Hot Tickets: The world of highly sought-after dining experiences has turned reservations into golden tickets — prized, hard-to-get, and promising exclusive and unforgettable moments. From the iconic Rao’s in New York, known for its century-long history and devoted clientele, to the charming The Lost Kitchen in Freedom, Maine, where reservations are obtained through a unique lottery system, the thrill of booking a table goes beyond just dining. To secure a spot, one needs a stroke of luck, perfect timing, and persistence.
Platforms like Resy and Dorsia have made it essential to navigate the booking process efficiently. Appointment Trader has transformed reservations into valuable commodities by allowing users to exchange bookings for restaurants and hotels. While booking in person or over the phone is still recommended for those who prefer a personal touch or connections, reserving for larger groups can provide a more customized dining experience by establishing a direct line of communication with the restaurant’s team.
Regardless of the method chosen to secure these elusive tables, here are some of the most difficult restaurants to book, along with helpful tips to increase your chances.
Discover exquisite twists on Filipino classics like adobo and sinigang at this restaurant. If dinner seems unattainable, consider stopping by for breakfast or lunch to savor their unique Filipino cuisine, as recommended by The Infatuation. Insider tip: To increase your chances of securing a table at popular restaurants, experts suggest booking during off-peak days or times.
In Los Angeles, Hayato is a highly sought-after dining spot with only 7 seats, reservations often gone within seconds. The meal, praised as “artistic, intricate, and flavor-packed” by the World’s Best 50, makes the wait worthwhile. Pro tip: Book via Tock, and keep an eye on the “join waitlist” link for potential openings.
Washington D.C.’s Albi, a renowned Middle Eastern eatery, requires reservations made at least 30 days ahead, but same-day spots can still be snagged through Appointment Trader. For a memorable journey through Levantine cooking, including dishes like aged duck shish kabob, consider this option. Insider tip: Opt for a bar spot and be ready for a wait, though you’ll miss the kitchen action.
Sarma, an Eastern Mediterranean gem in Boston, often gets fully booked 30 days in advance. For a chance at last-minute reservations, check Resy. Alternatively, walk in and be prepared for a 45-minute wait, exploring dishes like harissa-barbecued duck and black truffle tzatziki. Insider tip: Visit on Sunday evenings after 7:30 p.m. for a more relaxed atmosphere.
Carbone in New York attracts A-list clientele with its famous spicy rigatoni vodka. Reservations are challenging, but monitoring Resy or using Appointment Trader for a same-week table could be successful. Pro tip: Consider Amex’s Global Dining Access plan for priority access to sought-after spots like Carbone.
Experience modern Italian dining at Michelin-starred Boia De in Miami. Reservations fill up quickly, with the best chance being right when they go live at noon, 30 days in advance. Insider tip: Aim to arrive at 5:30 p.m. for a seat at the wine bar or a table.
Book a table well in advance at The Polo Bar in New York for a chance to spot celebrities at this upscale American eatery by Ralph Lauren on 55th Street.
Suggestions for securing a coveted reservation at the popular restaurant include calling precisely at 4 p.m. on the same day, making a reservation a month in advance, and being flexible with dining on a weekday. This information was first shared on Cheapism and features insights on dining strategies to increase the likelihood of securing a reservation. For additional content on similar topics, visit Cheapism for articles on various consumer topics.
