Waiter Jobs in California
Waiter jobs in California are concentrated in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, where the state's restaurant industry anchors some of the most active hospitality hiring markets in the country. Well-known employers with a lasting presence across these metros include Darden Restaurants, Marriott International, and The Cheesecake Factory, all of which maintain significant California footprints. The most in-demand specialties are fine dining service, high-volume casual dining, and hotel food and beverage operations. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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With a 30-year track record as an innovator in the hospitality industry, this forward-thinking company provides expert guidance through all stages of the property cycle, from planning and development through recapitalization or disposition. Highgate continues to demonstrate success in developing a diverse portfolio of bespoke lifestyle hotel brands, legacy brands, and independent hotels and resorts, featuring contemporary programming and digital acumen. The company utilizes industry-leading revenue management tools that efficiently identify and predict evolving market dynamics to drive outperformance and maximize asset value.
With an executive team of seasoned hospitality leaders and corporate offices worldwide, Highgate is a trusted partner for top ownership groups and major hotel brands. www.highgate.com
- Employees must at all times be attentive, friendly, helpful and courteous to all guests, managers and fellow employees.
- Be familiar with the organization of the Restaurant(s), lounges, and Room Service and know the function of each job position.
- Have a thorough knowledge of menus and current specials in applicable outlets.
- Service guests with all food and beverage requirements in an attentive, courteous, and efficient manner.
- Pre-bus all tables removing soiled dishes after each course.
- Be familiar with the operation of the P.O.S system.
- Perform cashiering functions by closing checks and preparing end of shift paperwork.
- Perform opening and closing procedures and side-work duties according to station rotation assignment and established checklist.
- Ensure that tables and side stands are kept stocked, tidy and clean.
- Keep all beverages at least ¾ full (coffee, tea, soda, water, and lemonade).
- Breakdown trays of soiled dishes and linen in the dishroom according to established standards.
- Answer the telephone according to standards.
- Consistently upsell food, beverage and promotional items to guests.
- Be familiar with fire extinguishers, locations and know how to use them.
- Receive and deliver food and beverage orders and collect payment.
- Ensure overall guest satisfaction.
- High School diploma or equivalent and/or experience in a hotel or a related field preferred.
- Flexible and long hours sometimes required.
- Medium work-Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 20 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
- Ability to stand during entire shift.
- Must be able to maneuver throughout the dining area while carrying full trays of food & beverages.
- Must be able to effectively communicate both verbally and written, with all level of employees and guests in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service oriented manner.
- Must be effective at listening to, understanding, and clarifying concerns raised by employees and guests.
- Must be able to multitask and prioritize departmental functions to meet deadlines.
- Approach all encounters with guests and employees in an attentive, friendly, courteous and service-oriented manner.
- Attend all hotel required meetings and trainings.
- Maintain regular attendance in compliance with Highgate Hotel Standards, as required by scheduling, which will vary according to the needs of the hotel.
- Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which includes wearing the proper uniform and nametag.
- Comply with Highgate Hotel Standards and regulations to encourage safe and efficient hotel operations.
- Maximize efforts towards productivity, identify problem areas and assist in implementing solutions.
- Must be effective in handling problems, including anticipating, preventing, identifying and solving problems as necessary.
- Must be able to understand and apply complex information, data, etc. from various sources to meet appropriate objectives.
- Must be able to cross-train in other hotel related areas.
- Must be able to maintain confidentiality of information.
- Must be able to show initiative, including anticipating guest or operational needs.
- Perform other duties as requested by management.
- Maintain a friendly and warm demeanor at all times.
See All 348+ Waiter Jobs in California
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Find Waiter JobsWaiter Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Waiter Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Ivy Living13

- Oakmont Senior Living13

- Marriott International10

- Kura Sushi5

- Black Bear Diner4

Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in waiter jobs across California.
- California Food Handler Card required within 30 days of hire
- Responsible Beverage Service certification required to serve alcohol in California
- One or more years of table service experience in a restaurant environment
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled
- Familiarity with point-of-sale systems such as Toast or Aloha
- Strong knowledge of menu items including allergens and preparation methods
Waiter Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a waiter in California?
Most California restaurants require a Food Handler Card, issued after completing a state-approved food safety course from a provider accredited by the American National Standards Institute. If the role involves serving alcohol, California also requires Responsible Beverage Service training through a program certified by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Beyond those credentials, most employers expect a high school diploma or equivalent and prior experience in a customer-facing role.
Which companies hire waiters in California?
Employers hiring waiters in California right now include Ivy Living, Oakmont Senior Living, and Marriott International, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's density of hotel chains, resort properties, and full-service restaurant groups means consistent openings across both independent concepts and national brands with strong regional footprints.
Which California cities have the most waiter jobs?
Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Newport Beach lead California for waiter openings. Los Angeles and San Francisco dominate because of their sheer size and concentration of full-service restaurants, hotel dining rooms, and entertainment venues, while San Diego's tourism-driven economy and waterfront dining scene sustain strong year-round demand for table service staff.
Are there remote waiter jobs in California?
Yes, but they are rare. Waiting tables is an in-person, hands-on role, so almost all openings require physical presence in a restaurant or hotel. About 4% of waiter openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those listings typically involve catering coordination or beverage consulting work rather than traditional table service.
How can I get hired as a waiter in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is to apply first for a busser, food runner, or host role at a full-service California restaurant, since most properties promote internally once staff have learned the floor. Large hotel groups such as Marriott and Hilton regularly hire entry-level food and beverage attendants at their California properties and provide on-the-job training. Completing a Food Handler Card and Responsible Beverage Service certification before applying gives candidates a clear edge over others without those credentials.
Where can I find and apply to waiter jobs in California?
You can find and apply to waiter jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across the state's major hiring metros. Search the listings for roles that match your experience level and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 348+ Waiter Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Waiter Jobs