9 Exclusive Restaurants Tougher to Book Than Harvard Admissions

World’s Most Sought-After Restaurants

El Celler de Can Roca

The Roca brothers — Joan, Jordi, and Josep — are the genius behind what has, in recent years, become the world’s most popular restaurant. The Girona establishment sits at the top of the San Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurants list.

The Roca brothers -- Joan, Jordi and Josep -- are the brainpower behind what has in recent years become the world's most popular restaurant. The Girona establishment sits at the top of the San Pellegrino World's Best Restaurants list.
The Roca brothers — Joan, Jordi and Josep — are the brains behind the acclaimed El Celler de Can Roca.

Franklin Barbecue

Regularly referred to as the best barbecue joint in America, Franklin Barbecue is a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Customers wait in line for hours, eager to savor the restaurant’s signature brisket.

Customers wait in line for hours for a taste of the restaurant's signature brisket.
Franklin Barbecue is widely regarded for its mouthwatering brisket.

Sushi Dai

Many Tokyo guidebooks extol the virtues of the 5 a.m. sushi breakfast at Sushi Dai. The wait can exceed four hours, with many patrons lining up as early as 3 a.m. to enjoy this exquisite experience.

The wait can surpass four hours, and many customers start lining up at 3 a.m.
Sushi Dai in Tokyo offers an unforgettable breakfast experience.

Damon Baehrel

Self-taught chef Damon Baehrel operates his eponymous restaurant from the basement of his home. This exclusive venue ceased taking reservations in March 2014 and is currently fully booked until 2025.

The restaurant stopped taking reservations in March 2014 (currently it's booked solid until 2025).
Damon Baehrel runs a unique dining establishment with high demand.

Noma

Ever since Noma first topped the World’s Best Restaurant list in 2010, acquiring a dining spot at this Copenhagen-based restaurant has been a challenge. The restaurant boasts a 60,000-strong waiting list and intermittently halts reservations while chef Rene Redzepi travels.

Noma has a 60,000-strong waiting list, making reservations nearly impossible.
Noma is known for its innovative cuisine and extensive waiting list.

Rose’s Luxury

Even before it was named the best restaurant in America by Bon Appetit Magazine, Rose’s Luxury in Washington D.C. had lines stretching down the block for a chance to dine at this no-reservation venue.

Lines were forming down the block for a chance to eat at this no-reservation Washington D.C. venue.
Rose’s Luxury has become a popular dining destination in Washington D.C.

Brooklyn Fare

Chef Cesar Ramirez leads Brooklyn’s only three-star Michelin restaurant, Brooklyn Fare. With just 18 seats, obtaining a table can be quite challenging, enhancing its allure.

Chef Cesar Ramirez heads up Brooklyn's only three-star Michelin restaurant.
Brooklyn Fare is renowned for its exclusive dining experience.


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