10 Most Exclusive Restaurant Reservations in Los Angeles (and How to Get In)

Los Angeles is a global capital of culinary innovation and star-studded dining—and some of its most coveted tables are nearly impossible to book. From Michelin-starred kaiseki experiences to ultra-exclusive coastal hideaways, these ten restaurants are the crème de la crème of LA’s luxury dining scene. Whether you’re chasing a once-in-a-lifetime omakase or a power dinner with Pacific views, this guide unveils the hardest restaurant reservations in Los Angeles—along with expert strategies to help you land a seat.

Hayato offers an ultra-intimate dining experience with only seven seats per night, making it one of LA's most exclusive spots. Chef Brandon Go's kaiseki menu is a serene journey through Japanese culinary traditions, served without distractions—just pure focus on the food. The ambiance is quiet and contemplative, allowing each meticulously prepared dish to shine. Securing a seat here is a rare honor, but for those who succeed, it's an unforgettable experience.​

Resident Insider Tip:

Reservations drop on Tock at 10 a.m. on the first of each month and vanish quickly. A $100 deposit is required, and while regulars get priority, joining the waitlist and checking often can pay off.​

Address: 1320 E 7th St #126, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Tucked away in the Palms neighborhood, N/Naka is a two-Michelin-starred gem where Chefs Niki Nakayama and Carole Iida-Nakayama, co-owners & chefs, reimagine traditional kaiseki through a California lens. Their 13-course tasting menu is a harmonious blend of Japanese precision and local ingredients, offering a dining experience that's both intimate and extraordinary. The minimalist setting and meticulous service make each dish feel like a work of art. Securing a reservation here is a coveted achievement, but the journey is as rewarding as the meal itself.

Resident Insider Tip:

Reservations open Sundays at 10 a.m. PST on Tock and fill up within minutes. Create a profile with your payment info saved to streamline the process. If you miss out, joining the waitlist or emailing for cancellations can sometimes yield results

Address: 3455 Overland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90034

Nobu Malibu offers a luxurious dining experience with stunning oceanfront views and a menu that blends Japanese flavors with Peruvian influences. Signature dishes like black cod with miso and yellowtail jalapeño are complemented by an extensive cocktail and wine list. The sleek, modern setting attracts a fashionable crowd, making it a favorite for power lunches and sunset dinners. Adjacent to the serene Nobu Ryokan, it also offers a coastal escape for those seeking relaxation and indulgence.​

Resident Insider Tip:

Reservations open 30 days in advance and disappear fast. Calling the restaurant directly, especially during off-peak hours—can improve your odds. Weekday lunches are your best shot for walk-ins, but even then, expect a wait. Persistence, and a little charm, go a long way.​

Address: 22706 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

Mélisse is an intimate 14-seat restaurant in Santa Monica that offers a two-Michelin-starred dining experience. Chef Josiah Citrin's 18-course tasting menu showcases modern French techniques with dishes like A5 Wagyu and hay-smoked chicken. The theatrical presentations and classic vinyl soundtrack create a refined yet relaxed atmosphere. Each course is a testament to culinary artistry, making Mélisse a destination for those seeking an exceptional dining experience.​

Resident Insider Tip:

Reservations open on OpenTable during the first week of each month and go fast. With only 14 seats and limited seatings, planning ahead is essential. A credit card hold is required, and cancellations or reschedules aren’t allowed, so be sure before you book. If you're flexible, consider booking midweek for better availability.​

Address: 1104 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Dan Tana’s is a West Hollywood institution that has been serving classic Italian-American comfort food since 1964. The red-leather booths, dim lighting, and tuxedoed servers create a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of Old Hollywood. Dishes like chicken parm and martinis are legendary, attracting a mix of regulars, industry insiders, and the occasional celebrity. The lively, cozy ambiance makes every meal feel like a special occasion.​

Resident Insider Tip:

Reservations are best made by calling between 12–4 p.m., six to ten days in advance. Building rapport with the staff can also help. While some waitlist options may exist, they aren't always guaranteed. Given its popularity, early booking is crucial.​

