Unearth The Voyage
New York’s Italian dining scene has never been hotter, and snagging a table at the city’s most buzzed-about spots can feel like winning the lottery. From Greenwich Village red-sauce legends to Brooklyn pasta temples, these restaurants fill up the moment reservations drop. But don’t worry: with the right timing, tools, and a few insider tricks, you can score a seat at even the toughest tables across the state.
1. Carbone (Greenwich Village, NYC)
When it comes to impossible reservations, Carbone sits at the top of every foodie’s frustration list. This Greenwich Village institution serves old-school Italian-American classics in a setting that feels like stepping into a 1950s supper club.
Tables open exactly 30 days in advance at 10 a.m. on Resy, and they disappear within seconds. Your best bet is to set a Notify alert and have your finger hovering over the refresh button before the clock strikes ten.
Third-party apps like snatchd.app can also help by monitoring cancellations around the clock. If you miss the initial drop, keep checking back, especially late afternoons when people finalize their weekend plans.
2. Torrisi Bar & Restaurant (Nolita, NYC)
Rich Torrisi’s Michelin-starred project has become one of the most coveted dining experiences in Manhattan. Reservations release 30 days out at 10 a.m. sharp on Resy, and competition is fierce.
The restaurant’s elevated Italian menu and polished atmosphere attract serious diners who plan weeks ahead. If you strike out online, head to the bar counter, which keeps a handful of walk-in seats available each night.
Arriving right when doors open gives you the best shot at snagging one of these prized bar spots. Check torrisinyc.com for any updates on reservation policies or special events that might free up extra availability.
3. Don Angie (West Village, NYC)
Those viral lasagna rolls you see all over Instagram? They come from this tiny West Village gem that’s nearly impossible to book. The dining room is small, the demand is huge, and reservation-watch sites literally track drop times and strategies.
OpenTable is your portal here, but don’t expect miracles at the standard 30-day window. Your secret weapon is the seven-day-out refresh, when the restaurant sometimes releases additional inventory.
Same-day cancellations also pop up, especially around 5 or 6 p.m. when people’s plans change. Keep your phone handy and refresh obsessively if you’re serious about scoring a table tonight.
4. Lilia (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
Missy Robbins turned Lilia into Brooklyn’s ultimate pasta destination, and getting a reservation here is a full-contact sport. Tables open 28 days in advance at 10 a.m., and they vanish faster than you can say “cacio e pepe.”
Apps like snatchd.app and reservation-booker.com can monitor the system for you, alerting you the second a cancellation appears. When the weather is nice, patio seats sometimes get released separately, giving you an extra shot at availability.
Seasonal outdoor seating can be your backdoor entry when the main dining room is fully committed. Always check both indoor and outdoor options during your search.
5. Misi (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
Lilia’s younger sibling focuses entirely on pasta, and the hype is just as intense. Reservations typically drop around 27 to 28 days out at 10 a.m. on Resy, so mark your calendar and set multiple alarms.
The bar area is your secret weapon here, as Misi holds several seats for walk-ins each evening. Showing up early, ideally right when they open, gives you the best chance of snagging one of these coveted counter spots.
Services like reservation-booker.com can also scan for last-minute openings if your schedule is flexible. Weeknights tend to have slightly better odds than Friday or Saturday prime time.
6. Rezdôra (Flatiron, NYC)
Emilia-Romagna’s rich culinary traditions come alive at this Flatiron favorite, where handmade pasta and regional specialties keep tables perpetually full. Resy is the only booking platform, and prime slots disappear almost immediately.
Your best strategy is patience and persistence. Late-night same-day cancellations happen more often than you’d think, especially between 6 and 8 p.m. when people’s dinner plans fall through.
Keep your Resy app open and refresh the page every few minutes if you’re hoping to dine tonight. Weekday lunches also tend to have better availability if you can swing a midday meal.
7. I Sodi (West Village, NYC)
Rita Sodi’s Tuscan trattoria has been a West Village institution for years, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing. Resy handles all reservations, and demand stays sky-high for every time slot, especially dinner.
The restaurant’s intimate size means there simply aren’t many tables to go around. Walk-ins can work, but only if you’re willing to arrive during off-peak hours, like right when they open or very late in the evening.
Check the I Sodi NYC website for any seasonal changes to their reservation policy. Persistence pays off here, so don’t give up after one failed attempt.
8. Sartiano’s (SoHo, NYC)
At The Mercer Hotel, Sartiano’s has become the fashion crowd’s favorite Italian haunt. The scene here is just as important as the food, and prime-time reservations on Resy are a hot commodity.
If you want to see and be seen, expect fierce competition for tables, especially Thursday through Saturday nights. The restaurant’s stylish vibe and central SoHo location make it a magnet for influencers and industry insiders.
