The One Who Keeps the Book New York
How to Get the Toughest Restaurant Reservations in New York
Updated:
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.
Recently added: Bistrot Ha and Ramen by Ra.
The One Who Keeps The Book
Bistrot Ha Lower East Side
The sequel from the dynamic duo behind Ha’s Snack Bar is a loving ode to Paris’ Bistrot Paul Bert, with Vietnamese influences that only they could infuse it with.
Reservations Drop: Six days in advance at midnight.
Should You Walk In? Yes, but if you do, start lining up by 4:45 p.m.
Must Orders: Fried yuba; steak frites; leg of lamb; and the ice cream bombe.
Pro Tip: It might be worth stopping by in person and asking to make a reservation for a future date. (It worked for us over at Ha’s Snack Bar.)
Ramen By Ra East Village
This is ramen worth waking up for, known for delicious asa-ramen with a decidedly New York City twist, best savored for breakfast or brunch. Think bacon, egg, and cheese ramen, or savory salmon bowls. Bonus? You’re bound to see chef-owner Rasheeda Purdie behind the counter every time you go.
Reservations Drop: Reservations drop twice a month at 9 a.m. On the 1st, reservations open for the 16th through the end of the month. On the 15th, reservations open for the 1st through the 15th of the following month.
Should You Walk In? No, they’re reservation only. But if you want to try some of their dishes to go, you can definitely do that (see below).
Must Orders: Steak and egg ramen; everything egg drop ramen, and bacon roasted tomato ramen.
Pro Tip: Can’t get a reservation? Try stopping by their counter for a cup or broth and a bao for breakfast. You can pre-order those items here, too.
Yamada Chinatown
This intimate space dedicated to the art of kaiseki is the city’s newest Michelin-starred and New York Times four-starred restaurant, so reservations are a bit tougher to come by these days, understandably.
Reservations Drop: Reservations drop 18 days in advance, with two seating times at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
Should You Walk In? No.
Must Orders: Whatever chef Isao Yamada produces that night. The multi-course tasting menu changes every day, and is highly dependent on the seasons.
Pro Tip: Don’t overlook the beverage list here; they’ve got an incredible array of Japanese teas, and they put a lot of care and effort to update the wine and sake pairings for each of Yamada’s menus.
Learn more about the mastery and care that goes into a single kaiseki service at Yamada here.
The Four Horsemen Williamsburg
Photo courtesy of The Four Horsemen
The Four Horsemen has solidified its reputation as one of the city’s best destinations for food and wine ever since it opened in 2015.
Reservations Drop: 30 days in advance at 7 a.m.
Should You Walk In? Yes, but get there by 5 p.m. so you can get in by 5:30 when the restaurant opens for dinner on weekdays.
Must Orders: The menu changes all the time, but don’t overlook any of the breads, pastas, and sausages, all of which are made in house from scratch.
Pro Tip: One of the best seats in the house can be found at the bar, which is reserved for walk-ins. And do consider stopping in for lunch.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Photo courtesy of The Four Horsemen
Bong Crown Heights
Photo by Ben Hon for Resy
It’s the permanent home of chef Chakriya “Cha” Un’s Kreung, where they serve a tight menu of Cambodian dishes you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else.
Reservations Drop: Twenty days in advance at midnight.
Should You Walk In? You could always try, but because the space is so small — just 20 seats inside — your odds of a successful walk-in attempt are much lower.
Must Orders: The menu changes frequently but don’t overlook the following if you see them on it: Cha kapiek; clams machew; bone-in heritage pork; whole fried fish; and Mama Kim’s lobster.
Pro Tip: If you do make an attempt to walk-in, try to arrive right when they open at 5:30 p.m., or stop by at 7 or 9 p.m. For now, the restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday.
Photo by Ben Hon for Resy
I Cavallini Williamsburg
Photo by Ben Hon for Resy
When it’s from a team like the one behind much-lauded The Four Horsemen, you know it’s going to be good. Better than good. I Cavallini is their answer for Italian-inspired bites and drinks, located right across the street from their sibling. Plus, it’s a lot bigger — not that that will make getting a table any less of a feat.
Reservations Drop: Two weeks in advance at 8 a.m.
Should You Walk In? Yes. Around 40% of the dining room is saved for walk-ins.
Must Orders: The menu changes all the time but if you see the following, take note: nervetti and onion salad; trofie; lamb sausage with cherries and avocado squash; marinated peppers; chilled cucumbers with colatura; and tiramisu.
