At Ottolenghi, we’re known for vibrant food, busy delis, and restaurants full of energy—but what really matters is our people. We create environments where teams feel supported, take pride in what they do, and deliver a genuinely warm experience to every guest.

Ottolenghi Islington is where it all began for our restaurant and bar offering, rooted in the creative, independent spirit of Upper Street. One of our most storied and beloved sites, it has been at the heart of the Ottolenghi story for many years.

What you’ll do

Serve customers with warmth, knowledge, and enthusiasm.
Maintain the shop floor, deli counter, and product displays to a high standard.
Handle transactions accurately using the till system.
Share product knowledge and make confident recommendations to customers.
Support stock management, including replenishment and rotation.
Maintain food safety and hygiene standards across all product areas.
Contribute to a positive, welcoming atmosphere in the shop.

What we’re looking for

Previous retail or hospitality customer service experience
A genuine love of food and an enthusiasm to share that with customers.
A friendly, helpful, and proactive approach to service.

Key skills

Warm and engaging with customers.
Strong product knowledge (training provided).
Reliable, organised, and detail-oriented.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Well-organised with excellent attention to detail.
Comfortable using relevant IT systems
Ability to multitask and problem-solve in a fast-paced environment.
Calm under pressure with a solution-focused mindset.
A genuine passion for food, retail, and customer service and continuous improvement.

What’s in it for you?

28 days annual leave per year, inclusive of bank holidays
Delicious Ottolenghi staff meals on shift and generous staff discount
Health and well-being support through our HSF healthcare plan (covering dental, optical, physiotherapy, and more), plus a 24/7 GP helpline and access to Perkbox discounts
Refer a Friend Bonus: £500 for each successful referral
Learning & Development opportunities including management coaching, WSET wine training, Ottolenghi Chef’s Academy workshops, and access to external courses
A warm, inclusive working culture where individuality, growth, and creativity are celebrated
Enhanced Parental Pay after two years’ service
A special birthday treat to celebrate your day
Exclusive workshops and demos, including cooking, food, wine, and cocktail sessions in the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen
A collaborative and creative environment where your ideas are valued

If you care about great food, great people, and doing things properly, we'd love to hear from you.

Shop Assistant