Nowadays, restaurants are making the act of booking a table into an extreme sport, forcing people to either join year-long waitlists or buy reservations from people reselling them for thousands of dollars.
So it’s no surprise that the demand for nearly impossible-to-book dining experiences is at an all-time high, according to a new report from hospitality tech firm Dojo.
Dojo’s new report, which analyzes data from reservation resale platforms over 90 days, ranked the hardest-to-book restaurants both globally and within the U.S. based on average wait times, demand and exclusivity.
The Lost Kitchen in Freedom, Maine, snagged the No. 1 spot — making it the hardest reservation to get in the world.
Potential diners must physically mail a handwritten postcard to be allowed to eat there.
But right behind The Lost Kitchen on the list sits a 130-year-old legendary New York institution: Rao’s, which was ranked the second hardest reservation to snag in the world.
Founded in 1896 and tucked into East Harlem, the red-sauce Italian joint has just ten tables — and none of them are available to the public. Instead, regulars “own” their tables and hand out invitations at their discretion.
These unofficial memberships are passed down like family heirlooms. For outsiders, dining here isn’t about calling ahead — it’s about knowing someone, and even then, you’re lucky if you’re ever invited back.
Across the Atlantic, Spain dominates the international scene with several fine-dining juggernauts. In Barcelona, Disfrutar — which was named the World’s Best Restaurant in 2024 — requires a full year’s notice to snag a reservation.
In the Spanish city of Girona, El Celler de Can Roca attracts diners from all over with its immersive, family-run experience and a staggering 330-day waitlist.
Meanwhile, Mugaritz, the experimental Basque institution, rounds out Spain’s presence at No. 11, reinforcing the country’s reputation for blending innovation with impeccable tradition.
Other high-ranking European entries include Denmark’s world-famous Noma, which — despite its upcoming closure — still commands average resale prices of $1,300.
In the Netherlands, De Librije combines sustainability and three Michelin stars, while France, the UK and Italy also hold their ground with culinary landmarks that test both patience and persistence.
If you want to try your luck at any of these coveted restaurants, you have a few options: email the restaurant directly, ask about walk-in policies or plan your meal months in advance during off-peak seasons, according to Food & Wine.
And yes — for a select few places — you may need to put your creative hat on and write a heartfelt postcard.
For those with deeper pockets, the reservation resale market remains a reliable, but pricey, way in. Just be sure the platform you’re buying from is legitimate, and check local laws before purchasing.
Top 10 hardest reservations in the world:
- The Lost Kitchen – Maine, USA
- Rao’s – New York, USA
- Disfrutar – Barcelona, Spain
- House of Prime Rib – San Francisco, USA
- El Celler de Can Roca – Girona, Spain
- The Bank Tavern — Bristol, UK
- Pujol — Mexico City, Mexico
- Damon Baehrel — New York, USA
- Noma — Copenhagen, Denmark
- La Mercerie — Marseille, France
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