Kohantei Abu Dhabi is hiring its opening team ahead of a winter launch at The Galleria Al Maryah Island, and Yalla Careers is sharing the full list of Kohantei jobs in Abu Dhabi for 2026. The restaurant is looking for experienced hospitality professionals with personality, a positive attitude and a genuine interest in looking after guests, with eight positions open across front of house, service and café: Head Hostess, Hostess, Supervisor, Head Waiter, Waiter / Waitress, Head Barista, Barista and Runner. If you have worked in restaurants, hotels or cafés in the UAE and want to join a pre-opening team from day one, this is a strong chance to grow your career in one of Abu Dhabi’s most sought-after dining destinations. Previous experience in Japanese restaurants is an advantage, but it is not essential, so candidates from other fine dining, casual dining and specialty coffee backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Below you will find every position with its location and apply link, followed by the main duties and requirements for each role, information about Kohantei, the benefits of joining the opening team, the application process and related hospitality jobs in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE. Read the details carefully, prepare an updated CV and email it with your chosen position in the subject line to apply today.
Kohantei Abu Dhabi Job Openings
| Position | Location | Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Head Hostess | The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi | Apply now |
| Hostess | The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi | Apply now |
| Supervisor | The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi | Apply now |
| Head Waiter | The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi | Apply now |
| Waiter / Waitress | The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi | Apply now |
| Head Barista | The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi | Apply now |
| Barista | The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi | Apply now |
| Runner | The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi | Apply now |
Duties and Responsibilities
Head Hostess
- Lead the host stand and deliver a warm, polished welcome to every guest
- Manage reservations, walk-ins, waiting lists and table allocation to keep seating flowing
- Coach, schedule and supervise the hostess team, setting clear service standards
- Handle guest requests, special occasions and feedback professionally, escalating where needed
- Coordinate with the floor team, supervisors and kitchen so every service runs smoothly
Hostess
- Greet and welcome every guest warmly and professionally on arrival
- Check reservations, record walk-ins and escort guests to their tables
- Answer calls and enquiries about bookings, menus and opening hours
- Keep the entrance, host stand and waiting area clean, tidy and presentable
- Work closely with the floor team to manage table turnover and guest flow
Supervisor
- Supervise daily floor operations and ensure service standards are consistently met
- Brief, motivate and guide waiters, runners and hosting staff during each shift
- Resolve guest concerns promptly and professionally, escalating where required
- Support pre-opening setup, training and the rollout of service procedures
- Coordinate with the kitchen, bar and café teams to keep service timing on track
Head Waiter
- Lead service within your section and set the example for the waiting team
- Present the menu, make recommendations and handle special requests with confidence
- Train and guide waiters and runners on service steps and menu knowledge
- Monitor tables, anticipate guest needs and resolve issues quickly and politely
- Support the Supervisor with shift briefings, setup and closing procedures
Waiter / Waitress
- Welcome guests at the table, present the menu and answer questions with confidence
- Take orders accurately and communicate them clearly to the kitchen and bar
- Serve food and beverages to the restaurant’s standards and timing
- Anticipate guest needs, check in at the right moments and handle feedback politely
- Maintain a clean, well-set section and support the team during setup and closing
Head Barista
- Lead the barista station and maintain consistent drink quality and presentation
- Prepare espresso-based drinks, teas and other beverages to recipe and standard
- Train, schedule and guide baristas on technique, speed and guest interaction
- Manage stock, ordering, equipment care and daily cleaning routines
- Work with the service team to keep beverage orders timely during busy periods
Barista
- Prepare espresso drinks, teas and other beverages to recipe and standard
- Serve guests with a friendly, welcoming attitude at the bar and station
- Keep the coffee machine, grinder and workstation clean and well maintained
- Check stock levels and support deliveries, storage and daily setup
- Work with the Head Barista and service team to deliver drinks on time
Runner
- Deliver dishes from the kitchen to the correct tables promptly and with care
- Support waiters with clearing, resetting tables and serving drinks and cutlery
- Keep service stations stocked, tidy and ready for each shift
- Communicate clearly with the kitchen and floor team on order timing
- Follow food safety, hygiene and presentation standards at all times
Requirements
Head Hostess
- Previous experience as a Head Hostess, Senior Hostess or similar role in a quality restaurant
- Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills
- Polished presentation, a positive attitude and genuine interest in looking after guests
- Good spoken English; additional languages are an advantage
- Comfortable with reservation systems and working evenings, weekends and holidays
- Japanese restaurant experience is an advantage, but not essential
Hostess
- Previous experience as a Hostess or in a guest-facing hospitality role
- Pleasant personality, excellent presentation and a positive attitude
- Good spoken English; additional languages are an advantage
- Ability to stay calm and courteous during busy services
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays
- Japanese restaurant experience is an advantage, but not essential
Supervisor
- Previous experience as a Supervisor, Captain or Senior Waiter in a quality restaurant
- Proven ability to lead, train and motivate a service team
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills with a guest-first attitude
- Good spoken English; additional languages are an advantage
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays
- Japanese restaurant experience is an advantage, but not essential
Head Waiter
- Previous experience as a Head Waiter, Captain or Senior Waiter in a quality restaurant
- Strong menu knowledge and a confident, attentive service style
- Leadership skills and the ability to coach and motivate others
- Good spoken English; additional languages are an advantage
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays
- Japanese restaurant experience is an advantage, but not essential
Waiter / Waitress
- Previous experience as a Waiter or Waitress in a restaurant, hotel or café
- Friendly personality, positive attitude and genuine interest in looking after guests
- Good spoken English; additional languages are an advantage
- Ability to work as part of a team under pressure
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays
- Japanese restaurant experience is an advantage, but not essential
Head Barista
- Previous experience as a Head Barista or Senior Barista in a café or restaurant
- Strong coffee knowledge, latte art skills and good machine handling
- Leadership ability and a calm, organised approach under pressure
- Good spoken English; additional languages are an advantage
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays
- Japanese restaurant experience is an advantage, but not essential
Barista
- Previous experience as a Barista in a café, restaurant or hotel
- Good knowledge of espresso preparation and milk texturing
- Positive attitude, strong teamwork and a guest-friendly approach
- Good spoken English; additional languages are an advantage
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays
- Japanese restaurant experience is an advantage, but not essential
Runner
- Previous restaurant or hospitality experience is preferred
- Energetic, reliable and quick to learn
- Positive attitude and strong teamwork skills
- Basic spoken English; additional languages are an advantage
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays
- Japanese restaurant experience is an advantage, but not essential
About Kohantei
Kohantei is a new restaurant preparing to open at The Galleria Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi this winter. The team is building a refined, welcoming dining experience with a Japanese-inspired identity, and is assembling its opening team now. You can follow the brand on Instagram at @kohantei.restaurant.
Benefits
- Be part of the opening team of a brand-new Abu Dhabi restaurant
- Work in a premium waterfront destination at The Galleria Al Maryah Island
- Opportunity to learn Japanese-inspired service and hospitality standards
- Training and development as the restaurant builds its team and standards
- Career growth potential as the venue opens and develops
- Salary and package details are shared by the employer during the interview process
Application Process
If you are interested, please send your CV to medhat@kohanteirestaurant.com and include the position you are applying for in the email subject.
Example: Head Barista – Your Name
You can also comment on the original announcement with the position you are interested in, but please send your CV by email. Please repost or share this vacancy with anyone you think would be a good fit to help Kohantei build its team.
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