Today is Restaurant Reservation Day and I have some useful information for you! Shall we find out right away how to snag those impossible-to-get reservations? 🍽️
We all know that frustrating feeling when you try to book a table at that trendy new restaurant, only to find they're booked solid for months. Don't worry! With the right strategies, you can dramatically increase your chances of dining at even the most exclusive spots.
In this guide, I'll share insider tips and tricks that hospitality professionals don't always advertise. These methods have helped me secure tables at restaurants that claim to have 6-month waiting lists!
🕒 Timing Is Everything
Most reservation systems release new tables at specific times. Knowing exactly when to look can give you a significant advantage over other diners.
Many popular restaurants release tables exactly 30, 60, or 90 days in advance at midnight or early morning. Mark your calendar and set alarms for these release windows.
Some places also have a pattern of releasing additional tables on Mondays or Tuesdays for the upcoming weekend. Being aware of these patterns can help you snag last-minute openings.
| Reservation Type | Best Time to Book |
| Fine Dining | 28-30 days ahead, early morning |
| Trendy Spots | Exactly when bookings open (often midnight) |
| Casual Dining | 1-2 weeks ahead, midweek |
📱 Use Multiple Booking Platforms
Don't limit yourself to just one reservation platform. Many restaurants list their availability on multiple services, and sometimes the inventory differs between them.
Check the restaurant's own website first, then try popular booking platforms like OpenTable, Resy, or Tock. Each system might show different available time slots.
Some restaurants also keep tables available for phone reservations that don't appear online. A polite call can sometimes work wonders!
🔍 Try Alternative Times and Days
Being flexible with your dining time dramatically increases your chances of success. Most people look for standard dinner times (7-8 PM) on weekends.
Consider earlier dining times like 5:30 PM or later slots after 9 PM. These off-peak hours often have much better availability and sometimes come with the same menu.
Weekday dining, especially Monday through Wednesday, typically offers more availability at even the most popular venues. The food and service quality remain the same!
🔄 Use Waitlist and Notification Features
Most reservation platforms now offer waitlist features that alert you when a table becomes available due to a cancellation. Always join these lists!
Cancellations happen frequently, especially 24-48 hours before the reservation time as people finalize their plans. Setting up notifications ensures you'll be the first to know when a spot opens up.
Some services like Resy offer "notify me" buttons for fully booked dates. These can be golden opportunities to snag tables that most people assume are impossible to get.
👔 Build Relationships with Restaurants
Becoming a regular at restaurants you love can pay dividends. Staff remember loyal customers and are more likely to find space for you even during busy periods.
Follow your favorite restaurants on social media and sign up for their newsletters. They sometimes announce special events or new reservation releases to their followers first.
When dining, be kind to the staff and show genuine appreciation. These relationships can make all the difference when you're trying to book during peak times in the future.
| Booking Strategy | Success Rate | Best For |
| Last-minute Apps | Medium-High | Spontaneous Diners |
| Concierge Services | High | Special Occasions |
| Direct Email | Medium | Personal Touch |
| Walk-ins | Low-Medium | Flexible Schedules |
| Early Week Booking | High | Planning Ahead |
| Bar Seating | Medium-High | Solo/Couple Dining |
🎯 Final Tips for Success
Remember that persistence often pays off. If a restaurant is truly special to you, keep trying different approaches until you succeed.
Consider booking bar seating, which is often available when regular tables are fully booked. Many restaurants serve their full menu at the bar, and the experience can be even more interactive.
For special occasions or important business dinners, don't hesitate to mention this in your reservation notes. Restaurants often try to accommodate celebrations when possible.
Q: Is it better to book online or call the restaurant directly?
Both methods have their advantages. Online booking gives you visual confirmation of available times, while calling allows you to explain special requests and might give you access to tables not shown online.
Q: How can I get a reservation at restaurants that don't take bookings?
Arrive right when they open, consider dining at off-peak hours, or use apps like Nowait that let you join the waitlist remotely before arriving.
Q: Are concierge services worth it for hard-to-get reservations?
For very exclusive restaurants or special occasions, concierge services can be worth the fee as they often have reserved allocations and relationships with restaurants.
See you next time with more insider tips for enhancing your dining experiences! 🍷
