If you’re passionate about food, culture, and travel, working in a restaurant in Europe can be a thrilling and rewarding career path.
With its diverse culinary traditions, Europe offers a wide range of job opportunities to suit various skills, experiences, and interests.
European Restaurants: From Michelin Stars to Cozy Bistros
Europe’s culinary landscape is incredibly rich and varied, spanning the spectrum from elite, high-end dining to charming, budget-friendly eateries.
Michelin-Starred Dining
Notable Examples:
-
Le Bernardin (Paris, France) – A seafood icon with three Michelin stars, celebrated for its refined, innovative dishes.
-
El Celler de Can Roca (Girona, Spain) – A gastronomic powerhouse offering an avant-garde take on Catalan cuisine, also holding three stars.
-
The Ledbury (London, UK) – A two-star gem serving contemporary European fare made from fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Key Roles: Chef de Partie, Sous Chef, Pastry Chef, Sommelier, Restaurant Manager, Host/Hostess
Earning Potential: Salaries typically range from €25,000 to €50,000 annually, often boosted by tips and performance bonuses. These top-tier venues also tend to offer excellent benefits and opportunities for career growth.
Requirements: A background in fine dining, deep knowledge of haute cuisine, precision, and often multilingual communication skills are essential for success in this competitive field.
Restaurant Jobs in Europe and Their Benefits
Working in Europe’s vibrant food scene offers diverse opportunities across different types of establishments—each with unique roles, requirements, and rewards.
Local Bistros and Trattorias
Chez l’Ami Jean (Paris, France)
A celebrated bistro known for its cozy ambiance and inventive takes on classic French cuisine.
Trattoria da Enzo (Rome, Italy)
A beloved family-run spot, offering authentic Roman dishes in a relaxed and welcoming setting. E.G Tonarello.
- Tonarello: For all the young people who want to apply for KITCHEN roles, send C.V and valid documents (Identity card/passport, Health Card, Residence permit where necessary) to the email address: candidatureristoranti@gmail.com Indicate – Name “acquaintance” Subject of the email. “CANDIDATE FOR KITCHEN ” Extra procedure applications will not be taken into consideration (CV + DOCUMENTS VIA EMAIL). Payment starts from €1500 monthly.
Common Roles: Line Cook, Waitstaff, Bartender, Host/Hostess, Dishwasher
Earnings Potential: Full-time roles typically earn between €20,000 and €30,000 annually. While base pay may be modest compared to fine dining, tips and occasional bonuses can boost overall income.
Requirements: Previous experience in hospitality is helpful but not always necessary. These roles are ideal for those eager to gain experience in a friendly, less formal environment.
Cafes and Pizzerias
Examples:
-
Caffè Florian (Venice, Italy): One of Europe’s oldest cafes, offering a historic backdrop and the chance to engage with an international clientele.
-
Pizzeria La Montecarlo (Rome, Italy): A lively pizzeria serving up classic Roman-style pizza with plenty of guest interaction.
Common Roles: Barista, Cook, Waitstaff, Pizza Maker, Cashier
Earnings Potential: Entry-level salaries range from €15,000 to €22,000 per year, with additional income from tips and meal allowances.
Requirements: Minimal prior experience needed. Enthusiasm, a positive attitude, and a genuine interest in food and customer service are key.
Hotel Restaurants and Resorts
Examples:
-
The Dorchester (London, UK): A luxury hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant offering top-tier service and staff benefits.
-
Badrutt’s Palace Hotel (St. Moritz, Switzerland): A prestigious resort known for upscale dining and a global clientele, with roles that often include accommodation and perks.
Common Roles: Executive Chef, Room Service Attendant, Banquet Staff, Catering Manager
Earnings Potential: Salaries vary from €20,000 to €45,000 depending on role, experience, and location. Additional benefits may include staff lodging, meals, and travel opportunities.
Requirements: Experience in high-end or large-scale food service is typically expected. Multilingual skills are often a plus when serving international guests.
Key Restaurant Roles in Europe: Opportunities & Benefits
Chefs (Head Chef, Sous Chef, Line Cook)
Earnings Potential: €25,000 – €45,000 per year, depending on the venue and location. High-end and Michelin-starred establishments often offer top-tier salaries and incentives like profit sharing.
Perks & Benefits: Complimentary meals during shifts, health insurance, and access to elite culinary training programs. Positions in renowned kitchens bring prestige, career advancement, and valuable industry connections.
Waitstaff (Servers, Bartenders, Hosts)
Earnings Potential: €15,000 – €30,000 annually, with tips forming a significant part of overall earnings—especially in upscale or high-traffic restaurants, where gratuities can add 20–30% to base pay.
Perks & Benefits: Discounted meals, flexible hours, and a lively work atmosphere. Waitstaff roles also offer the chance to meet people from all over the world, sharpening interpersonal and language skills.
Kitchen Assistants & Dishwashers
Earnings Potential: €18,000 – €22,000 annually, with some employers offering performance bonuses or loyalty incentives.
Perks & Benefits: Health insurance, paid time off, and staff meals are common. These roles are ideal for newcomers eager to gain kitchen experience and grow within the culinary field.
How to Land a Job in Europe’s Restaurant Scene
1. Go Beyond Job Boards
Online applications and recruitment agencies are a solid start—but they’re not the only way.
2. Direct Outreach to Restaurants
Research the restaurants that align with your culinary interests and send them personalized emails. Show that you’ve done your homework—mention specific dishes, the chef’s style, or the restaurant’s values. Make a clear case for why you’d be a great fit.
3. Attend Food Events & Pop-Ups
From food festivals to chef-hosted pop-up dinners, these events offer excellent networking opportunities. A friendly, face-to-face introduction can make a lasting impression that a CV can’t.
4. Build a Social Media Presence
Follow chefs and restaurants on platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Comment on their posts, engage meaningfully, and stay on their radar. When job openings come up, your name will already be familiar.
5. Create a Culinary Portfolio
Whether you’re a chef, bartender, or pastry artist, a digital portfolio is a must. Include high-quality photos of your work, descriptions of techniques or specialties, and any accolades. Keep it current and easy to share online.
Final Thoughts
Working in Europe’s restaurant industry offers more than just a paycheck—it’s a gateway to cultural immersion, culinary creativity, and personal growth. Every country has its own gastronomic flair, opening doors for professionals at all levels.
With passion, persistence, and a strategic approach, you can carve out a rewarding career in one of the world’s most exciting food scenes.