110 Waverly PlaceNew York, NY212.777.0303

After several hours of constant busy signals, a 10 minute wait on hold and then "either 5:45 or 10 PM [a date 28 days from now], perhaps more flexibility if you call at 10 AM tomorrow for 30 days out.” You would think that a restaurant that’s been open for nine years would have cooled by now, but superstar chef Mario Batali’s vivid, creative Italian is as tough a table today as when it opened. There are also walk-in tables but they’re mobbed too, unless you’re first in the door at 5 P.M.

For more information: Babbo