Restaurant Jobs in District of Columbia
Restaurant jobs in District of Columbia are consistently active across a dining scene that ranges from Capitol Hill power-lunch institutions to the rapidly expanding neighborhoods of Shaw, Navy Yard, and NoMa. Demand runs from entry-level line cooks and servers to experienced general managers and executive chefs, with the heaviest concentration of openings in Washington proper. Well-established employers like José Andrés' ThinkFoodGroup, Marriott International's hotel food and beverage operations, and Clyde's Restaurant Group maintain a lasting hiring presence throughout the metro. The most in-demand specialties are front-of-house management, fine dining kitchen roles, and large-event banquet service. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 19+ Restaurant jobs
No two days are the same—and that's exactly how you like it.
As a Floating Restaurant Manager, you'll be the go-to leader who jumps in where you're needed most. Whether you're supporting an exciting new restaurant opening, helping a team during a leadership transition, mentoring managers, or bringing fresh energy to an established location, you'll play a key role in keeping our restaurants running at their best.
If you're a natural leader who enjoys meeting new people, solving problems, and making a lasting impact, we'd love to have you on our team. This position will support various locations throughout the DC/MD/VA region.
What You'll Be Doing
- Step in and confidently lead restaurant teams across multiple locations.
- Inspire and coach managers and team members to deliver unforgettable guest experiences.
- Support grand openings, special events, and exciting company initiatives.
- Bring fresh ideas and best practices to help restaurants succeed.
- Keep operations running smoothly by managing staffing, scheduling, food quality, safety, and financial performance.
- Build strong relationships with every team you work alongside.
- Jump into challenges, celebrate wins, and leave every location stronger than you found it.
- Requires 50–55 hours per week, including evenings and weekends as business needs dictate.
- Have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
- Love working in different environments and meeting new teams.
- Can quickly adapt and confidently lead in any situation.
- Have 3+ years of restaurant management experience.
- Are passionate about coaching, developing, and motivating others.
- Know how to balance exceptional hospitality with strong business results.
- Enjoy traveling throughout the region and embracing new experiences.
- Stay calm under pressure and bring positive energy wherever you go.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
No two days are the same—and that's exactly how you like it.
As a Floating Restaurant Manager, you'll be the go-to leader who jumps in where you're needed most. Whether you're supporting an exciting new restaurant opening, helping a team during a leadership transition, mentoring managers, or bringing fresh energy to an established location, you'll play a key role in keeping our restaurants running at their best.
If you're a natural leader who enjoys meeting new people, solving problems, and making a lasting impact, we'd love to have you on our team. This position will support various locations throughout the DC/MD/VA region.
What You'll Be Doing
- Step in and confidently lead restaurant teams across multiple locations.
- Inspire and coach managers and team members to deliver unforgettable guest experiences.
- Support grand openings, special events, and exciting company initiatives.
- Bring fresh ideas and best practices to help restaurants succeed.
- Keep operations running smoothly by managing staffing, scheduling, food quality, safety, and financial performance.
- Build strong relationships with every team you work alongside.
- Jump into challenges, celebrate wins, and leave every location stronger than you found it.
- Requires 50–55 hours per week, including evenings and weekends as business needs dictate.
- Have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
- Love working in different environments and meeting new teams.
- Can quickly adapt and confidently lead in any situation.
- Have 3+ years of restaurant management experience.
- Are passionate about coaching, developing, and motivating others.
- Know how to balance exceptional hospitality with strong business results.
- Enjoy traveling throughout the region and embracing new experiences.
- Stay calm under pressure and bring positive energy wherever you go.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
See All 19 Restaurant Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Restaurant JobsRestaurant Jobs by City in District of Columbia
Where District of Columbia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Restaurant Job Market in District of Columbia
A snapshot from current District of Columbia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Human Resources
- Marketing & Advertising
What District of Columbia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in restaurant jobs across District of Columbia.
- District of Columbia Food Handler Certification required or must obtain within 30 days
- Previous experience in a full-service or high-volume restaurant environment strongly preferred
- Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen or front-of-house setting
- TIPS or equivalent responsible alcohol service certification for roles involving alcohol
- Flexible availability including nights, weekends, and major federal holiday periods
- Strong communication skills and ability to work within a diverse team environment
Restaurant Jobs in District of Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a restaurant in District of Columbia?
The concrete path in DC starts with obtaining a Food Handler Certification issued through the District of Columbia Department of Health, which is required for most food service roles. For management positions, a Food Protection Manager Certification from an accredited program is typically expected. Culinary roles benefit from formal training at institutions like the Culinary Hospitality Institute of DC or an apprenticeship through the American Culinary Federation's DC chapter. Front-of-house candidates often move up from host or server assistant positions at established DC dining groups.
Which companies hire restaurants in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia restaurant roles are posted by The Ned Hotel, Doyle Collection, and Valsoft and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. DC's concentration of hotel groups, federal event caterers, and nationally recognized restaurant concepts means openings appear across a wide range of employer sizes and dining formats throughout the year.
Which District of Columbia cities have the most restaurant jobs?
Washington lead for restaurant openings in District of Columbia. Washington's dense concentration of hotels, federal buildings, embassies, and high-profile dining corridors drives the majority of openings, while surrounding areas like Bethesda and Arlington attract volume because of their own thriving dining neighborhoods and proximity to the city's professional workforce.
Are there remote restaurant jobs in District of Columbia?
Yes, but they're rare. About 14% of restaurant openings tied to District of Columbia are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of most food service work. The roles most likely to carry a remote or hybrid component are corporate dining account management, restaurant consulting, and regional operations oversight positions with DC-headquartered hospitality groups.
How can I get hired as a restaurant in District of Columbia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is starting as a host, food runner, or barback at a high-volume DC restaurant group such as Clyde's or ThinkFoodGroup, both of which regularly hire and train candidates internally. The DC Department of Employment Services also connects entry-level candidates to hospitality apprenticeships. Earning your District of Columbia Food Handler Certification before applying gives you a clear advantage, and culinary programs at Northern Virginia Community College offer affordable credentials that DC employers recognize.
Where can I find and apply to restaurant jobs in District of Columbia?
You can find and apply to restaurant jobs in District of Columbia on Migrate Mate, which lists current DC openings updated in real time. Search the listings for roles that match your experience and the type of establishment you want to work in, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 19 Restaurant Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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