Restaurant jobs in Scarborough, Western Cape

Experienced Waiters – Folk Cafe

Location: St James, Cape Town | Full-time

Great service is more than taking an order. At Folk Cafe, we want experienced waiters who make guests feel welcome, communicate clearly and recommend food and drinks with confidence. If you enjoy a busy restaurant, know how to build a sale through thoughtful recommendations and take pride in accurate service, we would like to hear from you.

What you will do

• Run your section confidently, from the first welcome to the final bill.

• Learn the menu and recommend suitable dishes, local wines and craft beers based on guests’ tastes and budgets.

• Use natural sales techniques: ask questions, suggest relevant pairings, offer extras and time dessert or coffee recommendations well. Respect a guest’s decision and never pressure them.

• Listen carefully, repeat orders back and record special requests accurately on the POS.

• Communicate delays, unavailable items and guest concerns promptly with guests, the kitchen and your manager.

• Follow the restaurant’s allergy procedures; never guess about ingredients or promise an item is safe without checking.

• Handle payments accurately and support your team during busy service.

What you need

• At least 2 years of hospitality experience, including hands-on restaurant table service.

• Confident, clear spoken communication and attentive listening.

• Practical experience recommending and selling food and beverages, plus knowledge of local wine and craft beer.

• Experience using a restaurant POS system and handling bills and payments.

• Reliability, teamwork and the ability to stay organised under pressure.

• A reliable plan to travel to and from St James for your shifts.

• Valid authorisation to work in South Africa. Only candidates who can provide proof of their right to work will be considered. If you require a work permit or visa, it must be valid and authorise this role.

Why Folk Cafe?

Join a community-focused cafe with a passion for local food, wine and beer, a welcoming team and opportunities to grow.

How to apply

Submit an up-to-date CV and complete every screening question. Use short, specific examples from your own experience and write what you would actually say to a guest.

Answers must be your own. AI-generated or AI-written screening answers will result in disqualification. Simple, honest answers are welcome; polished wording is not required. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to explain their answers and demonstrate their sales and communication skills in a brief role-play.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: R8 000,00 - R20 000,00 per month

Application Question(s):

• In your own words (3-5 sentences): A guest orders a burger and tap water. What would you ask, and exactly what would you say to recommend a suitable drink or extra without being pushy? How would you respond if they declined?
• In your own words (3-5 sentences): A table has waited 30 minutes for food and is upset. The kitchen says it needs another 10 minutes. Write exactly what you would say to the guests, what you would tell your manager, and how you would follow up.
• Describe one real example from your restaurant work when your recommendation increased a sale. Name the type of venue, explain what the guest wanted, what you recommended and why, and the result. Include how you offered a wine or beer pairing if relevant. Keep it to 3-5 sentences and use your own words.
• In your own words (3-5 sentences): A guest changes their order while others at the table are talking, then mentions a food allergy. How would you clarify and confirm the order, record it on the POS, and communicate with the kitchen before promising anything to the guest?
• Are you currently authorised to work in South Africa, and can you provide valid proof before employment? If you require a work permit or visa, it must authorise this role. Answer yes or no; do not include ID/passport numbers or upload documents here. Also state your earliest start date, any shift availability limits, and how you would travel reliably to and from St James.

Experience:

• Hospitality: 2 years (Required)