Maitres d'hotel oversee the service of food and beverages to guests in restaurants and other eating places. They also check reservations, greet guests and supervise the waiting staff.

• receive and confirm reservations
• supervise waiters, waitresses and wine stewards
• hold pre-service briefings with staff
• liaise with kitchen staff about specials and menu changes
• allocate table sections for service
• ensure tables are set correctly
• greet and seat guests
• offer and serve drinks to guests
• deal with any problems that may arise
• check bills
• order stock
• organise the clean-up and closing of the restaurant.

Depending on the restaurant, maitres d'hotel may also do cashing up and other accounts work.