The One Who Keeps the Book New York
How to Get the Toughest Restaurant Reservations in New York
Often in New York, the most important dining question doesn’t revolve around where to eat: It’s how do we get in?
That’s where we come in.
For years, we’ve been going straight to the source to ask restaurant hosts, maître d’s, and general managers for all the secret tips, tricks, and shortcuts to getting into the city’s most in-demand restaurants. You know, all the ones you set countless Notifies on Resy for, and the ones you’ve set multiple alarms for in anticipation of their next reservation drop.
We want to make it easier for you to find out all the intel you need, so consider this your ultimate cheat sheet for getting into those much-loved restaurants, and check back here on the regular; we’ll be updating this list frequently.
Newly added: Borgo, Bridges, Le Café Louis Vuitton, and Le Veau d’Or.
The One Who Keeps The Book
The Corner Store SoHo
It’s from the same team behind see-and-be-seen locale Catch, with an extra dose of classic stylings. Think Dover sole, ribeye, and shrimp cocktail, plus a whole section of the menu devoted to martini service. Cheers.
Reservations Drop: 14 days in advance at 10 a.m., including the current calendar date.
Should You Walk In? You can, but they only accommodate walk-ins in the event of cancellations and no-shows, so success may vary. If you do try to walk in, show up right at 5 p.m. (or slightly earlier) to snag a bar seat.
Must Orders: Five cheese pizza rolls; hand-cut French fries; wagyu French dip; and the shrimp cocktail.
Pro Tip: The dress code here is “smart elegant,” so make sure you plan your outfit accordingly.
Le Café Louis Vuitton Midtown East
It’s the first stateside culinary venture for emblematic luxury brand Louis Vuitton, housed on the fourth floor of their iconic 5th Avenue flagship.
Reservations Drop: 28 days in advance at midnight.
Should You Walk In? Yes. Try to stop by early for breakfast and lunch service by grabbing one of the six seats at the bar.
Must Orders: Dover sole; scallop soufflé; Le Croque “Louis Paris;” and the hazelnut entremet.
Pro Tip: Add your name to the waitlist if you decide to walk in, and do some shopping while you wait.
Borgo Flatiron
Photo by Martien Mulder, courtesy of Borgo
It’s famed restaurateur Andrew Tarlow’s (Diner, Roman’s, Achilles Heel) first foray into Manhattan, complete with a working wood-burning fireplace, martini cart, backyard courtyard, and plenty of Italian-adjacent dishes in his traditional seasonal style.
Reservations Drop: 21 days in advance at 10 a.m.
Should You Walk In? Yes, starting at 5 p.m. to get a seat at the bar counter or bar tables where they also serve the full menu. There’s also space for you to grab a cocktail if you’re on the waitlist.
Must Orders: Focaccia Borgo; fava purée; veal sweetbreads spiedini; timballo di anelletti; and roasted leg of lamb.
Pro Tip: Walking in on the earlier side is preferable.
Photo by Martien Mulder, courtesy of Borgo
SourAji East Village
This viral all-you-can-eat sushi omakase spot has been packed since it first opened in the East Village, and for good reason. In fact, it’s been so popular they recently opened a second location in Chelsea, too.
Reservations Drop: Three months ahead at midnight exactly. For example, all reservations for December will be available on Oct. 1 at midnight.
Should You Walk In? You can, but it really depends on availability. If there are no-shows, you might be lucky enough to snag a seat but there are no guarantees.
Must Orders: Here’s how it works: Everyone gets the same $98 omakase meal that includes nigiri, a hand roll, a maki roll, soup, and dessert, plus beer and sake. Just before dessert is served you have three choices of unlimited all-you-can-eat protein (lean tuna, fatty tuna, and wagyu) for 30 to 40 minutes. The whole meal lasts up to 90 minutes.
Pro Tip: Follow them on Instagram to make sure you’re up to date on last-minute cancellations and openings. And be prepared to have a good time.
Bridges Chinatown
It’s a delightful European bistro from alums of hot spots like The NoMad and Estela, in the former home of Hop Shing in Chinatown.
Reservations Drop: 21 days in advance at noon.
Should You Walk In? Yes! The bar and bar booths are for walk-ins only and they also serve the full menu. Your best bet of snagging a walk-in seat is to show up at 5:30 p.m.
Must Orders: Comté tart with chanterelles (but of course); uni custard with shrimp; grilled king crab; and vin jaune gelato.
Pro Tip: Don’t be shy — they’d love to welcome you in. Says co-owner Josey Stuart: “Behind the curtain, we are just a restaurant hoping to help as many people have a fabulous night as possible. Come say hi; we’ll be here.”
