Restaurant and kitchen jobs in Italy are a strong option for foreigners who want to work abroad, earn a stable income, and gain experience in the hospitality and food service industry. In 2025, Italy’s restaurant and food culture remains one of the strongest in Europe, with high seasonal and year-round demand for staff in cafes, trattorias, pizzerias, fine-dining restaurants, and hotel kitchens. Many employers are open to hiring international applicants, especially those who bring language skills, enthusiasm, and strong customer service.
This article explains the common restaurant and kitchen job roles available in Italy, eligibility requirements, salary expectations, and how foreigners can apply.
What Are Restaurant & Kitchen Jobs in Italy
Restaurant jobs focus on customer service and guest interaction, while kitchen roles focus on food preparation, cooking, and support tasks. These positions often do not require a university degree and are suitable for candidates who are hardworking, reliable, and willing to work flexible hours.
Italy’s tourism sector, local dining culture, and seasonal visitor flows drive consistent demand for both front-of-house and back-of-house staff.
Common Restaurant Job Roles
Server / Waitstaff
Servers take customer orders, serve food and drinks, handle bills and payments, assist guests with menu suggestions, and ensure a good dining experience.
Host / Reception
Hosts welcome customers, manage table reservations, organise seating, and coordinate with service and kitchen teams.
Bartender
Bartenders prepare and serve drinks, mix cocktails, manage bar stock, and interact with customers in bars and restaurant lounges.
Cashier / Front-of-House Assistant
These roles involve handling customer payments, managing reservations, greeting guests, and supporting service staff.
Common Kitchen Job Roles
Kitchen Assistant
Kitchen assistants support chefs by preparing ingredients, cleaning kitchen areas, washing dishes, and assisting with basic food preparation tasks.
Line Cook / Commis Chef
Line cooks work under head chefs to prepare dishes according to menu standards, follow recipes, maintain hygiene, and manage food stations.
Chef de Partie
A chef de partie handles a specific section in the kitchen (for example, grill, pastry, sauces) and supports kitchen organisation.
Dishwasher / Steward
Dishwashers clean cooking equipment, cutlery, dishes, and kitchen surfaces to help maintain an efficient working environment.
Why Foreigners Are Needed
Italy attracts millions of tourists from around the world, especially to cities such as Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice, and coastal regions like the Amalfi Coast and Sardinia. Many restaurants and cafes serve international guests, so English speakers and multilingual workers are valued for front-of-house roles. Kitchen skills and previous restaurant experience are also in demand due to high service standards.
Eligibility and Requirements
Most restaurant and kitchen jobs in Italy do not require a college degree. Employers typically look for:
• Good communication skills in English; Spanish or Italian language skills are a bonus
• Customer service orientation and friendly attitude
• Ability to work in a team and handle fast-paced environments
• Physical fitness for standing and long shifts
• Previous hospitality or kitchen experience (helpful but not always mandatory)
Foreign applicants who require a work visa
must secure a job offer from an Italian employer willing to support their visa application. Seasonal and temporary work visas are also available for short-term employment during peak tourism months.
Salary Expectations
Salaries for restaurant and kitchen jobs in Italy vary by city, type of establishment, and experience. Typical annual pay ranges include:
• Servers and waitstaff: €16,000 to €24,000
• Bartenders: €18,000 to €26,000
• Hosts and front-of-house roles: €17,000 to €25,000
• Kitchen assistants: €16,000 to €23,000
• Line cooks: €18,000 to €30,000
• Chef de partie and senior kitchen roles: €25,000 to €38,000
Tips and service charges can increase total earnings for service staff, especially in busy tourist locations. Salaries in major cities or high-end restaurants are often higher due to demand and cost of living.
How to Apply for Jobs Online
Prepare a clear CV tailored to hospitality and kitchen work. Include your language skills, any customer service experience, cooking or kitchen experience, and availability for flexible shifts. Highlight your willingness to learn and adapt to the workplace environment.
Search for openings that mention they are open to international applicants or provide visa support. Useful sources include restaurant and hotel career pages, hospitality job portals, recruitment agencies specialising in hospitality work, and international job boards. Target cities and regions with strong tourism because demand tends to be higher.
Submit your CV and a short cover letter detailing your experience, language skills, and why you want to work in Italy. Employers may interview candidates online before offering a job. Once selected and provided with a job offer, you can use the employment contract to support your work visa application at the Italian consulate in your home country.
Final Words
Restaurant and kitchen jobs in Italy are accessible options for foreigners in 2025, especially for those with enthusiasm, practical skills, and good communication. With roles available in service, drinks, kitchen support, cooking, and customer interaction, international applicants can find work that matches their abilities. With the right preparation, valid job offer, and understanding of visa requirements, working legally in Italy’s vibrant hospitality sector is achievable and rewarding.
Disclaimer
This job information is shared for educational and informational purposes only.
Any discussion of visa categories is based on general immigration laws and publicly available information.