It’s well known that securing a restaurant reservation in New York City can be tough and expensive. Recently, there’s even more competition with a celebrity-spotting Instagram account sharing popular dining spots. But there are still plenty of great eateries in the city where you can enjoy a meal without the stress of competing for a reservation or paying high fees. Here are a few options:
OLIO E PIÙ: Located in Greenwich Village, OLIO E PIÙ is a lively Italian trattoria with Old World Italian hospitality. The restaurant can accommodate up to 400 guests on a typical Friday or Saturday night, and allows last-minute walk-ins with no cancellation fee. Reservations can be made up to three months in advance, offering more flexibility than the usual one-month window. The menu includes house-made pastas, hand-stretched pizza, and classic Italian dishes like Caprese Salad, Frito Misto, and Tiramisu. Popular items include pesto pasta, classic carbonara, and burrata. Reservations can be made here.
La Grande Boucherie: Located in Midtown, La Grande Boucherie evokes the atmosphere of a lively Parisian square with its elegant decor. Just like at OLIO E PIÙ, reservations can be made up to three months in advance with no cancellation fees. The menu features large format meats, a raw bar, and both classic and modern French dishes. The restaurant also has smaller sister locations in downtown NYC. Reservations can be made here.
Omakase Room by Mitsu: This intimate West Village sushi counter may be harder to reserve due to limited seating, but it’s worth trying. With only 10 seats and three seatings per night, the experience is intimate and exclusive. The chef offers a 14-course omakase meal that showcases seasonal fish from Japan and can be tailored to guest preferences. The restaurant also offers wine and sake pairings. Reservations can be made here, with a cancellation fee for limited seating.
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