Address: 9071 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Providence has long been a cornerstone of Los Angeles' fine dining scene. For nearly two decades, Chef Michael Cimarusti’s two-Michelin-starred seafood haven has set the standard for sustainable, seasonal cooking in LA. The multi-course tasting menu is a celebration of the ocean’s vast ecosystem, think pristine uni, wild-caught abalone, and delicately poached lobster—paired with thoughtful wine selections and warm, attentive service. It’s elegant without being stuffy, and every detail, from the house-made bread to the final petit four, is executed with care. If you're seeking a refined yet approachable dining experience, Providence delivers.​

Resident Insider Tip:

Reservations open up to two months in advance via OpenTable or the restaurant’s website. With limited seating and high demand, planning ahead is essential. A credit card hold is required, and cancellations or reschedules aren’t allowed, so be sure before you book. If your preferred date is full, calling the restaurant directly can sometimes uncover last-minute openings. Bar seating is also an option for spontaneous visits.​

Address: 5955 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Anajak Thai has evolved from a cozy neighborhood spot into one of LA's most dynamic dining destinations. The menu offers a vibrant mix of Southern Thai flavors, with standout dishes like dry-aged fish tacos and Southern Thai fried chicken. Tuesdays bring the popular Thai Taco Tuesday, a lively walk-in event with a communal, outdoor vibe. Whether you're indulging in the omakase or enjoying a casual taco, Anajak delivers a dining experience that's both exciting and authentic.​

Resident Insider Tip:

À la carte dinner reservations open 30 days in advance at 9 a.m. on Resy and fill up fast. The 14-course omakase drops about two weeks ahead and vanishes quickly, so set those alerts. Cancellations do happen, so keep checking or try calling for last-minute openings. On Tuesdays, Thai Taco Tuesday is walk-in only—lines start forming by 5 p.m., so arrive early.​

Address: 14704 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Bestia is the kind of place that makes you fall in love with dining out all over again. Since opening in 2012, this Arts District favorite has set the standard for modern Italian in LA. The industrial-chic space buzzes nightly with diners feasting on housemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and that legendary roasted bone marrow. It’s a restaurant that feels both timeless and alive, thanks to the husband-and-wife duo behind it, Ori Menashe and Genevieve Gergis. Whether you're seated at the pizza counter or tucked into a booth, the energy is infectious, and the food is unforgettable.​

Resident Insider Tip:

Reservations open two months in advance on OpenTable, and prime slots disappear fast. For last-minute plans, try walking in after 9 p.m. and snagging a seat at the bar—especially on weekends. The host team also makes confirmation calls two days ahead, so calling then might land you a canceled spot.​

Address: 2121 E 7th Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90021

​Horses is the kind of place that makes dining out truly feel like a scene from a movie. Set in a former British pub on Sunset Boulevard, it blends old Hollywood charm with a modern, edgy vibe. The menu offers a mix of French (ish) and Californian dishes, from a creamy Caesar salad to an off-menu vodka pasta that's become a cult favorite. With 80s music playing and a crowd that includes industry insiders and celebrities, Horses offers an experience that's both nostalgic and exhilarating. Scoring a table isn't easy, however if you do land one, you'll understand why it's one of LA's most talked-about spots.​

Resident Insider Tip:

Reservations open four weeks in advance at midnight on Resy and fill up quickly. For a better chance, try arriving early in the evening or after 9 p.m. to snag a seat at the bar, which is often available for walk-ins. You can also email them for reservation inquiries or modifications.​

Address: 7617 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Mother Wolf is Chef Evan Funke’s grand tribute to Rome, nestled in the heart of Hollywood. With a menu laser-focused on Roman classics, expect handmade pastas like carbonara and cacio e pepe, wafer-thin wood-fired pizzas, and seasonal antipasti that showcase California’s freshest produce. The dining room exudes old Hollywood glamour, making every meal feel like a cinematic experience. Whether you're indulging in a hearty pasta or sipping on a Negroni, Mother Wolf offers a taste of Rome with a touch of LA flair.​

Address: 1545 Wilcox Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Resident Insider Tip:

Reservations drop on Resy seven days in advance at midnight and disappear quickly. For a better chance, set a reminder and book as soon as they release. If you miss out, the bar and pizza counter are open for walk-ins—arriving early, around opening time (5:30 p.m. on weekdays, 6 p.m. on weekends), can increase your chances of snagging a seat.​

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