Pro Tip: Come early if you plan to walk-in — as early as 4:15 pm — since doors open at 5 p.m.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Photo by Ben Hon for Resy
Lei Chinatown
Photo by Matt Russell, courtesy of Lei
Lei, from King and Jupiter co-owner Annie Shi, brings a fresh new take on the wine bar, pairing an eclectic, globally sourced selection of wines with traditional Chinese flavors.
Reservations Drop: Two weeks out at 9 a.m.
Should You Walk In? Absolutely! They save most of the room for walk-ins. The space is relatively small, though, so try to get there when they open at 5 p.m. or, if you’re a night owl, after 10 p.m.
Must Orders: Celtuce; soft-shell crab (if available); hand-rolled cat’s ear noodle with lamb braised in cumin and tomato; sweet and sour beef short rib; sesame shao bing with cold butter; Berkshire black sausage; and Lady Jinhua ham with seasonal fruit.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to take a peek at the wallpaper in the bathroom; it’s made up of cranes, some of which are in some, ahem, compromising positions.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Photo by Matt Russell, courtesy of Lei
Semma West Village
Michelin-starred cuisine from Southern India gets its long overdue spotlight at this lovely spot from chef Vijay Kumar and the same team behind Dhamaka, the newly reopened Adda, Naks, and Masalawala & Sons.
Reservations Drop: 15 days out at 9 a.m.
Should You Walk In? Yes! The 12 seats at the bar are reserved for walk-ins. Since their James Beard Foundation win, lines have started forming around 4 p.m. for walk-ins, so get there by then or stop by closer to 9 p.m.
Must Orders: Gunpowder dosa; paniyaram; meen pollichathu; and valiya chemmeen moilee.
Pro Tip: If you want to try the Dungeness crab dish with parotta and coconut rice, kanyakumari nandu masala, you should pre-order it at least 24 hours in advance.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Monkey Bar Midtown East
The red vinyl booths and monkey murals of this swanky Midtown spot, originally opened in 1936, have seen everyone from Frank Sinatra to Isadora Duncan, and with the group behind 4 Charles Prime Rib now in charge, expect an extravagant menu of steaks, handmade pastas, and classic cocktails executed to the nines.
Reservations Drop: 21 days in advance at 9 a.m.
Should You Walk In? You can. The bar area has a few tables saved for that, and the bar itself is all first come, first served. Try to get there when they open or in the middle of the afternoon for lunch for the best shot. They do their best to fit in everyone on the waitlist, though, so just be patient.
Must Orders: Roasted prime rib; double cheeseburger; prime rib French dip; any of the handmade pastas; truffle monkey bread; Monkey Bar martini; and a classic Old Fashioned.
Pro Tip: Try to snag one of the iconic red vinyl booths, if you can, for the true 1936 Monkey Bar experience.
Bemelmans Bar Upper East Side
The iconic Bemelmans is the kind of place you’ve either been to or have always wanted to go to. And we highly recommend that you do: classics are classic for a reason, and Bemelmans, known for its live music and martinis, is no exception.
Reservations Drop: Three months in advance.
Should You Walk In? You can try, but be prepared to wait in line for an hour or two. The number of reservations is relatively limited, so this may be your best shot at a seat.
Must Orders: A classic martini with a delightful sidecar; pigs in a blanket; caviar service; and oysters.
Pro Tip: Don’t sleep on Dowling’s at The Carlyle, the sibling restaurant to Bemelmans Bar. Make a dinner reservation for Dowling’s and put your name on the waitlist for a nightcap over at Bemelmans and your night is set.
Want to know even more? Read on.
ADDA East Village
What started in Queens has now made its way to the East Village, with more tableside theatrics and the same warm hospitality and outstanding food.
Reservations Drop: Seven days out at 9 a.m.
Should You Walk In? You can try, but the restaurant’s popularity makes snagging a table without a Resy a feat. For the best shot, try to get there before they open at 5 p.m. to get in line.
Must Orders: Butter chicken experience (must be pre-ordered and the whole table must participate); bheja masala; lamb parcha; Sigdi prawn; goat biryani; Awadhi lamb shank korma; any of the mocktails; and the chutney trio martini flight.
