Italian Speaking - Restaurant General Manager - Michelin Star Restaurant - Ultra Luxury Resort in Abu Dhabi

Restaurant General Manager – Michelin-Starred Italian Restaurant | UAE

We are looking for an accomplished Restaurant General Manager to lead a one-Michelin-starred Italian restaurant within one of the UAE’s most distinguished ultra-luxury resorts.

This opportunity requires a leader who combines a deep understanding of Italian dining with exceptional service instincts, strong commercial judgment and the ability to inspire a highly skilled team. Previous experience in a Michelin-starred Italian restaurant is essential.

Our Client

Our client is an internationally renowned luxury hospitality brand, recognized for exceptional properties, intuitive service and meticulous attention to detail.

Set within an iconic resort, the restaurant celebrates authentic Italian cuisine through seasonal ingredients, culinary craftsmanship and an outstanding wine offering. The experience combines the warmth of Italian hospitality with the precision and discretion expected by an international luxury clientele.

The Role

Reporting to the Director of Restaurants, Bars & Experiences, you will take responsibility for the restaurant’s daily operation, service team, guest experience and financial performance.

Working closely with the culinary leadership, you will ensure that every aspect of the dining experience reflects the restaurant’s identity and the hotel’s exacting standards.

Key Responsibilities

Restaurant Operations & Service Excellence

• Lead daily operations, maintaining exceptional standards across reservations, guest reception, dining service and farewell.

• Remain actively present on the floor, guiding the team through service and ensuring thoughtful pacing, coordination and attention to detail.

• Work closely with the kitchen and sommelier team to deliver a seamless dining experience.

• Maintain rigorous standards of presentation, cleanliness, food safety and operational readiness.

Guest Experience & Relationships

• Build lasting relationships with regular diners, hotel guests and VIPs through warm, discreet and personalized service.

• Anticipate guest preferences, dietary requirements and special occasions.

• Handle feedback and service recovery with professionalism and sound judgment.

• Ensure the team communicates the restaurant’s cuisine, ingredients and philosophy with confidence and authenticity.

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, coach and develop a knowledgeable, engaged front-of-house team.

• Deliver regular training on Italian cuisine, wine knowledge, service techniques and guest engagement.

• Set clear expectations, provide constructive feedback and develop future leaders.

• Manage scheduling and staffing effectively while maintaining service quality.

Financial & Commercial Performance

• Manage budgets, forecasts, labour costs and operating expenses.

• Monitor revenue, average spend, covers and profitability, translating results into practical improvements.

• Work with culinary and beverage teams on menu performance, pricing and recommendations that enhance the guest experience.

• Oversee stock controls, purchasing and inventory accuracy.

Restaurant Positioning & Quality

• Protect the restaurant’s identity and maintain service standards appropriate to a Michelin-starred dining environment.

• Collaborate with Marketing and Reservations to strengthen visibility, repeat business and demand.

• Support curated dining experiences, wine dinners and relevant culinary collaborations.

• Use guest feedback and quality assessments to drive continuous improvement.

About You

• Previous management experience within a Michelin-starred Italian restaurant is essential.

• A proven track record as a Restaurant General Manager, Restaurant Manager or equivalent leader in fine dining or ultra-luxury hospitality.

• Strong knowledge of Italian cuisine, regional ingredients, wine and dining traditions.

• Experience leading a skilled service team and delivering consistently exceptional guest experiences.

• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, cost control and restaurant performance management.

• A confident floor presence, refined communication skills and a warm, approachable leadership style.

• Experience serving VIPs and discerning international guests with discretion.

• Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.

• Fluent English; Italian language skills are an advantage.

• UAE or wider Middle East experience is beneficial.

What’s Offered

• The opportunity to lead an acclaimed Italian restaurant within a world-class ultra-luxury resort.

• A competitive salary with housing and transportation allowances.

• Employment visa, medical insurance and annual flight entitlement for the successful candidate and eligible family members.

• Professional development opportunities within a globally respected luxury hospitality brand.

If you bring Italian Michelin-starred restaurant experience and a passion for exceptional hospitality, we would love to hear from you.

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