Securing a table at some of America's most sought-after restaurants can be a culinary quest, with waitlists stretching for years and reservation processes that range from lotteries to personal invitations. A recent report from hospitality tech firm Dojo has identified the nation's hardest-to-book dining establishments, ranking them based on factors like average wait times, demand, and exclusivity.
Topping the list is The Lost Kitchen in Freedom, Maine, which earned a score of 89.8. Chef Erin French's restaurant offers coveted dinners only on Saturday evenings from May through October. Aspiring diners must submit a handwritten postcard to the restaurant's address, with selections made by lottery. Those chosen receive a phone call in April to arrange a reservation for the upcoming season. For a less exclusive experience, the property also features a sister restaurant, Little Lost Kitchen, offering counter service.
Ranked second with a score of 82.2 is Rao's, a 130-year-old Italian institution in New York City. This East Harlem eatery, founded in 1896, features only 10 tables, none of which are available to the general public. Instead, tables are effectively "owned" by regulars who extend invitations at their discretion, with these coveted spots often passed down through generations. Dining at Rao's for an outsider hinges on personal connections and the rarity of an invitation.
Rounding out the top three is the House of Prime Rib in San Francisco, holding a difficulty ranking of 77.8. This 77-year-old establishment maintains a classic dining room ambiance, largely unchanged over the decades. Reservations here book months in advance, though the restaurant does accommodate walk-ins for those willing to arrive early.
Damon Baehrel's eponymous restaurant in Earlton, New York, is another notoriously exclusive venue, with a difficulty ranking of 72.8. Reports suggest that Baehrel closed his reservation book in 2014 and is booked through 2030. The dining experience is an extensive seven-hour affair featuring over 30 courses, with all ingredients sourced from the chef-owner's 12-acre property. Baehrel operates as a one-man show, managing every aspect of service.
The Inn at Little Washington in Washington, Virginia, secured a spot in the top five for difficulty. This highly acclaimed restaurant holds two Michelin stars and its chef is a James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award winner. It offers three tasting menus: enduring classics, seasonal favorites, and a strictly vegetarian option.
Other restaurants making the list of hard-to-get reservations include The French Laundry in Yountville, California; Tsuke Edomae in Austin, Texas; Orso in Anchorage, Alaska; the Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train in Woodstock, New Hampshire; and MILA in Miami, Florida.
Experts suggest several strategies for diners determined to secure a reservation at these popular spots. These include emailing the restaurant directly, inquiring about walk-in availability, or planning meals months in advance during off-peak seasons. For those with greater financial flexibility, the reservation resale market offers another avenue, though it comes with a higher cost and requires careful vetting of legitimate platforms and adherence to local regulations regarding resale.