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Restaurant Server Interview Questions

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated September 22, 2025
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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5 min read

A restaurant server, or waiter/waitress, is responsible for providing excellent customer service, taking orders and ensuring guests have an enjoyable dining experience. Their duties include accurately delivering food and drinks, promptly attending to guest requests and maintaining a clean and welcoming dining area.

Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Restaurant Server interview questions and answers.

  1. How do you approach creating a positive dining experience for guests? See answer
  2. Describe a situation where you had to deal with a challenging customer. See answer
  3. How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple tables? See answer
  4. What is your process for ensuring orders are accurate? See answer
  5. How do you handle a situation where food is delayed or incorrect? See answer
  6. Describe a time you upsold or recommended menu items successfully. See answer
  7. How do you stay informed on menu changes, daily specials or promotions? See answer
  8. What steps do you take to maintain cleanliness and food safety standards? See answer
  9. How do you manage stress during busy shifts? See answer
  10. Why do you want to work as a server at our restaurant? See answer
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Hire your next Restaurant Server today.

Post a job

Hire your next Restaurant Server today.

Post a job
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines

10 Restaurant Server Interview Questions and Answers

How do you approach creating a positive dining experience for guests?

This question evaluates customer service skills, hospitality and attention to detail. Strong responses demonstrate a candidate’s ability to make guests feel welcome, anticipate needs and resolve issues quickly. What to look for in an answer:

  • warm and friendly demeanour
  • attention to detail
  • anticipating guest needs
  • problem-solving mindset
Example:

"I greet every guest with a smile and make them feel welcome from the start. I check in regularly but never intrude, and I personalize the experience by remembering preferences. In my last role, I noticed a family celebrating a birthday and offered a complimentary dessert and they became repeat customers."

Describe a situation where you had to deal with a challenging customer.

This question assesses conflict resolution, patience and professionalism. It demonstrates how candidates maintain composure while protecting the guest experience and upholding the restaurant's reputation. What to look for in an answer:

  • patience
  • empathy
  • de-escalation skills
  • professionalism
Example:

"A guest was upset about a long wait time, even though the kitchen was backed up. I listened to their frustration, apologized sincerely and offered a complimentary appetizer. By keeping calm and proactive, I turned a negative situation into a positive one, and the guest left a generous tip."

How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple tables?

This question evaluates time management and multitasking in a fast-paced environment. Strong answers show how candidates stay organized and focused while delivering consistent service. What to look for in an answer:

  • organization
  • time management
  • communication with the team and kitchen
  • ability to remain calm under pressure
Example:

"I prioritize based on urgency; for example, greeting new guests immediately, then delivering drinks, then putting in food orders. I also use mental checklists and communicate constantly with the kitchen. This system ensures no table feels neglected, even during busy rushes."

What is your process for ensuring orders are accurate?

This question measures attention to detail and reliability. It reveals whether a restaurant server candidate has a system to avoid mistakes that could disrupt service. What to look for in an answer:

  • careful listening
  • double-checking orders
  • clear communication with kitchen staff
  • use of POS systems effectively
Example:

"I repeat the order back to guests to confirm, then double-check when entering it in the POS system. If it’s a special request, I alert the kitchen directly to prevent errors. In my last role, this practice reduced mistakes and improved table turnover time."

How do you handle a situation where food is delayed or incorrect?

This question highlights problem-solving and customer communication skills. It shows how a candidate manages guest expectations while working with the kitchen to resolve the issue. What to look for in an answer:

  • honesty with guests
  • quick problem solving
  • apology and reassurance
  • coordination with the kitchen
Example:

"If food is delayed, I let guests know right away, apologize and keep them updated. If the order is incorrect, I take ownership, fix it promptly and offer a small gesture, such as a complimentary drink or dessert. Guests appreciate honesty and effort more than excuses."

Describe a time you upsold or recommended menu items successfully.

This question assesses sales skills, product knowledge and the ability to enhance the dining experience. Strong answers show a balance between guest satisfaction and increasing sales. What to look for in an answer:

  • menu knowledge
  • suggestive selling
  • confidence
  • customer focus
Example:

"A couple was undecided about appetizers, so I recommended the chef’s special and suggested pairing it with a popular cocktail. They loved the suggestion and ended up ordering dessert too. I focus on suggesting items that genuinely enhance the dining experience."

How do you stay informed on menu changes, daily specials or promotions?

This question measures adaptability, communication and initiative. It shows how a candidate ensures they are well-prepared to answer guest questions and provide accurate recommendations. What to look for in an answer:

  • proactive learning
  • daily briefings or pre-shift meetings
  • collaboration with coworkers
  • attention to detail
Example:

"I review updates before every shift, ask managers questions and make notes about new dishes or specials. I also taste new menu items when possible so I can describe them authentically to guests."

What steps do you take to maintain cleanliness and food safety standards?

This question evaluates attention to hygiene, organization and compliance. Strong answers demonstrate that a candidate prioritizes health standards while delivering fast and efficient service. What to look for in an answer:

  • knowledge of safety regulations
  • consistency in cleaning routines
  • awareness of cross-contamination risks
  • attention to detail
Example:

"I sanitize tables and menus after every use, wash my hands frequently and follow proper handling for food and drinks. During peak hours, I still make sure to prioritize safety as it’s non-negotiable."

How do you manage stress during busy shifts?

This question assesses resilience, focus and teamwork. It demonstrates how candidates maintain their performance under pressure while still delivering high-quality service. What to look for in an answer:

  • composure under pressure
  • prioritization
  • teamwork
  • positive attitude
Example:

"I take a deep breath, focus on one task at a time and communicate with teammates. When I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself that guests should never see that stress. Staying positive keeps service smooth and efficient."

Why do you want to work as a server at our restaurant?

This question measures motivation, cultural fit and alignment with company values. Strong answers reflect enthusiasm for hospitality and a genuine interest in the specific restaurant. What to look for in an answer:

  • passion for hospitality
  • knowledge of the restaurant’s brand or reputation
  • team-oriented mindset
  • long-term interest
Example:

"I admire your restaurant’s reputation for excellent food service and a unique menu. I enjoy fast-paced environments and love building relationships with guests. This role gives me a chance to contribute to a team that shares my passion for hospitality."

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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