It’s no secret that New York City’s restaurant reservation process is both competitive and expensive. More recently, that competition is fueled by a certain celebrity spotting IG account which lists where and when A to D listers are often seen dining. Hopeful voyeurs race to secure tables at the trendy eateries mentioned within this IG account, the owner of which then posts followers’ proud photos of rote pasta dishes and cosmopolitans. That a 10pm dinner reservation on a Tuesday night is considered a “score” at some of these restaurants is simply silly, as a number of the city’s best eateries can be enjoyed without participation in auctioned reservations, hefty advanced fees, and cancellation charges. Such restaurants include:
OLIO E PIÙ: Lively and convivial, OLIO E PIÙ is a contemporary Italian trattoria located in Greenwich Village, featuring Old World Italian hospitality. On a typical Friday or Saturday night, nearly 400 guests are served within either the dining room (anchored by a large bar and a wood fired oven) and the garden patio, filled with greenery in every season. A “no cancellation fee” policy allows for last minute walk-ins, and reservations can be made up to three months in advance—nearly unheard of in the predominant “one month ahead” reservation structure. The seasonal menu has something for everyone—from house made pastas, hand-stretched pizza, and time-honored favorites such as Caprese Salad, Frito Misto, and Tiramisu. Don’t miss the pesto pasta, the classic carbonara (topped with a farm fresh egg) and the burrata. But here, even the bread and olive oil are swoon-worthy. Make your reservation here.
La Grande Boucherie: With its soaring ceilings and elegant chandeliers, La Grande Boucherie, located in Midtown, evokes the vibe of a lively Parisian square. The mood is enhanced by mosaic tile flooring, metal railings and balconies, and florals, trees, and plants. On a typical Friday or Saturday night, the restaurant serves nearly 700 guests. Like at OLIO E PIÙ, reservations can be made up to three months in advance, and there are no cancellation fees. The menu emphasizes large format meats, a raw bar, and classic and modern French dishes such as Steak Frites, Coquillettes Au Jambon and Escargots. (You’ll find the La Grande Boucherie ambiance at its smaller, sister restaurants in downtown NYC: Boucherie West Village, Petite Boucherie, and Boucherie Union Square.) Make your La Grande Boucherie reservation here.
Omakase Room by Mitsu: Admittedly, due to limited seating, this one is a bit harder to reserve, but not at all impossible. Diminutive where the others mentioned above are expansive, Omakase Room by Mitsu features an intimate 10 seat sushi counter and three, 1 hour 45 minute seatings per night, Tuesday through Saturday. Located in the West Village, this is a not-quite-but-close-under-the-radar gem where Chef Mitsunori Isoda honors Japanese tradition and culture. His creative 14 course omakase meal ($200 plus tax) takes into account guest preference and curiosity, and features seasonal fish from Japan in an ever-changing menu based on fish market availability. Be sure to request the bespoke wine and sake pairings, as prepared by the knowledgeable sommelier. Make your reservation here, and note, this one does have a cancellation fee due to its more limited seating.
Happy dining!
All photos courtesy of The Group
