The 5 Toughest Restaurant Reservations in the US

Babbo, New York City

Celebrity chef Mario Batali turned an old village carriage house into an ode to Italy.  If you'd like a table on July 15, make plenty of time bright and early on June 15 to try to get through on the reservation line.  Reservations are made a month out.  Locals know to try to snag a seat at the bar by 5pm to get their hands of the eight course pasta tasting menu.

minibar, Washington DC

Jose Andres minibar is a tough table to get.  You might have an easier time scoring a seat at the next Presidential state dinner.  See, minibar is only a six seat restaurant, and they only serve two seatings a night.  You do the math, only 12 people eat at minibar a night!  Reservations are at least 30 days out.

French Laundry, San Francisco Bay Area

Thomas Keller has opened two restaurants in addition to his acclaimed French Laundry.  Bouchon in Las Vegas and Per Se in New York have filled every night and done nothing to ease the frenzy of trying to get into French Laundry.  Concierge all over San Francisco try to pull their weight, but reservations are tough.  Call French Laundry at least two months before you get hungry. 

The Little Owl, New York City

Think of The Little Owl as the hardest little neighborhood restaurant to get into.  There are 10 tables in the restaurant and to encourage locals to dine, only 6 tables are filled for reservations.  That leaves 4 open tables every night.  Good luck!

Pizzeria Mozza/ Osteria Mozza, Los Angeles

Mario Batali and Nancy Silverton's high-end Italian pizzeria is a tough table to get in Los Angeles.  Have your agent call and you might have better luck scoring a spot.  Reservations are taken 30 days out.