Captain - Summer Palace

Role summary

Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.

The Captain at Summer Palace is responsible for leading restaurant service, coordinating waitstaff, and ensuring guests receive polished, attentive service consistent with fine-dining standards. Candidates are generally expected to have previous experience in upscale Chinese or hotel restaurants, strong knowledge of food and beverage service, and good communication skills in English and Cantonese or Mandarin. The role requires confident team leadership, attention to detail, sound product knowledge, and the ability to handle guest requests or complaints professionally. Flexibility to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays is essential. Experience with luxury hotels, Michelin-recognised restaurants, or Chinese cuisine would be advantageous.

About the employer

Shangri-La Group is a luxury hospitality company founded in Hong Kong and recognised for its hotels, resorts, restaurants, and guest-focused service across Asia and international markets. Its properties are known for elegant surroundings, personalised hospitality, high culinary standards, and strong attention to local culture. In Hong Kong, Shangri-La operates prestigious properties including Island Shangri-La and Kowloon Shangri-La. Summer Palace, located at Island Shangri-La, is an acclaimed Cantonese restaurant offering refined cuisine in an upscale setting. Employees typically work in a structured, international hotel environment with opportunities for professional training, internal mobility, staff dining, medical coverage, and other hospitality benefits. The company generally looks for team members who are service-minded, well presented, reliable, and committed to creating memorable experiences for guests.

Working in Hong Kong

Hong Kong offers extensive opportunities in hotels, restaurants, tourism, retail, finance, technology, and international business. The city has a fast-paced, multicultural lifestyle, excellent public transport, world-class dining, hiking trails, beaches, and a vibrant arts and nightlife scene. Cantonese is the local language, while English is widely used in hotels and professional workplaces; Mandarin is also valuable. Foreign employees normally require an employment visa sponsored by their employer, with approval depending on qualifications, salary, and the availability of a genuine role. Employers often assist with visa documentation, medical checks, and onboarding, although accommodation is not always provided. Living costs, especially rent, are high, so applicants should confirm salary, service charge, working hours, benefits, and housing arrangements before relocating. Hong Kong is compact and convenient, but work can be demanding and schedules may include weekends and public holidays.