Pro Tip: If you want to try that butter chicken experience, make sure you book a Resy that specifies it. It’s worth the extra effort.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Le Chêne West Village
Alexia Duchêne’s cooking may be all about technical precision, but at her first solo restaurant, the overall vibe feels effortless. This is French food as you might find it in Paris, with a decidedly New York sensibility.
Reservations Drop: 20 days out at 9 a.m.
Should You Walk In? Yes! They save the bar and a few tables in the dining room for just that. For the best shot, try to get there as close to opening as possible, before 6 p.m.
Must Orders: Uni French toast with red pepper puree and bone marrow; pithivier with pork and smoked eel; and crab thermidor with Comté and kohlrabi.
Pro Tip: The wine list is more than 3,000 bottles long — rely on the staff to guide you through it.
Want to know even more? Read on.
The Snail Greenpoint
Brooklyn’s latest hotspot is your next stop for classic bistro fare like steak au poivre and shrimp cocktail — plus a healthy dose of scene and a pitch-perfect martini.
Reservations Drop: Well, never — unless you’re a group of seven to 10. This spot is walk-ins only for smaller parties, but they do use Resy for their waitlist, so plan accordingly when you arrive. For larger groups, reservations drop two weeks in advance.
Should You Walk In? Absolutely! That’s all you can do, really. Also, they’re now open for brunch on weekends, so there are more opportunities to sit.
Must Orders: For brunch, the BEC with romesco and hash browns; and a Bloody Mary with the octopus gilda. For dinner, the burger; steak frites; spicy mezcalita; and house martini. Oh, and the sticky toffee date cake with malt gelato for dessert.
schmuck. East Village
Photo courtesy of schmuck.
It’s the American debut from an all-star bar team, designed to feel like you’re sitting in a (very cool) friend’s living room, complete with a menu of small bites and unforgettably fun cocktails.
Reservations Drop: Fourteen days out at 10 a.m. for everyone, with a few reserved for members of Resy’s Global Dining Access program.
Should You Walk In? Yes! They primarily take walk-ins for the main bar (or, “living room”, in schmuck parlance), or next door at their space, The Kitchen Table, which is walk-ins only and has a totally different menu. While it’s cold, you’ll enter through one main door for both spots, so let the host know what you’re looking for when you check in.
Must Orders: In the Living Room: Larb Gai cocktail, schmuck. Martini, or Versace Slippers cocktail. At the Kitchen Table: Le Banane, Strawberry & Cheese, and Melon, Cheese, Pepper cocktails. To eat, opt for the white bean cacio e pepe, puff pastry pizza with pesto, and crushed potatoes with béarnaise foam.
Pro Tip: People tend to line up early for the first seating during the weekend, but the team says you should do what’s right for your group. Keep checking in and giving it a try — you never know whose plans might change, and there’s plenty of room to walk in!
Photo courtesy of schmuck.
Golden Diner Chinatown/LES
Photo by Aaron Richter for Resy
Golden Diner isn’t your typical greasy spoon, with diner classics like you wouldn’t believe, including highly covetable honey-butter pancakes that are a sight (and bite) to behold.
Reservations Drop: 30 days in advance at midnight, brunch included.
Should You Walk In? Yes, but do know that a line starts forming as early as 8 a.m. for weekend brunch (More details on brunch here.)
Must Orders: Honey butter pancakes; cheeseburger; mushroom Reuben quesadilla; Thai Cobb salad; tuna melt; kimchi tomato soup with vegan grilled cheese; breakfast burrito; and Thai tea tres leches cake.
Pro Tip: You can get those pancakes any day, all day — not just at brunch or breakfast. Get those for the table so you can try more of the menu. Plus, don’t put your phone down if you walk in and add your name to the waitlist; they’ll move quickly to text you if there’s an opening.
Ultimate Pro Move: If you want the pancakes or the burger, but don’t want to worry about setting a Resy Notify or waiting in line, head uptown to Golden Hof – Korean Bar & Grill where they’ve got both of those hits, plus crowd-pleasers like a Busan lobster roll, chicken chile crisp sandwich, and even more flavors of Golden’s famed Korean fried chicken.
Photo by Aaron Richter for Resy
Ha's Snack Bar Lower East Side
One of our city’s most beloved roving pop-ups, Ha’s Đặc Biệt, has finally put down roots on the Lower East Side, offering their often sold-out Vietnamese-inspired bites alongside fresh, natural wines.
Reservations Drop: Three weeks in advance at noon.
