The World’s Most Exclusive Restaurant Reservations: How to Get Them

Getting a table at the world’s top restaurants isn’t just about luck - it’s about strategy. These dining spots are in high demand, with limited seating and intense competition. Here’s a quick guide to securing reservations at the hardest-to-book restaurants:

• Leverage Services: VIP membership clubs like EP Club and credit card concierge services (e.g., American Express Platinum) can help you access exclusive tables.

• Be Prepared: Know when reservations open (e.g., 3 months in advance for Noma, 11 months for El Celler de Can Roca).

• Use Tools: Platforms like Resy, Tock, and OpenTable can notify you of cancellations or openings.

• Be Flexible: Aim for off-peak times or midweek slots.

• Build Connections: Regular visits and relationships with staff can unlock priority access.
• Stay Alert: Use waitlist alerts and act fast when cancellations pop up.

Quick Comparison of Reservation Platforms

Platform	Best For	Key Feature	Cost for Restaurants
Tock	Prepaid fine dining	Waitlist + prepaid bookings	$99-$899/month, 0-3% fees
Resy	High-end urban restaurants	AmEx benefits, editorial focus	$249-$899/month flat fee
OpenTable	Broad restaurant selection	Largest network	$149-$499/month + $1-$1.50 per cover

Want a seat at Sukiyabashi Jiro or The French Laundry? Combine these tactics with persistence, creativity, and a bit of luck to master the art of exclusive dining reservations.

The World's Hardest Restaurant Reservations to Get

These five restaurants are the epitome of exclusivity, each with its own set of booking hurdles that challenge even the most dedicated food lovers. Understanding their unique systems is key to landing a seat at these coveted dining spots.

Den (Tokyo)

For Den in Tokyo – crowned Asia’s best restaurant in 2022 – securing a table demands strategy and patience. This celebrated kaiseki spot accepts reservations only by phone, and only during a narrow window each dayjimbochoden.com. Phone lines open two months in advance of your desired date, and they’re notoriously busy – expect to hit redial repeatedly as countless hopeful diners do the same. Importantly, Den won’t accept bookings via hotel concierges or third partiesjimbochoden.com. Persistence is key, and if you get through, you’ll be rewarded with one of Tokyo’s most sought-after dining experiences.

Reservations are only available by phone at +81-3-6455-5433 (Monday–Saturday, 12pm–5pm local time)

Hayato (Los Angeles)

L.A.’s Hayato is an intimate 7-seat sushi-kappo restaurant that has quickly become one of America’s toughest reservations. All seatings for the month ahead are released precisely on the 1st of each month at 10:00am Pacific Time, and they vanish instantly – often within seconds. Regular patrons do get priority, but first-timers aren’t entirely out of luck: the restaurant saves about ten spots each month for newcomers who diligently join the waitlist right after the release. Hayato’s team goes as far as checking IDs to prevent reservation scalping, so you’ll need to book personally on their system. Be ready at the exact release time and have a Tock account set up in advance – any hesitation will likely mean missing out for another month.

Reservations are available on Tock

Alchemist (Copenhagen)

Copenhagen’s Alchemist might be the world’s most coveted dining ticket, thanks to its avant-garde 50-course experience. Instead of a rolling daily system, Alchemist releases seats in occasional large batches – typically every three months, covering the next few months of availability. Once a release date is announced (via their newsletter and Instagram), thousands of hopeful diners flood the online booking site at once. Naturally, when Alchemist opens bookings, tickets sell out instantly. The only way to book is through their official online system (no phone or email reservations are accepted), so preparation is crucial: create your account beforehand and set alarms for the release time. If you miss out, be sure to add your name to the waitlist – the restaurant occasionally contacts waitlisted guests when cancellations occur.

Reservations (pre-paid tickets) are available on Alchemist’s website

Disfrutar (Barcelona)

For Barcelona’s Disfrutar – helmed by former elBulli chefs and perennially ranked among the world’s top restaurants – extreme advance planning is a must. The restaurant opens bookings 365 days (12 months) in advance and no reservations beyond that window are accepted. In practice, this means you may need to reserve nearly a full year ahead for a coveted weekend or holiday seating. Even with such a long lead time, prime dates are snapped up quickly by eager food travelers. Flexibility is therefore your ally: consider lunch or weekday slots, which might be slightly easier to get. If your preferred date is fully booked, Disfrutar’s system lets you join a waiting list – given the high rate of change (and occasional double-bookings by diners), waitlist requests sometimes do yield a table.

