Book early
Many popular restaurants book out weeks, if not months, in advance. The best way to secure your preferred date and time is to book as early as possible. Check the restaurant’s website to find out when reservations open and set an alarm or calendar reminder so you don’t miss it. Be sure to have a credit card ready, as many restaurants require one to confirm your reservation and only give you a few minutes to finalize the booking.Use the right credit card
Certain credit cards offer exclusive dining perks that make securing a spot at in-demand restaurants easier. Premium cards often include concierge services or partnerships with reservation platforms, giving cardholders priority or early access to reservations and special events like tasting menus and private dining experiences. Be sure to review your card’s dining benefits to see what services are available.
Keep an eye out for cancellations
Reservation platforms like Tock, Resy and OpenTable are increasingly popular with restaurants in the U.S., and around the world. These platforms not only streamline the booking process, but also show real-time availability. Monitor them regularly to stay on top of cancellations for a chance to snag your seat.Reach out directly
In some cases, a reservation platform may not reflect all available tables as restaurants might set some aside for special purposes. This means there could be availability that isn’t showing up online. Additionally, not all restaurants use booking platforms, so your best bet is to call or email them directly.Be flexible
Being flexible can increase your chances of scoring a reservation at a top restaurant. If possible, consider visiting during the off-season, on a weeknight instead of the weekend, or opting for an earlier time, like 5:00 p.m. instead of the busier 7:00 p.m. Stay open to last-minute cancellations as well, as those often occur.