Le Veau d’Or Lenox Hill
Photo by Gentl + Hyers, courtesy of Le Veau d’Or
It’s a revival of a famed French eatery that dates back to 1937, brought back to us by the duo behind Frenchette and Le Rock. Do know that the menu is prix fixe, but the options are anything but limited.
Reservations Drop: 14 days in advance at 9 a.m.
Should You Walk In? Maybe, if you feel lucky and get there early. Le Veau d’Or does take walk-ins for tables occasionally, and they do save their five bar seats for walk-ins. The bar, however, serves a smaller menu than what’s offered in the main dining room.
Must Orders: For starters: frog’s legs; tête de veau; escargots; oeuf en gelée. For your main course: les délices “Veau d’Or;” poulet a l’Estragon; chou farci; and duck. For dessert: île flottante.
Pro Tip: Have faith in Resy Notify. Sometimes, the maître d’ will call anyone who’s added themselves to the Resy Notify list if there are any tables available day of.
Photo by Gentl + Hyers, courtesy of Le Veau d’Or
Kisa Lower East Side
The C as in Charlie team’s ode to kisa sikdangs (beloved taxi-driver haunts) finally takes reservations, so now’s your chance to try it without waiting in a line too long to believe.
Reservations Drop: 15 days in advance at midnight.
Should You Walk In? Absolutely; two-thirds of seats are saved for walk-ins. Try to get there right at 5 p.m. when they open, as reserved seatings don’t begin until 6 p.m.
Must Orders: For dinner, you only have four choices here between mains. Go for the spicy pork or the stir-fried squid, and don’t forget to add on the ssam.
Pro Tip: Can’t score a Resy for dinner? Try walking in for lunch, Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. where you have your choice of gamjatang (pork bone stew) or donkatsu (deep-fried breaded pork cutlet).
Want to know even more? Read on.
Theodora Fort Greene
Photo by Melissa Hom, courtesy of Theodora
It’s chef Tomer Blechman’s (Miss Ada) beautiful ode to dry-aged fish, with a multi-faceted menu that draws from influences around the globe.
Reservations Drop: 30 days in advance at 9 a.m.
Should You Walk In? Yes, but your best bet is to arrive before 5 p.m., or swing by around 9 p.m. They reserve 14 seats for walk-ins each night.
Must Orders: A little bit of everything to share: The swordfish belly skewer; hiramasa crudo; monkfish liver hummus; and za’atar kubaneh with a trio of dips. Oh, and a tomato water martini.
Pro Tip: If you plan to dine with a group larger than eight guests, email them at info@theodoranyc.com.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Photo by Melissa Hom, courtesy of Theodora
COQODAQ Flatiron
Must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.
It’s the temple to fried chicken from the same team who invented the modern Korean steakhouse, aka Cote.
Reservations Drop: 14 days in advance at 10 a.m.
Should You Walk In? Yes; outdoor patio, barstools, and communal high-top sets are available for walk-ins and you can order from the full menu. Your best bet is to arrive before 5 p.m., or swing by around 9 p.m.
Must Orders: The Bucket List; Caesar salad; chicken and curry; and spicy tteokbokki. To drink, Champagne, of course, or The Egg cocktail.
Pro Tip: Do check in with the on-site maître d’ to get added to the waitlist. You can also contact the reservations team by phone at (646)490-5099 or by email at reservations@coqodaq.com from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.
Massara Flatiron
It’s the new spot from the same folks behind Rezdôra (also on this list), and everyone and their nonna wants to give it a try.
Reservations Drop: 14 days in advance at midnight.
Should You Walk In? Yes, you can give it a try. They do have some space for walk-ins.
Must Orders: Crudo pizzette; corteccia; cavatelli allo scoglio; “If Pasta Fredda Was Eaten in Amalfi”; branzino; and sfogliatelle.
Pro Tip: It’s not available just yet, but Massara will eventually offer a two-hour pizzette tasting menu, in addition to a large-format meal featuring goat, four ways.
Penny East Village
Photo by Teddy Wolff, courtesy of Penny
Claud’s upstairs little sister, Penny, is one of the city’s most sought-after seafood counters for so many reasons.
Reservations Drop: One week out at 9 a.m. but do know it’s a limited number of reservations.
Should You Walk In? Yes! In fact, they prefer it. The majority of seats are held open for walk-ins and it’s first come, first served.
Must Orders: Ice Box Plus, especially since it includes the shrimp cocktail and razor clams; stuffed squid made with a sofrito; swordfish and cabbage; confit oysters with spiced Club crackers; and the ice cream sandwich.
