Scoring a reservation at certain exclusive New York City restaurants can be difficult, with some being compared to getting booked on a commercial shuttle to Mars. However, a luxury hotel concierge recently revealed tips on how to secure a reservation at the most sought-after restaurants in the city. The two most requested establishments, according to the anonymous concierge, are Ralph Lauren’s The Polo Bar and Carbone in the West Village. Both are known for their exclusivity, with even A-list celebrities like Justin and Hailey Bieber being turned away for showing up without a reservation.
Following closely behind these two hotspots are other upscale restaurants such as Per Se, Monkey Bar, Le Bernardin, 4 Charles Prime Rib, Don Angie, Torrisi, Blue Box Cafe, COTE, and Balthazar. The concierge mentioned that guests often request reservations at Via Carota, I Sodi, Tatiana, The Office of Mr. Moto, and Peter Luger after reading articles or seeing social media posts about them. To increase the chances of getting into these popular restaurants, it is recommended to give the concierge as much advanced notice as possible, as many establishments accept reservations 28-30 days in advance.
Additionally, the concierge emphasized the importance of being polite and understanding in interactions with the hotel staff. Tips, thank you notes, and treats are appreciated by hotel employees, and those who are easy to work with may receive special attention when it comes to securing restaurant reservations. Unfortunately, many guests fail to follow these guidelines and expect last-minute reservations, especially for larger parties on weekends. The concierge mentioned that some patrons treat hotel concierges as omnipotent gatekeepers, believing they have control over all restaurant reservations in the city.
One cautionary tale shared by the concierge involved a guest from Miami who demanded a last-minute reservation at a popular restaurant. Despite claiming to be a VIP and insisting that the staff at the restaurant knew him, it was revealed that he had actually been banned for his behavior. This anecdote serves as a reminder that being entitled and pushy is not an effective way to secure reservations at exclusive establishments in New York City. Overall, the key to landing a spot at a sought-after restaurant in the city is to plan in advance, be courteous to hotel staff, and understand the limitations of last-minute requests. By following these guidelines, guests may have a better chance of dining at some of the most exclusive eateries in the Big Apple.