Check sartianos.com for special events or private dining options that might open up additional seating. Arriving solo or as a duo also improves your odds compared to larger groups.
9. Bad Roman (Columbus Circle, NYC)
Over-the-top doesn’t even begin to describe the theatrical Italian-American experience at Bad Roman. Located near Columbus Circle, this spot consistently ranks among NYC’s most-booked restaurants on OpenTable.
The maximalist decor and Instagram-worthy dishes draw huge crowds, making prime dinner slots nearly impossible. Your best strategy is to target lunch service or book a very early dinner, like 5 or 5:30 p.m.
Tripadvisor reviews confirm that advance planning is essential here. If you’re flexible on timing, you’ll have much better luck than if you insist on Saturday at 8 p.m.
10. Il Buco Alimentari & Vineria (NoHo, NYC)
This beloved NoHo spot combines a market, bakery, and restaurant into one irresistible package. Prime-time tables are chronically scarce, with bookings available through both Resy and OpenTable.
The market-to-table concept and exceptional wine list make Il Buco Alimentari a neighborhood favorite that draws diners from across the city. Brunch and lunch tend to have slightly better availability than dinner service.
If you strike out online, stop by the market section and ask the staff about walk-in possibilities. Sometimes they can squeeze in solo diners or couples at the counter during quieter moments.
11. Pastabilities (Syracuse)
Central New York’s most famous Italian spot has been packing in crowds for decades thanks to its legendary Hot Tom sauce. OpenTable reviews consistently warn that you’ll need a reservation most nights, especially weekends.
The restaurant’s cult following extends far beyond Syracuse, with food pilgrims making the trip specifically for that spicy-sweet tomato cream sauce. Weekday evenings offer better availability than Friday or Saturday prime time.
If you’re visiting Syracuse, make Pastabilities your first reservation before anything else. The casual atmosphere and generous portions make it perfect for families and groups.
12. Ristorante Lombardo (Buffalo)
Since 1975, this Buffalo fine-dining landmark has been the city’s go-to spot for special occasions. Saturday night reservations remain notoriously difficult to secure, with bookings available on both Resy and OpenTable.
The restaurant’s longevity speaks to its consistent quality and classic approach to Italian cuisine. If you’re celebrating an anniversary or milestone, this is where Buffalo locals want to be.
Weeknight availability is significantly better than weekends, so consider a Thursday dinner if your schedule allows. The formal atmosphere and attentive service make any visit feel special, regardless of the day.
13. Restaurant Fiorella (Rochester Public Market)
At the Rochester Public Market, Fiorella combines farm-to-table principles with handmade pasta and natural-leaven pizza. The restaurant strongly recommends calling ahead for reservations, especially on weekends when the market draws big crowds.
The seasonal menu changes based on what’s available from local farms, making each visit a unique experience. The market location adds extra charm, letting you browse artisan vendors before or after your meal.
Check restaurantfiorella.com for their current reservation policy and any special events. Weekend brunch is particularly popular, so plan accordingly if that’s your target time.
14. Cucina (Woodstock, Hudson Valley)
A restored farmhouse in Woodstock provides the perfect setting for this perennially busy Italian favorite. Resy handles reservations, and peak nights can be tight, especially during Hudson Valley’s tourist season.
The farm-to-table approach and charming country atmosphere make Cucina a destination for both locals and weekend visitors. The restaurant’s reputation has spread well beyond Woodstock, drawing diners from across the region.
Check cucinawoodstock.com for seasonal hours and special menus. Weekday reservations are generally easier to secure than Friday or Saturday nights when the Woodstock crowd is out in full force.
15. Il Figlio Enoteca (Fishkill, Hudson Valley)
A polished dinner destination with a loyal following, Il Figlio Enoteca has become Fishkill’s Italian fine-dining anchor. Reservations through SevenRooms are strongly recommended, as walk-ins face long waits during peak hours.
The extensive wine program and refined Italian menu attract diners from throughout the Hudson Valley. The restaurant’s attention to detail and consistent execution have built a reputation that keeps tables full year-round.
Visit Il Figlio Enoteca’s website for their latest menu and wine list. The restaurant occasionally hosts special wine dinners and tasting events that require separate reservations.
16. Nick & Toni’s (East Hampton, Long Island)
A Hamptons classic that’s been serving the East Hampton crowd for decades, Nick & Toni’s remains a hot reservation, particularly during summer season. Both Resy and OpenTable offer booking options, but competition is fierce from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
The restaurant’s enduring popularity stems from its reliable Italian-Mediterranean menu and prime location. Celebrities and locals alike pack the dining room and patio throughout the warmer months.
If you’re planning a Hamptons weekend, book Nick & Toni’s first and build your other plans around it. Off-season visits offer much better availability and a more relaxed atmosphere.
