LA’s Most In-Demand Restaurant Reservations (Plus How To Land Them)

Getting a table at LA’s hottest restaurants can feel like winning the lottery. Some spots book out months ahead, while others require lightning-fast reflexes when reservations drop.

But don’t worry, I’ve got the inside scoop on how you can snag a seat at the city’s most exclusive dining destinations and finally enjoy those meals you’ve been dreaming about.

Hayato

If you’re ready for a 14-course journey through Japanese flavors, this Arts District gem is calling your name. Chef Brandon Hayato Go creates magic with kaiseki dining that feels like edible art on every plate. Only a handful of seats exist, making each reservation incredibly precious.

Your mission starts on the first day of each month at exactly 10 a.m. on Tock. Set three alarms because spots vanish faster than ice cream on a hot day.

You’ll need to drop a $100 deposit, but trust me, it’s worth every penny for this unforgettable experience.

N/Naka

Chef Niki Nakayama runs one of LA’s most celebrated kitchens, earning two Michelin stars for her modern take on traditional kaiseki. Her creative approach transforms seasonal ingredients into stunning dishes that tell stories. Every course surprises you with unexpected flavor combinations.

Reservations drop exactly seven days ahead at 10 a.m. on Resy, so you’ll need to be quick on the draw. Another $100 deposit secures your spot, but consider it an investment in culinary excellence. Weekday evenings sometimes offer slightly better odds than prime weekend slots.

Mélisse

Santa Monica’s crown jewel holds two Michelin stars and serves a spectacular 14-course tasting menu. Chef Josiah Citrin’s culinary vision shines through every meticulously crafted bite. Expect flavors that dance between classic French techniques and California freshness.

During the first week of each month, OpenTable becomes your gateway to this paradise. You’ll need a credit card on file to hold your reservation.

Aim for Tuesday or Wednesday nights when competition isn’t quite as fierce as weekend evenings.

Dan Tana’s

Since 1964, this West Hollywood legend has been serving up classic Italian-American comfort food that makes you feel like family. Red checkered tablecloths and dim lighting create an atmosphere straight out of a movie. Celebrities and locals alike crowd the booths for famous meatballs and chicken parmesan.

Here’s the trick, call between noon and 4 p.m., aiming for six to ten days before your desired date. No apps or websites work here, just good old-fashioned phone calls.

Be friendly with whoever answers because relationships matter at this iconic establishment.

Providence

Two Michelin stars shine bright at this Melrose Avenue seafood sanctuary where Chef Michael Cimarusti works ocean magic. Sustainable catches become extraordinary plates that celebrate the sea’s bounty. Every dish respects both the ingredient and your taste buds.

You’ve got a two-month booking window through OpenTable or their website, giving you more flexibility than most spots. Plan ahead and mark your calendar early for special occasions.

Lunch service on weekdays sometimes offers easier access than dinner, plus you’ll save some cash while enjoying the same incredible quality.

Republique

This La Brea jewel transforms a historic building into a bustling French bistro that serves everything from morning pastries to elegant dinners. Their pastry case alone could make you weep with joy. Weekend brunch here feels like a celebration, with crowds lining up for those famous croissants.

Reservations open 30 days ahead on Resy, but here’s a secret: walk-ins can snag bar seats during off-hours. Arrive right when they open or try weekday afternoons for better luck. Their bakery counter doesn’t require reservations, so you can always grab treats to go.

Bestia

Downtown’s Arts District explodes with flavor at this industrial-chic Italian hotspot that’s been packed since day one. House-made charcuterie and wood-fired pizzas draw crowds who don’t mind waiting. Their pasta dishes achieve near-legendary status among LA food lovers.

Reservations on OpenTable go live one month out and disappear almost instantly. Set yourself up for success by logging in right at midnight when they drop.

Walk-ins can try their luck at the bar, especially on weeknights around 5 p.m. or after 9 p.m. when the dinner rush calms down.

Gwen

Hollywood’s butcher shop meets fine dining destination where meat takes center stage in the most elegant way possible. Chef Curtis Stone’s Australian roots influence every perfectly cooked steak and chop. Their in-house butchery means you’re getting the absolute best cuts available.

OpenTable handles reservations up to 30 days ahead, so plan accordingly for this carnivore paradise. Lunch service offers easier booking than dinner, plus you can explore their butcher counter for take-home treasures. Bar seating sometimes accommodates walk-ins, especially if you arrive solo or as a couple.

Osteria Mozza

Nancy Silverton’s mozzarella bar became an instant LA institution, drawing pasta lovers from across the city. That famous burrata alone justifies the effort to score a table. Every dish celebrates Italian traditions with California’s finest seasonal ingredients.

Reservations through OpenTable open one month ahead, but they also hold back tables for walk-ins at the bar. Showing up right at opening time (5:30 p.m.) gives you decent odds of snagging a bar seat.

Tuesday through Thursday nights offer your best shot at avoiding the weekend madness.

Sushi Ginza Onodera

Beverly Hills hosts this ultra-exclusive sushi temple where omakase reaches extraordinary heights. Each piece of nigiri represents perfection, with fish flown in from Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji market. The intimate counter seating ensures every guest receives personalized attention from master chefs.

Call directly to book, as they prefer the personal touch over apps and websites. You’ll need to reserve at least two weeks ahead, sometimes longer for weekends.

Expect to invest significantly in this experience, but sushi enthusiasts consider it a pilgrimage worth making.

Horses

Hollywood’s newest sensation combines impeccable service with a menu that pushes creative boundaries. Chef Will Aghajanian crafts dishes that surprise and delight, earning instant acclaim from critics and diners alike. The space itself feels both intimate and energetic, perfect for special celebrations.

Resy handles bookings two weeks in advance, and you’ll want to be online exactly when reservations drop. Joining their waitlist can pay off since cancellations happen regularly. Bar seating offers an alternative for walk-ins, where you can still order from the full menu.

Kato

Chef Jon Yao’s Taiwanese-inspired tasting menu earned a Michelin star faster than most restaurants earn their first review. His inventive approach blends Asian flavors with modern techniques that’ll blow your mind. Only a few tables exist, making this one of LA’s toughest reservations.

Tock opens reservations on the first of each month at 10 a.m. for the following month. You’ll compete with serious food lovers, so be ready to click fast.

A prepaid ticket system means you pay upfront, but it guarantees your spot at this culinary adventure.