Trying to secure a reservation at a popular restaurant in New York City can feel like a daunting task. Ben Leventhal, the co-founder of Resy and Eater, shared his tips for how to snag a spot at some of the hottest restaurants in the city. According to Leventhal, some of the toughest tables to book are at places like Torrisi, Carbone, Polo Bar, and Cote. These are the places that everyone wants to go and are extremely popular among New Yorkers and visitors alike.
The best way to score a reservation at these highly sought-after restaurants is to know someone who works there. Leventhal, now the founder and CEO of Blackbird, a restaurant check-in platform, advises people to try to create a personal relationship with the restaurant staff. He personally reaches out via Instagram, email, in person, or through a mutual friend to establish a connection. Making a personal connection is the most effective way to secure a reservation at a hard-to-get-into restaurant, according to Leventhal.
When it comes to making a reservation, Leventhal suggests that making one in-person or by telephone is the most effective method. On the other hand, trying to book a reservation online is the least effective way. Leventhal also recommends showing up early or very late for dinner if you don’t have a reservation. By arriving at 5 o’clock at a popular restaurant on a less busy day, you increase your chances of being seated. Showing up early or late signals to the restaurant that you are willing to invest in them, which may increase your chances of getting a table.
Adam Iscoe shared his experience of randomly walking into the West Village restaurant 4 Charles without a reservation and expecting to be turned away. To his surprise, the restaurant staff told him to return 30 minutes before the kitchen closed, and he was seated. Leventhal responded that this is exactly how one can become a regular at a restaurant like 4 Charles. Even he, with his connections in the industry, struggles to secure a reservation at popular restaurants, showing that anyone can face challenges in booking a table.
Leventhal and Iscoe’s tips and experiences highlight the importance of building personal relationships with restaurant staff and being willing to invest time and effort to secure a reservation at a top restaurant in NYC. By reaching out to staff directly, showing up in person or by telephone, and being flexible with the timing of your visit, you can increase your chances of getting a table at a highly sought-after restaurant. While getting a reservation at a popular NYC restaurant may feel like winning the lottery, with the right approach, it is possible to secure a spot at one of the hottest dining spots in the city.
