If you’re always on the lookout to experience top Michelin-star restaurants no matter where in the world you are, the endless waiting and multiple failed reservations can douse your appetite. This is where knowing the secrets of securing a star-rated table will come in handy. We chat with Aman New York’s Concierge Team to know the failproof ways they secure tables at starred restaurants for their guests without breaking a sweat.

And for all the foodies out there, it is worth knowing where to Eat like a Chef in New York so you never come out of a restaurant unsatiated.

PL: What tips can you share for securing a table at Michelin-star restaurants, which can often get booked on the day reservations open?

Aman NYC Concierge: The best advice to secure a reservation is to first understand the specific restaurant’s booking window, which typically varies from 30 to 7 days, and then get online early, ready to secure your desired time when the reservations are live. Restaurants that we see often requested are Semma and Cote.

PL: How far in advance should guests book such dining experiences?

Aman NYC Concierge: Each restaurant has its own booking window, so we recommend first familiarizing yourself with the specific policy. As mentioned, typically, we see booking windows ranging from 30 to 7 days prior to the desired reservation date.

PL: Do you (and Luxury Hotel Concierges in General) have special relationships with these restaurants to help guests secure reservations?

Aman NYC Concierge: Yes, especially within an urban destination, such as New York City, which often has an ever-changing rotation of desired dining experiences and restaurants, it is imperative for us at Aman New York to develop and maintain close relationships with owners, managers, maître D’s, etc. in order to secure not only the reservation, but also the best table and service for our guests.

PL: How important are timing, persistence, and connections in booking at top-tier restaurants?

Aman NYC Concierge: It varies from restaurant to restaurant, but these are all important when booking. Of course, we try to reach out as soon as we receive potential interest from our guests, but when that is not possible, our strong connections come into play. 

PL: What common mistakes do guests make when trying to book Michelin-star restaurants?

Aman NYC Concierge: Similar to the tip on booking restaurants, the most common mistakes we see are not completing the reservation process, which often requires a credit or debit card to confirm the reservation, reserving for the wrong date, and other small errors that can cause a guest to lose a reservation.

PL: How do you handle last-minute reservation requests or difficulties securing a reservation?

Aman NYC Concierge: We will always endeavour to fulfil a guest’s requests, however in the instance when we receive last-minute requests for reservations, we will manage expectations with our guests from the outset and, if required, offer similar, if not better, alternatives, to ensure we are able to help facilitate a memorable and enjoyable.

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