Reservations are available via Disfrutar’s website 

Asador Etxebarri (Spain)

Rural Spain’s Asador Etxebarri – famed for its wood-fire grilling and global acclaim – requires a combination of timing and patience to secure. Unlike restaurants that instantly confirm bookings, Etxebarri uses a request-only reservation system on its website. New dates are released gradually on a rolling basis, with one additional day of availability opening up at a time. When you see an open date, you submit a reservation request rather than a guaranteed booking. The restaurant’s team then reviews incoming requests; if a table is available, you’ll receive a confirmation email, and if not, your name stays on the waiting list for that date. Given Etxebarri only serves one lunch seating per day (around 1:30pm) with limited tables, demand far exceeds supply. It’s common for more requests to be declined than accepted – so consider providing alternate date options in your request to improve your chances. And if you do get the coveted confirmation, be prepared to pay a deposit to secure your spot.

Reservation requests can be submitted through Asador Etxebarri’s website

The Chairman (Hong Kong)

Securing a table at The Chairman is famously challenging. After relocating to a new Central location with 20% fewer seats and topping Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2021, demand has skyrocketed. Reservations are accepted exclusively online (no phone bookings) and are released in infrequent batches rather than on a rolling basis. In fact, The Chairman opens bookings only a few times per year (typically quarterly, covering three months of dates at a time), and those slots are snapped up within minutes. The online system uses a 9:00 am (HKT) virtual queue – essentially a lottery given the volume of hopeful diners. All available tables often get fully booked immediately so securing a seat requires quick action and a bit of luck. Persistence is key – watch for The Chairman’s social media announcements on upcoming booking releases and be ready to pounce.

Reservations are available on The Chairman’s website

Sukiyabashi Jiro (Tokyo)

Sukiyabashi Jiro presents its own set of challenges, amplified by its legendary status. Known worldwide from the documentary and a famous 2014 visit by then-U.S. President Barack Obama and Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, this Tokyo institution is as exclusive as it gets. Despite holding three Michelin stars from 2008 to 2019, it was removed from the guide because reservations became nearly impossible for the general public. For international diners, securing a spot often requires a Japanese-speaking intermediary or help from a hotel concierge. The omakase course, priced at around 60,000 yen (approximately $400), reflects recent cost increases due to rising fish prices.

Reservations are only available by phone at +81 3-3535-3600. We recommend using an intermediary, or a hotel concierge at any luxury hotel in Tokyo.

The French Laundry (Napa Valley)

Thomas Keller’s iconic Napa Valley restaurant is another tough nut to crack. Reservations open precisely one month in advance - tables for April 1st, for example, become available on March 1st. Bookings are managed through Tock. However, the restaurant’s popularity means competition is intense. Flexibility and persistence are your best allies, as last-minute cancellations occasionally offer a glimmer of opportunity for determined diners.

Reservations are available on Tock

How to Get Hard-to-Book Restaurant Reservations

Landing a table at a popular restaurant can feel like a competitive sport, but with the right strategies, you can improve your chances of success. Here are some practical tips to help you secure those sought-after reservations.

Use Credit Card Concierge Services

If you have a premium credit card, you might already have a secret weapon for snagging hard-to-get reservations. For instance, American Express Platinum cardholders can take advantage of Global Dining Access by Resy, which offers exclusive access to coveted tables at top-tier restaurants.

The concierge service tied to these cards can often secure reservations that aren’t available to the general public.

To use this service, call the concierge number listed on the back of your card. For American Express Platinum cardholders in the U.S., that number is 800-525-3355. This service can open doors to dining experiences at Michelin-starred spots like Per Se in New York.

Set Up Waitlist and Cancellation Alerts

Cancellations happen more often than you might think, even at high-end restaurants. Apps like Resy Notify and Tock have made it easier than ever to grab a table when someone else cancels. These platforms send instant alerts when a spot becomes available, so you can move quickly.

