The maître d’hôtel (pronounced: [mɛːtʁ dotɛl]), headwaiter, or maître d' (informal US usage, pronounced /'meɪtər diː/) manages the public part or "front of the house" of a formal restaurant. The responsibilities of a maître d’hôtel generally include supervising the waiting staff, welcoming guests and assigning them to tables, taking reservations, and ensuring that guests are satisfied.

In large organizations such as hotels or cruise ships with multiple restaurants, the maître d'hôtel is often responsible for the overall dining experience including room service and buffet services, while headwaiters or supervisors are responsible for the specific restaurant or dining room they work in.

In restaurants where food is partly prepared at table, the maître d’hôtel may be responsible for such operations as boning fish, mixing salads, and flambéing foods.