Restaurant Manager

The role: Restaurant Manager

As Restaurant Manager at Mea, you'll take the reins of one of Antwerp’s most exciting new restaurant openings — a place where hospitality, bold Mediterranean flavors, and vibrant energy come together in a space designed to connect people to each other and to the city.

This is not just another Restaurant Manager role. This is a chance to help establish a concept from the ground up, working alongside visionary chef Omri McNabb and a passionate team to bring a modern Eastern Mediterranean dining experience to life. You’ll be responsible for building a strong team, setting the tone for service, and making sure every guest leaves feeling inspired, delighted, and eager to return.

As part of our pre-opening team, you'll play a pivotal role in developing the service style, culture, and flow of Mea — laying the foundation for a restaurant that’s as welcoming as it is memorable.

What you’ll do

• Lead the pre-opening charge: Recruit, onboard, and train a top-tier front-of-house team that embodies the spirit and standards of Mea.

• Craft unforgettable experiences: Define and deliver a service style that’s warm, intuitive, and full of personality — every interaction should reflect our Mediterranean soul.

• Oversee daily operations: Manage floor service, reservations, guest flow, and all touchpoints that shape the dining experience.

• Collaborate closely with the kitchen: Work hand-in-hand with the Head Chef to ensure smooth communication, timing, and consistency between front and back of house.

• Own the guest journey: Handle feedback with grace and care, finding ways to turn challenges into memorable moments.

• Manage performance and resources: Oversee scheduling, stock, supplier relations, and budgets while keeping service running at its best.

• Build a strong culture: Motivate, inspire, and develop your team, leading by example and creating a workplace where people love to work.

• Support hotel synergy: As part of Via Antwerp, collaborate across departments to ensure guests have a seamless experience from breakfast to last call.

You’ll be a great fit if you bring the below with you

• Proven experience (3+ years) in a senior front-of-house role, ideally as Restaurant Manager or Assistant Manager in a high-end or lifestyle dining concept.

• Strong leadership skills with a passion for building team culture, service excellence, and continuous improvement.

• A natural host — warm, observant, and always one step ahead of the guest’s needs.

• Deep knowledge of hospitality service standards and wine/beverage operations.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, detail-driven environment where no two days are the same.

• Fluent in English and Dutch, and other languages are welcome too.

• Excited by the opportunity to be part of a pre-opening team and co-create something truly special.

What we offer

• A key leadership role in one of the most anticipated restaurant openings in Antwerp.

• The chance to be part of a bold, growing brand with an international outlook.

• A vibrant, supportive work culture where you can lead with authenticity and ambition.

• Competitive salary and benefits package.

• Opportunities for growth and development as we expand.

Working at Via Antwerp

At Via Antwerp, we’re redefining the hospitality experience — blending contemporary design, a social spirit, and warm, intuitive service in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Opening in mid-June 2025, our hotel is designed to bring people together: travellers, creatives, professionals, and locals alike.

We believe exceptional hospitality starts with an exceptional team. That’s why we’re building a work environment that’s inspiring, supportive, and filled with opportunity. At Via Antwerp, you’ll find a culture that values authenticity, collaboration, and personal growth. We encourage new ideas, reward initiative, and create space for every team member to make a real impact.

Ready to join?

Whether you're just starting out or bringing years of experience, you'll be part of an opening team shaping something new — with room to grow, learn, and evolve alongside us. If you're passionate about people, energized by fresh challenges, and excited to help write the story of Via Antwerp from day one, we’d love to hear from you.