The key to success here is speed. Make sure your notifications are enabled and be ready to act the moment you get an alert. This approach has helped diners secure last-minute tables at hotspots like Atomix in New York or Hayato in Los Angeles.

Connect with Restaurants on Social Media

Social media isn’t just for food photos - it’s also a valuable tool for booking reservations. Many restaurants share updates about table availability, special events, or last-minute openings on platforms like Instagram. Some even respond to direct messages from diners looking for a spot.

Vladimir Kojic, Head Sommelier at Gaggan, offers this advice:

"We receive 300 emails a day requesting reservations, so my advice is to make yours stand out. Be funny or cheeky or interesting; you'll likely get picked out because you're someone restaurant staff will talk about and will want to see."

By following your favorite restaurants on Instagram or Twitter, you can stay in the loop about opportunities that might not be listed elsewhere. A little creativity in your communication can go a long way in making your request memorable.

Book Off-Peak Times

Timing is everything when it comes to restaurant reservations. Opting for less popular times - like midweek lunches, early dinners, or off-season visits - can significantly increase your chances of getting a table. Restaurants like Wakuriya in the San Francisco Bay Area, for example, often have better availability during midweek slots compared to weekends.

Another tip: Call in the early afternoon for same-day reservations. Restaurants sometimes release tables that were on hold for VIP guests. Being flexible with your party size can also improve your odds, as smaller or larger groups may be easier to accommodate.

Work with Luxury Hotel Concierges

Staying at a high-end hotel? Their concierge service could be your ticket to an exclusive dining experience. Properties like the Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, and St. Regis often have strong relationships with Michelin-starred restaurants, giving them access to tables that are otherwise unavailable.

When you book your room, let the concierge know your dining preferences and provide as much flexibility as possible with dates and times. The earlier you make your request, the better your chances.

Advanced Booking Methods and Industry Secrets

When basic tactics fall short, it's time to step up your game with strategies that restaurant insiders swear by. These advanced methods require a bit more effort, but they can help you land tables at even the hardest-to-book spots. Think of them as the next level in your reservation toolkit, designed to open doors that might otherwise stay closed.

Book Large Group Events

Restaurants love large group bookings because they bring in more revenue. In fact, group reservations have surged by 49% in the past six months, and many restaurants prioritize these over smaller bookings for obvious reasons. Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or corporate event, large parties often receive special treatment - think private dining rooms, personalized menus, and dedicated service.

To make the most of this strategy, skip online platforms and contact the restaurant directly. Let them know you're planning a celebration - they’re often more accommodating for these types of events. Plus, many establishments throw in perks like reserved seating, discounted bills, or custom family-style menus. If you're flexible, aim for midweek slots, as restaurants often use group bookings to fill slower nights.

Build Relationships with Restaurant Staff

Personal connections can be a game-changer when it comes to securing reservations. Regular diners who build genuine rapport with restaurant staff often enjoy perks that money simply can’t buy. Engage with your server, sommelier, or bartender during your visits - remember their names, ask for their recommendations, and show genuine interest. Many restaurants even train their staff to note guest preferences, helping to create a tailored dining experience.

Over time, these relationships can pay off in big ways. Regulars often get tipped off about last-minute cancellations or access to tables that aren’t available to the general public. If you’re staying at a luxury hotel, don’t forget to tap into the concierge service - many high-end resorts have priority access to popular restaurants thanks to their steady stream of high-value guests.

Reservation Bots and Fair Booking Practices

Online reservation systems have become a battleground, with bots snatching up tables in seconds. A report by DataDome revealed that 100% of online platforms lack strong security measures against bots. These automated tools create artificial scarcity, making it feel nearly impossible to book popular spots.

The numbers are telling: 72% of diners worry about bots taking reservations, and 80% want stronger protections against unauthorized reselling. Worse, bot-secured reservations are four times more likely to result in no-shows, and late cancellations are twice as common.

If you encounter "no availability" online, don’t give up - it might just mean bots have taken the slots. Instead, try ethical alternatives like visiting the restaurant in person to join their waitlist or using legitimate notification tools, such as Resy’s Notify feature.

