Mario Carbone, the chef of the popular New York City restaurant Carbone, shared his insights on gaining access to exclusive dining establishments on the "Flagrant" podcast. He emphasized arriving early, ideally between 5 and 6 PM, before the dinner rush begins around 7 PM. Carbone advised patrons to approach the maitre d' with kindness and flexibility, offering to sit anywhere and promising a quick meal, which may increase their chances of getting a table in otherwise fully booked restaurants.
Arrive early in the evening, as the rush for most places starts at about 7 p.m. If you get there around 5 or 6, it's possible - maybe even likely - that there will be a table or two open.
Speaking incredibly nicely to the maitre d, you tell them that you're willing to sit anywhere and, mostly importantly, that you will be in and out in less than an hour.
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