Pro Tip: If you want to double dip at both Penny and Claud, it’s best to check in with the hosts of each restaurant directly. Claud saves seats at their dining rail near the front of the restaurant for walk-ins, and Penny’s standing rail is ideal for folks who want to grab drinks or dessert.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Photo by Teddy Wolff, courtesy of Penny
TATIANA, By Kwame Onwuachi Lincoln Center
You’ll taste dishes you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else at this sleek Lincoln Center stunner from acclaimed chef Kwame Onwuachi — pastrami suya and egusi dumplings, anyone?
Reservations Drop: 12 noon, 28 days in advance.
Should You Walk In? Bar seats and an outdoor dining area are held for walk-ins, and you can add yourself to a waitlist. Showing up right at 5 p.m. is recommended.
Must Orders: Curried goat patties; honeynut piri piri salad; braised oxtail; short rib pastrami suya; the Bodega Special; and a POG Nutcracker.
Pro Tip: It’s not required, but do come dressed to impress. (Everyone else does.) Also, try calling (212) 875-5222 or emailing info@tatiananyc.com for help with a reservation.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Don Angie West Village
Photo courtesy of Don Angie
Angie Rito and Scott Tacinelli’s lovely West Village restaurant with playful and creative twists on Italian American cuisine has been a fan favorite since it opened in 2017.
Reservations Drop: Seven days in advance at 9 a.m. each day, including the day of reservation.
Should You Walk In? The restaurant’s 10 bar seats are always reserved for walk-ins. Show up at 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and at 3:30 p.m. Fridays to Sundays for your best chances of snagging them.
Must Orders: The pinwheel lasagna for two; stuffed garlic flatbread; chrysanthemum salad; sourdough cacciatore pasta; veal “da pepi;” Japanese sweet potatoes; and the fior di latte mochi.
Pro Tip: Put yourself on the Resy Notify list, or get there early to snag a walk-in.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Photo courtesy of Don Angie
Bungalow East Village
Photo by Alex Stanlioff, courtesy of Bungalow
This stunning East Village spot from “Master Chef” Vikas Khanna has been packed since it opened in March, and for good reason.
Reservations Drop: 20 days in advance at 11 a.m., except Tuesdays.
Should You Walk In? Get there right when they open at 5 p.m. for a chance to snag a table. The bar is also first come, first served.
Must Orders: Yogurt kebab, Ammi’s lamb chops, spice-roasted pineapple; lamb shank nihari; any of the breads; and the Chai Pani cocktail.
Pro Tip: If you’re OK with a more limited menu, the walk-in only bar is your best bet.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Photo by Alex Stanlioff, courtesy of Bungalow
San Sabino West Village
Photo by Evan Sung, courtesy of San Sabino
The Don Angie team’s seafood-focused sequel next door doesn’t disappoint with its equally creative and fun takes on Italian American food.
Reservations Drop: Seven calendar days in advance at 9 a.m., including the day of the reservation itself.
Should You Walk In? Yes! There are 10 bar seats reserved for walk-ins that are first come, first served. Show up ahead of opening to get in line. The bar opens at 4:30 p.m. every night.
Must Orders: Oysters; spicy tuna; cheesy fritelle; insalata Louie; octopus carpaccio; lobster triangoli; stuffed farfalle; pepperoni carbonara; shrimp parm; and steak magazzino (pictured here).
Pro Tip: Do use the Resy Notify feature because the team releases reservations daily to folks on the Notify list.
Photo by Evan Sung, courtesy of San Sabino
Una Pizza Napoletana Lower Manhattan
This legendary pizzeria from Anthony Mangieri is your go-to spot for Neapolitan-style pies in the city.
Reservations Drop: Two weeks in advance at 9 a.m.
Should You Walk In? Yes, and if you do, get there by 4 p.m. If you’re a night owl, stop by around 9 p.m.
Must Orders: Marinara; weekly special pie; any of the gelati or the sorbets.
Pro Tip: Walking by and stopping in is your best bet for snagging a table; don’t call, email, or DM.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Roscioli – Tasting Menu Soho
This Roman import has been an incredibly hot ticket since it opened last summer.
Reservations Drop: 30 days in advance at 10 a.m.
Should You Walk In? Probably not. However, you could try your luck walking in upstairs for Roscioli – A la Carte although walk-ins are extremely limited.
Must Orders: You’re limited to the tasting menu here.
Pro Tip: Do your homework before emailing about a potential reservation; they’re more likely to help you out if you’ve been on the Notify list a few times.
Want to know even more? Read on.