Some states are stepping in with laws aimed at curbing unauthorized reservation resales. Steve Woodruff, General Manager of Commander's Palace in New Orleans, puts it bluntly:

"These third-party reservation sellers contribute nothing to the dining experience. They don't make the food better, the service more seamless, or the atmosphere more enjoyable - they simply make it more expensive and frustrating."

To protect yourself, enable security features on your accounts, keep an eye out for suspicious activity, and stick to legitimate reservation platforms where you’ll find authentic availability.

Restaurant Booking Platforms: Which One to Use

Securing a reservation at a sought-after restaurant often comes down to using the right booking platform. Each major platform has its own strengths and unique features, so understanding these differences can help you make smarter choices and improve your chances of landing that elusive table.

Tock vs Resy vs OpenTable: Feature Comparison

Tock was designed with restaurants in mind, offering unique features like prepaid reservations to reduce no-shows. Restaurants can sell reservations like event tickets, which helps secure commitment from diners. Alinea, for instance, uses Tock to manage prepaid bookings for its tasting menus and immersive experiences. Tock’s pricing structure stands out, especially at the Premium Unlimited tier ($899 per month), where restaurants pay no per-cover fees on prepaid bookings.

OpenTable, the oldest and largest platform, offers a vast network of restaurants. However, its size can sometimes work against diners aiming for exclusive spots. Over time, OpenTable has shifted toward functioning as an ad-driven restaurant aggregator. Restaurants pay $1.00–$1.50 per reservation made through OpenTable, which has led some high-end establishments to explore alternatives.

Resy, owned by American Express, caters to fine dining enthusiasts. The platform emphasizes editorial content and trending restaurants, making it a favorite for upscale establishments. For example, Eleven Madison Park transitioned to Resy to benefit from its polished reservation system and the ability to retain guest data for a more personalized experience. Unlike OpenTable, Resy uses a flat monthly pricing model, ranging from $249 for Basic plans to $899 for Enterprise plans, with no per-cover fees for online reservations.

Platform	Best For	Key Advantage	Pricing Structure
OpenTable	Broad restaurant selection	Largest diner network	$149-$499/month + $1-$1.50 per cover
Resy	High-end restaurants in cities	Editorial content, AmEx benefits	$249-$899/month flat fee
Tock	Fine dining with experiences	Prepaid bookings, no per-cover fees	$99-$899/month, 0-3% on prepaid

Tock’s automatic waitlist feature is another standout, quickly filling tables from last-minute cancellations. These differences highlight the importance of aligning your platform choice with your dining goals.

How to Choose the Right Platform

Choosing the best platform depends on the type of restaurant you’re targeting and your location. Resy and Tock are the top choices for fine dining, especially Michelin-starred venues. If your goal is to dine at the most exclusive spots, these two platforms should be your primary focus.

For last-minute opportunities, Tock’s automatic waitlist system is a game-changer. Its prepaid model reduces no-shows, and cancellations are often rebooked quickly through the waitlist.

Resy excels in major cities where its partnerships with high-end restaurants are more common. OpenTable, while not always the first choice for exclusive dining, remains valuable for its extensive network. It’s worth keeping an eye on for cancellations at upscale venues that use multiple platforms.

To maximize your chances, consider using all three platforms simultaneously. Take advantage of features like Resy’s guest insights and Tock’s waitlist system to secure those hard-to-get reservations.

When joining waitlists, make sure to provide accurate party sizes and use any pre-visit questionnaires to communicate dietary needs or special requests in advance. This level of preparation can make a strong impression and increase your chances of being prioritized for last-minute openings.

Conclusion: Master the Art of Restaurant Reservations

Getting that sought-after table at a popular restaurant takes more than luck - it’s all about strategy, persistence, and timing. The smartest diners mix and match different methods to maximize their chances. They use reservation platforms like Tock and Resy, tap into their credit card’s concierge service for exclusive perks, and set up cancellation alerts to snag last-minute openings.

Flexibility is a game-changer. Being open to dining at non-peak times or on quieter days can make all the difference.

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of a thoughtful, polite message when reaching out to restaurant staff - it can help your request stand out. And if you’re on a waitlist, stay alert and ready to act fast. A little patience and quick reflexes can turn a “no” into a “yes” when a cancellation pops up.

For VIP access to exclusive restaurant reservations leverage our concierge by becoming a member here.