Should You Walk In? Yes, but your best bet is to get there early (they open at 5:30 p.m.).
Must Orders: The menu changes all the time, but do look for some of their signature dishes, like the snails in tamarind butter, the grated carrot salad, or the vol au vent.
Pro Tip: It never hurts to stop by and ask for a future reservation for a party of two in person. Trust us — it worked for us recently.
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; monogrammed flower ravioli; 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.
Raoul's Soho
Photo by OK McCausland for Resy
Longtime regulars and visiting VIPs still line up for Raoul’s iconic steak au poivre, and if you know what’s good for you, you’ll be right behind them. This is New York’s original French bistro, after all.
Reservations Drop: 30 days ahead at 8 a.m.
Should You Walk In? Yes. The eight bar seats are reserved for walk-ins. Show up around 4:30 p.m. or on the later side, closer to 10:30 p.m., before the kitchen closes at 11 p.m.
Must-Orders: Steak au poivre; burger au poivre (limited availability at the bar during dinner); pommes frites; artichoke vinaigrette; profiteroles. To drink: Bordeaux; classic martini; espresso martini; Paper Plane; Tequila Negroni.
Pro Tip: If you really want the burger, try walking in early on a weekday to nab a seat at the bar, or stop by for weekend brunch.
Photo by OK McCausland for Resy
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. For lunch, they have a chicken and rice special that comes with miyeok soup, a halal-cart style platter, and soft-serve passion fruit froyo for $24 per person.
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. Still can’t snag a seat? Try stopping in for lunch. Or consider booking Go Go Sing, their new karaoke room, if you’re so inclined.
Must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.
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 last year, 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 tellicherry fry; any of the breads; and the Chai Pani cocktail.
Pro Tip: The bar seating is first-come, first-served and a great option to enjoy the full menu.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Photo by Alex Stanlioff, courtesy of Bungalow
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.
Must Orders: Focaccia Borgo; fava purée; chicken liver crostini; lobster risotto; fennel sausage with Umbrian lentils; and sachertorte with almond, apricot, and crème fraîche.
Pro Tip: Walking in on the earlier side is preferable. Can’t get a dinner table? Try stopping by for lunch every day from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Photo by Martien Mulder, courtesy of Borgo
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 oxtail crab rangoons, anyone?
Reservations Drop: 12 noon, 28 days in advance.
Should You Walk In? Bar seats and an outdoor dining area (when the weather cooperates) are held for walk-ins (at the bar, only for parties up to two people), 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.
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 often saved for walk-ins 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 and black truffle (but of course); live sea urchin with potato and Meyer lemon; golden roasted chicken with radicchio, chestnut, and aligot; 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.”
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 they open at 5 p.m., or swing by around 9 p.m. They reserve seats at their full-service bar for walk-ins.
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 bay leaf and black pepper mezcal martini.
Pro Tip: If you plan to dine with a group larger than seven guests, email them at info@theodoranyc.com.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Photo by Melissa Hom, courtesy of Theodora
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 for dinner.
Must Orders: For dinner, you only have four choices here between mains. Go for the spicy pork or the stir-fried squid.
Pro Tip: Can’t score a Resy for dinner? Try walking in for lunch, Wednesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Bangkok Supper Club Meatpacking District
Photo by Evan Sung, courtesy of Bangkok Supper Club
Bangkok Supper Club subverts the traditional narrative of Thai cooking, embracing Thai street food in a way you’ve never had it before.
Reservations Drop: 30 days in advance at midnight.
Should You Walk In? Yes! They hold a quarter of the dining room and the entire 11-seat bar for walk-ins.
Must Orders: Uni crab tartlet; yum khai dao; beef tongue; grilled branzino; pork jowl (pictured here); any of the cocktails; and the coconut pandan dessert. If you can score a tasting menu reservation for the chef’s counter, you should absolutely do so.
Pro Tip: If you want to try the tasting menu, make sure to make a reservation that specifies it.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Photo by Evan Sung, courtesy of Bangkok Supper Club
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: 14 days 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 live scallop and razor clams; beets and trout roe; tuna carpaccio; confit oysters with spiced Club crackers; sesame brioche with butter; 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
Laser Wolf Brooklyn Williamsburg
Photo by Gary He for Resy
It’s tough to beat the incredible views and equally standout food at this rooftop spot from acclaimed chef Michael Solomonov.
Reservations Drop: 21 days in advance at 10 a.m.
