At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily restaurant operations and manage an exceptional beverage programme.
- Company: Roketsu, a modern Japanese restaurant in the heart of London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and delicious staff meals included.
- Other info: Perfect for those who appreciate fine dining and Japanese culture.
- Why this job: Join a unique dining experience and share your passion for Japanese cuisine and beverages.
- Qualifications: 5 years in restaurant management with strong knowledge of wine and sake.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the Restaurant
Located in Marylebone, central London, Roketsu is a modern Japanese restaurant rooted in tradition, where seasonal ingredients and close interaction between chef and guest define the kappo dining experience. The restaurant offers a calm and refined setting inspired by Kyoto-style hospitality, featuring a 100-year-old hinoki counter and warm, attentive service. Guests are welcomed by an elegant bar on the lower ground floor, offering a curated selection of sake, wine, and Japanese-inspired cocktails, ideal for a drink before or after dinner. Beyond the bar, a tranquil dining area showcases Japanese cuisine alongside an outstanding wine collection of over 500 bottles, including rare and fine wines served by the glass. Highlights include an exceptional vertical collection of Château Mouton Rothschild vintages (1968–2006), a rarity even among top-tier restaurants.
About the Role
This position is available for an immediate start. The role involves overseeing daily operations and leading the beverage programme across both the dining and bar experiences. It combines strong leadership, operational excellence, and deep expertise in wine, sake, and Japanese beverages.
- Restaurant Operations
- Lead and inspire the front-of-house team
- Oversee smooth, high-quality service
- Train staff in Japanese etiquette and premium service standards
- Manage reservations, guest flow, and service coordination
- Maintain an elegant and organised dining environment
- Sommelier & Beverage Programme
- Curate and manage the wine, sake, and beverage list
- Recommend pairings for kappo, robata, and sushi
- Provide staff training on wine, sake, and service
- Manage cellar, inventory, and supplier relationships
- Guest Experience & Administration
- Deliver personalised hospitality and build guest relationships
- Handle feedback professionally
- Lead service briefings and scheduling
- Ensure compliance with licensing, hygiene, and safety standards
Requirements
- Approximately 5 years’ experience in restaurant management or a senior front-of-house role within fine dining
- Strong knowledge of wine, sake, and Japanese beverages (incl. whisky & gin)
- Experience in Japanese or Asian fine dining
- Excellent leadership and communication skills
- Highly organised, responsible, and guest-focused
- Ability to work full-time, including evenings and weekends
Preferred Qualities
- Experience with kappo, omakase, sushi, or robata
- Relevant wine & sake qualifications (e.g. WSET Level 3, SSA) are a plus but not essential
- Appreciation for Japanese cuisine and culture
Benefits
- Competitive salary, based on skills and experience
- Staff meals provided
Restaurant Manager / Sommelier (Sake & Wine) in City of London employer: Roketsu
Contact Detail:
Roketsu Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Restaurant Manager / Sommelier (Sake & Wine) in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, wine tastings, or Japanese cuisine workshops. Meeting people in the field can open doors and give you insider info on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for sake and wine! When chatting with potential employers, share your favourite pairings or experiences. It’ll show them you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up! After interviews or networking events, drop a quick thank-you email. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows you’re keen on the opportunity.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are eager to join us at Roketsu. It’s a great way to stand out and show your commitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Restaurant Manager / Sommelier (Sake & Wine) in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Japanese Cuisine: When writing your application, let us know why you're excited about working in a modern Japanese restaurant like Roketsu. Share your love for Japanese cuisine and culture, and how it aligns with our kappo dining experience.
Highlight Your Beverage Expertise: Make sure to showcase your knowledge of wine, sake, and Japanese beverages in your application. We want to see your experience and any relevant qualifications you have, so don’t hold back on those details!
Demonstrate Leadership Skills: As a Restaurant Manager/Sommelier, strong leadership is key. Use your application to illustrate your past experiences leading teams and ensuring high-quality service. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and train our front-of-house team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Roketsu!
How to prepare for a job interview at Roketsu
✨Know Your Beverages
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of wine, sake, and Japanese beverages. Be prepared to discuss specific pairings for kappo, robata, and sushi dishes. This will show your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or improved service quality. Highlight how you can inspire and train staff in Japanese etiquette and premium service standards.
✨Understand the Restaurant's Concept
Familiarise yourself with Roketsu’s unique dining experience and Kyoto-style hospitality. Being able to articulate how you would maintain an elegant and organised dining environment will impress the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Guest Experience Scenarios
Anticipate questions about handling guest feedback and building relationships. Prepare to share how you would deliver personalised hospitality and manage service briefings effectively.