17 U.S. Restaurants That Are Nearly Impossible to Get Into
It’s hard to believe, but there are still some restaurants in the U.S. where getting a table feels like winning the golden ticket to eating food. Some of these restaurants are more exclusive than a Hollywood after-party. And yes, you can expect all sorts of premium experiences, such as velvet ropes at the door to a red carpet leading to the table.
But as difficult as it may seem, it’s not entirely impossible. With the right strategy (and maybe a little luck), you could find a seat at one of these incredible spots. Ready to learn where everyone wants to eat but can’t. Let’s dig in!
Rao’s | New York City
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If you thought dining at Rao’s was just about a meal, you’re wrong. They’ve made it a legacy. With only 10 tables and a guest list as exclusive as a royal ball, this East Harlem gem doesn’t take reservations in the usual sense. If you’re not on the “who’s who” list of regulars, your best hope is to grab a seat at the bar and pray for a cancellation.
Flour + Water | San Francisco
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A cozy table at Flour + Water is the stuff of pasta lovers’ dreams. But unless you’re a night owl with a knack for snagging reservations at midnight, you might find yourself out of luck. For the determined, showing up late or sitting at the communal table could make all the difference.
The Lost Kitchen | Freedom, Maine
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The Lost Kitchen is an experience wrapped in mystery. To secure a seat here, you’ll need a postcard, a sprinkle of luck, and a good dose of perseverance. Each year, Chef Erin French’s unique lottery system attracts thousands of hopeful diners, but only a lucky handful get to savor her celebrated creations.
Albi | Washington, D.C.
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Albi offers a feast for the senses with bold Middle Eastern flavors and an open hearth that steals the show. But getting a seat feels like hitting a jackpot. For the ultimate experience, book the hearth table for a front-row view of culinary mastery. If that’s too tricky, the bar offers a more casual way in.
Bacanora | Phoenix
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Craving Sonoran cuisine with fire-roasted flair? At Bacanora, even showing up early doesn’t guarantee you a table—it’s that popular. Reservations vanish quickly, but if you’re persistent, you might luck out with a bar seat. The wait may be long, but their bold, smoky flavors make every second worthwhile.
Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi | New York City
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Tatiana is as much a cultural hotspot as it is a restaurant, drawing crowds eager to sample its Afro-Caribbean-inspired dishes. Scoring a reservation is almost like a competitive sport. The tip is to log in before noon, set up alerts, and refresh that page like your dinner depends on it.
Rose Mary | Chicago
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Italian classics and Croatian flavors come together in unforgettable ways at Rose Mary. To grab a reservation, be quick on OpenTable 60 days ahead. Prefer spontaneity? Arrive at opening time and try for a bar seat instead. Either way, the dishes here promise to make all the efforts worth it.
Mujō | Atlanta
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Atlanta’s sushi enthusiasts know Mujō as the place to be for omakase brilliance. But with just 14 seats, timing is everything. Reservations open monthly on Resy, and those few precious slots vanish in minutes. Cancellations? Rare, but they’re your best shot if you miss the initial window.
Eleven Madison Park | New York City
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Elegance and exclusivity go hand in hand at Eleven Madison Park. Reservations are booked out weeks in advance, so planning is key. If that doesn’t work, the bar menu offers a more approachable (but no less exquisite) dining experience.
SingleThread | Healdsburg, California
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SingleThread is farm-to-table dining at its most refined. With its multi-course seasonal menus, it’s no surprise tables are reserved months in advance. If you’re flexible and can be really (really) patient, last-minute cancellations are rare but not impossible.
Canlis | Seattle
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Canlis is a real Seattle icon with its exceptional cuisine and outstanding views. This exquisite restaurant accepts reservations two months in advance. If you can’t reserve a spot, the bar offers a relaxed setting for a more spontaneous experience. Here you can enjoy the menu and also the atmosphere.
N/naka | Los Angeles
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N/naka turns dining into a graceful experience, showcasing the beauty of Japanese kaiseki with every plate. This coveted spot holds two Michelin stars and is a dream for food enthusiasts. Reservations open three months out, and they’re gone fast. So, if enjoying this Japanese experience is so important for you, timing and persistence are key.
The French Laundry | Yountville, California
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To experience the ultimate fine-dining pilgrimage, the French Laundry is the place to be. As for the reservations, they release months in advance and disappear just as quickly. Pro tip: Be ready to book the moment slots go live, or you’ll be left dreaming of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Gage & Tollner | Brooklyn, New York
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This Brooklyn classic exudes old-world charm. But just like any other restaurant on this list, reservations are hard to come by. Your only chance to score a seat is if you come early and opt for the bar. From oysters to hearty chops, the menu delivers a true New York dining experience.
Chez Panisse | Berkeley, California
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What makes this dining option so interesting is that the tables here are scarce. And the reason you don’t want to miss it is because Chez Panisse redefines American dining. The limited tables are open for reservations a month ahead, naturally making it a little difficult to grab a spot. But don’t despair – sometimes, persistence pays off with a lucky cancellation.
Atomix | New York City
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Atomix offers a 12-course Korean-inspired tasting menu that blends traditional flavors with contemporary culinary design. The two-Michelin-star restaurant seats just 14 guests at a sleek counter, where each dish is served with artistic precision. Reservations open monthly on Tock and are fully booked within minutes nationwide.
Owamni | Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Owamni by The Sioux Chef, led by James Beard Award winner Sean Sherman, reimagines fine dining through Indigenous ingredients. The menu excludes wheat, dairy, and refined sugar, spotlighting native North American foods. Its riverfront setting and national acclaim make securing a reservation nearly impossible, as it is often booked months in advance.