Runner & Cocktail Waiter – Cipriani Middle East

A big name in Italian hospitality

Cipriani is a name many people in the restaurant world know. The brand has a long history of classic Italian dining, elegant service and its famous Bellini, and Cipriani Middle East is now hiring a Runner and a Cocktail Waiter for its Dubai operation. If you want to learn polished, high-level service, working here can be a real step up on your CV.

About Cipriani

Cipriani restaurants are known for a refined, old-world style of service. Staff are expected to move gracefully, remember details and make every guest feel looked after. The atmosphere is busy and glamorous, especially in the evenings, so this is a place for people who enjoy energy and teamwork.

Working with a respected international brand also gives you training and habits that other restaurants notice. Many people say a few years in a house like this makes it easier to move into captain, supervisor or bar roles later.

Runner: what the job involves

• Carry food from the kitchen to the correct table quickly, carefully and at the right temperature
• Check each dish against the order before it leaves the pass
• Clear plates and glassware quietly and keep tables tidy during service
• Help waiters and captains with setting up, resetting and polishing cutlery and glasses
• Learn the menu so you can answer simple guest questions about dishes
• Keep the pass and service stations clean and organised

Cocktail Waiter: what the job involves

• Welcome guests, present the drinks menu and explain cocktails with confidence
• Take drink orders accurately and pass them clearly to the bar team
• Serve drinks with proper technique, correct glassware and the right garnish
• Recommend pairings and suggest classic cocktails such as a Bellini where it suits the guest
• Keep track of tables, refill drinks and read when guests are ready for the next round
• Follow all UAE rules and company policy on alcohol service, including checking guest eligibility

Skills and requirements

• Previous restaurant or bar experience is preferred, especially in fine dining or a busy hotel venue
• Good spoken English; Italian, Arabic or other languages are a plus
• Knowledge of classic cocktails and drinks service for the Cocktail Waiter position
• A strong team spirit, quick feet and a calm head during peak hours
• Smart grooming and excellent personal hygiene
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays
• A valid right to work in the UAE, or visa status that can be arranged by the employer

Pay and perks

Pay details for these positions were not confirmed publicly at the time of writing, so it is best to ask directly at interview. In upscale Dubai restaurants, packages usually include a basic monthly salary, a share of service charge or tips, staff meals and uniform, plus visa and medical insurance. Some groups also help with accommodation or transport.

For waiters, tips and service charge can make a noticeable difference to monthly earnings, so ask how they are shared out.

Tips to stand out

Fine dining is about the little things: posture, eye contact, a quiet tray and a genuine smile. If you are invited for a trial, watch how the senior team move and copy their rhythm. Ask smart questions, accept feedback gracefully and show that you want to learn.

If you are applying as a Runner, tell them you are happy to grow into a waiter role. If you are applying as a Cocktail Waiter, be ready to talk about your favourite classic drinks. Small details like this show passion, and passion is what Cipriani hires for.