Front of House — Bartenders & Servers
Aburi Hana is a Japanese à la carte dining experience rooted in tradition and refined through a modern lens. Located in the heart of Yorkville, we’re writing the next chapter of one of Toronto’s most respected dining destinations.
Culinary Director Chef Aiko Uchigoshi, whose craftsmanship helped shape Aburi Hana’s reputation, is leading this new era alongside Chef So Sakata, formerly of Michelin-starred Frilu. Together, they’re creating a restaurant that honours Japanese culinary tradition while embracing thoughtful evolution.
The cuisine tells one part of the story. We’re looking for people who know how to bring the rest of it to life.
We’re seeking hospitality professionals who genuinely care about the guest in front of them, thrive in a collaborative environment, and understand that excellence is built through countless small moments. Technical skill matters, but character matters just as much. If you lead with warmth, curiosity, humility, and intention, we’d love to meet you.
This is a collaborative floor. Bartenders regularly serve on the dining room floor because we believe the strongest beverage professionals are shaped by the complete guest experience. Likewise, our servers are expected to speak confidently and enthusiastically about our beverage program. Roles exist, but ego does not.
What You’ll Do
- Welcome every guest with warmth, confidence, and genuine hospitality from arrival through farewell.
- Build meaningful connections with guests and contribute to a dining room that feels both refined and effortlessly welcoming.
- Develop a deep understanding of our cuisine, cocktails, wine, and sake, and communicate each with confidence and authenticity.
- For Bartenders: Help shape a cocktail program built with the same level of care and intention as our cuisine. We’re looking for professionals who approach their craft with discipline, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning.
- For Servers: Understand that hospitality begins long before food reaches the table. Your presence, awareness, and ability to shape the energy of a room are as important as your technical skills.
- Communicate clearly and respectfully with both the kitchen and front-of-house team.
- Anticipate guest needs before they arise. The ability to notice, adapt, and respond thoughtfully is what transforms excellent service into memorable hospitality.
What We’re Looking For
- 2–3 years of experience in an upscale or fine dining restaurant.
- A genuine passion for hospitality—not service as performance, but care as a daily practice.
- A collaborative mindset and the desire to contribute to something greater than yourself.
- Curiosity and enthusiasm for Japanese cuisine, sake, cocktails, and the culture that inspires them.
- Composure under pressure and the ability to remain calm, thoughtful, and present throughout service.
- Excellent communication skills with both guests and colleagues.
- Smart Serve certification (required).
- Knowledge of Japanese cuisine, sake, Japanese culture, or the Japanese language is considered a strong asset.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and move comfortably throughout service.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 35 lbs.
- Comfortable with the physical demands of a busy dining room, including bending, reaching, and moving efficiently throughout service.
To Apply
Please send your résumé along with a brief note introducing yourself
We read every application carefully. Experience matters, but we’re equally interested in who you are, how you think about hospitality, and the kind of teammate you’ll be.
Aburi Hana is committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of the city we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.
Pay: From $17.60 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
Work Location: In person
