and proactive process can often yield better results. 

Direct Outreach to Restaurants:

• Instead of just relying on job boards, consider researching top restaurants in the city or region you’re interested in and sending a well-crafted email directly to their hiring managers. In your email, demonstrate knowledge of their cuisine and explain why you would be an asset to their team. Highlight your passion for the type of food they specialize in and any relevant skills.

Attend Industry Events and Pop-Up Restaurants:

• Many European chefs and restaurants host pop-up events, food festivals, or cooking demonstrations. Attend these events, engage with the chefs or restaurant owners, and express your interest in working with them. Face-to-face interaction is a great way to make an impression that goes beyond a resume.

Social Media Networking:

• Follow your favorite chefs and restaurants on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Engage with their posts by commenting or sharing relevant content. When they post job openings, you’ll already have a rapport with them, increasing your chances of being noticed.

Create a Culinary Portfolio:

• A digital portfolio showcasing your work can be a powerful tool for chefs or those with specific skills (like bartenders or pastry chefs). Include photos of dishes you’ve prepared, a description of techniques or recipes you specialize in, and any awards or recognition you’ve received. Make sure to keep it updated and accessible.

Conclusion

Securing restaurant jobs in Europe provides financial rewards and a rich cultural and professional experience. 

Each country has unique food culture, offering diverse and rewarding environments for individuals to grow in the culinary world. 

With careful research, a tailored resume, and an eagerness to learn, job seekers can unlock a path to a fulfilling career in Europe’s vibrant restaurant industry.