Should You Walk In? Yes, but get there at 5 p.m. to snag one of the 12 bar seats reserved for walk-ins.
Must Orders: The fries with tehina ketchup (be sure to ask for some ranch on the side); brisket kebab; lamb and beef koobieh; and whole branzino with ginger and tomato for two.
Pro Tip: Once you get a chance to dine there, get a leg up on your next visit by asking for a reservation on your way out.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Photo by Gary He for Resy
The Coop at Double Chicken Please Lower East Side
Photo courtesy of Double Chicken Please
One of the country’s most highly coveted and tough-to-get-into bars, with deliciously juicy fried chicken sandwiches and inventive, creative cocktails you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else.
Reservations Drop: Six days out at midnight.
Should You Walk In? Yes, but if you do, you should get there before 5 p.m. for either a spot at The Coop (back room) or the bar in the front, which has recently transformed into Free Range, a lively bar with limited reservations whose drink menu is a game of Plinko. Do know that 80% of The Coop is first come, first served.
Must Orders: All of the fried chicken sandwiches; Japanese Cold Noodle; Cold Pizza; and Red Eye Gravy cocktails.
Pro Tip: This spot doesn’t use the Resy Notify feature so your best bet to get in without a reservation is to wait in line.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Photo courtesy of Double Chicken Please
Rezdôra Flatiron District
Stefano Secchi’s cozy ode to the food and wine of Emilia-Romagna has been packed since it opened in 2019 to rave reviews.
Reservations Drop: 30 days out at midnight.
Should You Walk In? Yes, but do know that it’s only for the bar and that you have to commit to a full meal, not just drinks.
Must Orders: Pasta tasting menu; gnocco frito; uovo raviolo; Grandma Walking Through the Forest in Emilia pasta; rib-eye; and olive oil cake.
Pro Tip: If you can’t snag a table for dinner, try stopping by for lunch or brunch. And you can also always try emailing reservations@rezdora.nyc for help.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Lilia Williamsburg
Photo by Mike Grippi for Resy
It’s chef Missy Robbins’ beloved Italian restaurant housed within an old auto garage that’s been packed since it opened in 2016.
Reservations Drop: 28 days in advance at 10 a.m.
Should You Walk In? Yes, but it’s best to do so right at 5 p.m. on weekends and 4 p.m. on weekdays when the restaurant opens.
Must Orders: Cacio e pepe fritelle; bagna cauda; grilled clams; mafaldini with pink peppercorn; and gelato.
Pro Tip: Call the restaurant at (718) 576-3095 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to speak to a reservationist. And stay close to your phone to get any Resy Notify notifications, usually around 2 p.m. on your desired day of dining.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Photo by Mike Grippi for Resy
L'Artusi West Village
Photo by Teddy Wolff, courtesy of L’Artusi
Since 2008, this West Village charmer has been a favorite among New Yorkers for its pitch-perfect pasta and warm, friendly service.
Reservations Drop: 14 days out at 9 a.m.
Should You Walk In? Yes, but try to stop by when doors open at 5 p.m. for dinner.
Must Orders: Any of the crudo; garganelli; crispy potatoes; and olive oil cake.
Pro Tip: Getting to know the staff, and establishing a relationship with them, might just be your best bet for getting in. And if you’re having trouble getting in for dinner, try stopping by for lunch.
Want to know even more? Read on.
Photo by Teddy Wolff, courtesy of L’Artusi
Rubirosa NoLita
It’s the premier Manhattan destination for Staten Island-style (read: thin crust with vodka sauce) pies and it’s been perpetually packed since it opened back in 2009.
Reservations Drop: Limited reservations are available seven days in advance for parties of up to seven people starting at midnight. Whatever reservations are still available after that get dropped at 11 a.m. the next day.
Should You Walk In? Walk-ins are often quoted waits of 45 minutes and sometimes, it might be more than two hours, but if you’re willing to wait, they’ll get you in. Half the restaurant is saved for walk-ins.
Must Orders: Chopped antipasto salad; roasted octopus; braised beef Braciole; anything with vodka sauce; and the tie-dye pizza. Don’t sleep on the seasonal specials.
Pro Tip: Pop by in the morning and see what’s available a few days before you want a reservation. Or if you want to walk in, put your name down on the waitlist an hour or two before you plan to dine.
Read more about Rubirosa’s enduring old-school, new-school legacy here.
