Even as Los Angeles' hospitality industry faces a difficult period marked by closures, the city's most sought-after restaurants continue to be nearly impossible to book, with reservations disappearing weeks or months in advance. The trend persists despite a challenging environment for eateries in the city.
Securing a table at establishments like Pizzeria Sei, known for its Tokyo-inspired pies, the newcomer Bad Roman in Beverly Hills, and the futuristic Skywalker Grill can feel like winning a culinary lottery. However, insights from The Infatuation offer strategies for navigating these exclusive dining reservations.
Pizzeria Sei, with a cult following for its Tokyo-style Neapolitan pizzas, has expanded to two locations. Reservations for both reportedly become available precisely one week in advance at noon. While walk-in seating is limited, the chances are said to improve after 8 p.m.
For an ultra-exclusive experience, Somni, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in West Hollywood, offers a nearly four-hour, 25-course tasting menu. With only 14 seats, reservations are released at 1 p.m. on the first weekday of each month for its single nightly seating, five nights a week. A $600 deposit is required for booking.
The Skywalker Grill, located atop the newly opened Lucas Museum, features a futuristic dining room with city views. Reservations are reportedly booked months ahead, but the restaurant releases canceled reservations on the day of service. A limited number of first-come, first-served bar seats are also available.
Echo Park's Quarter Sheets Pizza Club, known for its square pies and princess cake, now accepts reservations. Experts suggest booking at 9 a.m. two weeks prior to the desired dining date.
In Beverly Hills, Bad Roman offers a New York-inspired atmosphere with unique decor and menu items. Reservations are released 30 days in advance at midnight, and walk-in opportunities exist at the bar.
At the Michelin-starred Holbox, a seafood counter in a South Los Angeles food hall, securing a reservation for its eight-course tasting menu, offered only on Wednesday and Thursday nights, is challenging. Reservations are released at 11 a.m. on the first of each month and are quickly claimed.
The ultra-exclusive Japanese restaurant N/Naka releases reservations for its $395-per-person tasting menu on Sundays at 10 a.m., one month in advance. For last-minute openings, emailing the restaurant about cancellations is advised.
Bar Di Bello, an Italian newcomer in Silver Lake, releases reservations two weeks in advance at midnight. While same-day cancellations may occur, arriving around 5 p.m. for walk-in seating at the bar is also an option.
Restaurant Ki, a Korean tasting counter located discreetly within Bar Sawa in Little Tokyo, accommodates only 12 diners. Reservations for its $300, 12-course tasting menu are released at noon on the first of each month for the following month.
Dunsmoor, in Glassell Park, features chef Brian Dunsmoor's live-fire cooking. While reservations are available a month in advance, the attached wine bar accepts walk-ins.