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Hot Tickets

The world of highly coveted dining experiences has elevated reservations to the status of golden tickets — coveted, elusive, and promising experiences as exclusive as they are memorable. From the legendary Rao's in New York, with its century-old history and fiercely loyal clientele, to the pastoral charm of The Lost Kitchen in Freedom, Maine, which employs a unique lottery system for bookings, the thrill of securing a table transcends mere dining. Getting your name in the books requires luck, impeccable timing, and persistence.


Navigating platforms like Resy and Dorsia, which streamline the booking process, has become increasingly necessary. Appointment Trader, which allows users to exchange reservations for restaurants and hotels, has transformed reservations into prized commodities. For traditionalists, booking in person or by telephone is still recommended, as making a personal connection or “knowing someone” often proves invaluable. Alternatively, booking larger parties can offer a direct line to the restaurant’s team, providing a more personalized dining experience.


Whichever method you choose to secure these elusive tables, here are some of the hardest restaurants to book, plus some handy tips to improve your chances.

©TripAdvisor

Lost Kitchen

Freedom, Maine

How’s this for a quaint reservation concept? To savor Erin French’s 13-course, 5-hour farm-to-table tasting menu in a restored 19th-century mill in the woods of Maine, you first have to mail them a postcard. If your postcard is selected during the draw from April 1st to September 30th, they’ll contact you. This postcard lottery system, running since 2014, aims to make the process fair for everyone and easier for the staff. Considering they received 60,000 submissions in 2024, you might have to content yourself with binge-watching Getting Lost With Erin French on HBO Max if you're not one of the lucky few.


Pro Tip: Only postcards sent in the current year are included in the initial drawing done in April, so if you sent one in 2024 and didn’t get called, get your stamps ready.

Mitchell M. / Yelp

Rao’s

New York

With no shortage of hard-to-book eateries, Rao’s stands out. Open since 1896, 60 percent of the tablesare reserved for regulars who have standing reservations. To dine here, you need to know a table owner or hope for a chance at one of the four tables available. Alternatively, you can try your luck at the bar or visit their Los Angeles or Las Vegas locations for a taste of their famous meatballs and familial service. 


Pro Tip:Engage this man to get you a reservation for upwards of $500.

Daniel B. / Yelp

Mujo

Atlanta

Securing a spot at this modern Edomae-style Sushiya, which earned a Michelin star in 2023, just got even harder. With no capacity for walk-ins, a reservation is a must. Resy (and Priority Notify via Resy) is your best bet, available at 10 a.m. on the first day of the month, at least 30 days before your desired date. The effort is worth it for a chance to savor their gently aged or cured fish cradled by perfectly textured rice enriched with akazu red vinegar.


Pro Tip:With a waitllist of 200 and growing, reservations get snapped up between 8-15 minutesfrom the moment they’re released according to Mujo.

Adam P. / Yelp

Kasama

Chicago

You’ll need at least 45 days to attempt to secure a dinner reservation at the world’s first Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant Kasama. It’s worth it for a taste of their fine-dining 13-course Filipino menu that elevates classics like adobo and sinigang. If dinner seems out of reach, try walking in for breakfast or lunch to experience their unique take on Filipino cuisine, as suggested by The Infatuation.


Pro Tip: For big name restaurants, industry experts will always recommend booking a table on off-peak days or times to up your chances of snagging a spot. 

Jeng L. / Yelp

Hayato

Los Angeles

With just 7 seats, Hayato is one of Los Angeles’ hottest tables, with reservations snapped up within 5-10 seconds of release. But it’s worth it for a meal described by the World’s Best 50 as “artistic, intricate, and flavor-packed.” 


Pro Tip: Reservations are made via Tock, and Hayato recommends following the "join waitlist" link for a chance at a spot if there's a cancellation.

Rachel Z. / Yelp

ALBI

Washington, D.C.

If you didn’t arrange a reservation at least 30 days in advance at Chef Michael Rafidi’s popular Middle Eastern eatery Albi, you can still secure a same-day spot. Appointment Trader has reservations for sale starting at $125, with some weekend nights costing $200. It's a small price for a memorable 2.5-hour journey through Levantine cooking, featuring dishes like aged duck shish kabob and burnt eggplant baba ganoush.


Pro Tip: Take up a spot by the bar and wait for a table to open up, though you'll miss the open kitchen action.

Nitasha K. / Yelp

Sarma

Boston

Regarded as one of Boston’s best, Eastern Mediterranean restaurant Sarma in Somerville's Union Square typically books up 30 days in advance, with reservations taken almost immediately upon release. Many monitor Resy to snag a last-minute reservation — trust us and try the harissa-barbecued duck and black truffle tzatziki if available. Alternatively, Sarma’s beverage director recommends walking in and preparing to wait at least 45 minutes. This Reddit threadrecommends getting there by 4.30 pm to increase your chances.


Pro Tip:According to Sarma’s beverage director, Sunday evenings after 7:30 p.m. at the bar are very relaxed, making it a great time to hang out and wait for a table.

kim p. / Yelp

Carbone

New York

When even celebrities like Justin and Hailey Bieber are turned away, you know a restaurant isn’t struggling for business. Carbone's famous spicy rigatoni vodka has attracted stars like Rihanna, Drake (he celebrated his birthday there two years in a row), and Kim Kardashian. While reservations can feel nearly impossible, stalking Resy before reservations go live at 10 am or using Appointment Trader for a same-week table on a Saturday — if you have $490 to spare, not including food, drinks, or tip — might just work.

Naomi S. / Yelp

Boia De Restaurant

Miami

Tucked away in a strip mall in Miami’s Little Haiti, Boia De has created a modern Italian dining experience that has earned it a Michelin star and a growing waitlist. According to Resy, the best strategy is to secure a reservation right when they go live at noon, 30 days in advance — spots typically fill up for the month by the end of the day.


Pro Tip: Arrive at the restaurant exactly at 5:30 p.m., and you might secure a seat at the wine bar or, if you're lucky, a table.

Sara O. / Yelp

The Polo Bar

New York 

It’s not surprising that Ralph Lauren’s upscale American eatery on 55th Street is booked solid. From tourists to TikTok stars, everyone clamors for a chance to spot celebrities while enjoying upscale renditions of corned beef sandwiches and pigs in a blanket. 


Pro Tip: Insider tips suggest calling at 4 p.m. on the same day, booking a month out, and being open to dining on a weekday for the best chance at a reservation.