Restaurant Server Interview Questions

The goal for a successful interview for a Restaurant Server is for the candidate to demonstrate excellent customer service skills, knowledge of the menu and ability to multitask efficiently.

Situational interview questions

• If a customer has severe food allergies, what steps would you take to ensure their safety while taking orders and serving food?
• If a customer complains about the quality of their food, how would you handle the situation to ensure their satisfaction while keeping the restaurant’s reputation intact?
• If the restaurant experiences an unexpected surge in customers during a busy evening, how would you adapt to ensure that all tables are served quickly and efficiently?
• If a customer expresses dissatisfaction with a particular menu item, how would you recommend alternatives that cater to their preferences while balancing the restaurant’s offerings?
• If a customer becomes agitated or confrontational, how would you deescalate the situation while maintaining a professional and courteous demeanor?

Soft skills interview questions

• How do you handle difficult customers or guests at the restaurant?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to work collaboratively with your team to solve a problem?
• How do you prioritize tasks during a busy shift and ensure excellent service for all customers?
• How do you remain attentive and engaged with customers throughout their dining experience?
• Can you give an example of a time when you had to adapt to a changing work environment or a new protocol quickly?

Role-specific interview questions

• How do you handle customer complaints regarding food allergies or intolerances?
• Can you explain the difference between a Pinot Noir and a Cabernet Sauvignon wine?
• How would you handle a situation where a customer received the wrong order?
• How do you ensure that the kitchen and serving areas are kept clean and hygienic?
• Can you describe how you would prioritize and manage multiple tables and customer requests during busy periods?

STAR interview questions

1. Can you describe a situation when you had to handle a dissatisfied customer during your time as a restaurant server? What was your task in that situation, what actions did you take, and what was the result?

2. Could you tell me about a time when you had to work with a difficult team member while serving at a restaurant? What was the situation, what was your assigned task, how did you handle the situation, and what was the outcome?

3. Have you ever had to resolve a conflict between two customers while serving at a restaurant? What was your responsibility in that situation, what action did you take, and what was the result?

4. Could you tell me about a time when you had to handle a large order with many requests while serving at a restaurant? What was your assigned task, how did you approach the situation, what actions did you take, and what was the result?

5. Can you describe a situation when you had to make a judgment call to resolve an issue while serving at a restaurant? What was the situation, what was your task in that specific situation, how did you decide on your actions and what was the result?