12 Massachusetts Restaurants That Are Nearly Impossible To Book
In Massachusetts, some restaurants have become so popular that getting a reservation feels like winning the lottery.
Food lovers plan weeks, sometimes months ahead, just for a taste of what everyone’s raving about.
From intimate bistros serving artful plates to buzzing hotspots with unforgettable menus, these dining spots set the bar high.
The demand is proof that when the food is this exceptional, every hard-earned reservation feels completely worth it.
1. Oleana (Cambridge)
Chef Ana Sortun’s Mediterranean masterpiece has been wooing diners since 2001, and the crowds haven’t slowed down one bit.
Her inventive menu draws inspiration from Turkey, Greece, and the Middle East, featuring dishes like crispy fried mussels and lamb with apricots that make your taste buds do a happy dance.
The intimate dining room seats fewer than 100 people, which means reservations vanish faster than free samples at Costco.
Book exactly 30 days in advance when slots open, or try your luck at the bar for walk-in seating. Pro tip: their patio in warmer months is absolutely magical.
2. No Relation (Boston)
This Fenway newcomer became an instant sensation when it opened, proving that word-of-mouth spreads faster than butter on hot bread.
This intimate nine-seat omakase, tucked inside Shore Leave and led by Chef Colin Lynch and team, serves a 17-course sushi experience.
With only about nine seats, scoring a reservation requires ninja-level reflexes and serious dedication. Reservations drop 30 days out at midnight and they’re gone within minutes.
The tasting menu changes constantly based on seasonal ingredients, so even repeat visitors get surprised. Consider joining their waitlist or showing up early for potential cancellations.
3. Asta (Boston)
Tucked in the Back Bay, this sleek spot serves European-inspired dishes that look almost too pretty to eat (but you definitely should).
Chef Alex Crabb crafts a constantly evolving tasting menu that showcases his incredible technique and creativity.
The restaurant’s popularity skyrocketed after earning rave reviews, making reservations tougher to snag than front-row concert tickets.
Their intimate 38-seat space fills up weeks in advance, especially for weekend slots.
Weeknight dinners offer slightly better odds, though you’ll still need to plan ahead. Fun fact: “asta” in Italian means “auction,” not “branch.”
4. UNI (Boston)
Ken Oringer’s Japanese izakaya-style gem sits inside the Eliot Hotel, serving some of the finest sashimi and creative small plates in the city.
The menu reads like a greatest hits album of Japanese cuisine, with unexpected twists that keep regulars hooked.
Counter seats overlooking the kitchen are the hottest tickets in town, offering front-row views of culinary artistry in action.
Reservations open 30 days out and disappear quicker than you can say “omakase.”
Their sake selection is phenomenal, featuring rare bottles you won’t find anywhere else. Bar seating accepts walk-ins, so showing up early might score you a spot.
5. SRV (Boston)
Chef Michael Lombardi’s South End trattoria celebrates the bold flavors of Venice and the surrounding region with serious passion.
The handmade pasta alone is worth the reservation battle, with dishes like squid ink spaghetti that haunt your dreams in the best possible way.
Weekend prime-time slots get snatched up faster than you can say “ciao bella,” so flexibility is your friend here.
The wine list focuses on natural and orange wines from northeastern Italy, perfect for adventurous drinkers.
SRV stands for “Serene Republic of Venice,” a nod to Venice’s historic name.
6. TABLE by Jen Royle (Boston)
Sports broadcaster turned restaurateur Jen Royle created this North End hotspot where comfort food gets a sophisticated upgrade.
The menu features elevated classics like short rib grilled cheese and lobster mac that make you feel like you’re eating at a friend’s house (if your friend happened to be an amazing chef).
The tiny 32-seat communal space books solid weeks ahead, especially during Sunday brunch when the whole neighborhood seems to show up.
Reservations release on Resy two weeks out at midnight sharp. Expect set seating times and a family-style, fixed-menu format. Walk-ins sometimes work for solo diners at the bar.
7. Saltie Girl (Boston)
This Back Bay seafood shrine is basically a love letter to everything delicious from the ocean.
Owner Kathy Sidell curated a menu featuring tinned fish from around the world alongside fresh New England seafood preparations that’ll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about canned goods.
The compact space means competition for tables rivals Black Friday shopping, minus the trampling. Reservations open 14 days in advance and vanish almost instantly, particularly for dinner service.
Their tinned fish selection is legendary, imported from Spain, Portugal, and beyond. Lunch reservations tend to be slightly easier to score than dinner slots.
8. Yvonne’s (Boston)
Step through the doors and you’ll feel like you’ve crashed a fabulous 1920s party in the best way possible.
This Downtown Crossing stunner combines supper club vibes with seriously good food, from their famous burger to inventive cocktails that taste as good as they look.
The sprawling space includes multiple rooms and a library bar, yet somehow reservations still fill up faster than a phone battery at 1%. Weekend evenings book weeks ahead, so plan accordingly or risk missing out.
Their theatrical presentation and Instagram-worthy decor make it a popular spot for celebrations. Supper-time reservations are your best bet; the restaurant is open evenings (no lunch service).
9. Sorellina (Boston)
Back Bay’s sophisticated Italian darling has been packing the house since 2006, proving that excellent food never goes out of style.
Chef Jamie Mammano’s refined Northern Italian menu features house-made pastas and pristine seafood that justify every penny and every minute spent trying to book a table.
The elegant dining room attracts everyone from power lunchers to date-night couples, making prime slots incredibly competitive. Reservations open 30 days out, and weekends disappear almost immediately.
Their wine program showcases Italian bottles you won’t find at your corner store. Bar seating offers a more relaxed vibe with the same exceptional menu.
10. Woods Hill Pier 4 (Boston)
Perched on the Seaport waterfront, this farm-to-table paradise sources ingredients from its own farm in New Hampshire.
The commitment to sustainability is impressive, but what really draws crowds is the knockout food and stunning harbor views that make every meal feel special.
Sunset reservations are nearly mythical, disappearing within hours of becoming available on the booking platform.
The seasonal menu changes based on what’s growing at their farm, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor.
Their outdoor patio in summer is absolute perfection for waterfront dining. Weekday lunches offer your best shot at snagging a table without major advance planning.
11. Bar Mezzana (Boston)
Colin Lynch’s coastal Italian spot brings the flavors of southern Italy to the South End with stunning results.
The crudo selection alone is worth the reservation struggle, featuring impossibly fresh fish dressed simply to let quality shine through.
This neighborhood gem became so popular that locals started complaining they couldn’t get tables anymore (a good problem to have).
Reservations open two weeks ahead and vanish quicker than gelato on a hot day. Their handmade pastas showcase traditional techniques with New England ingredients.
The bar area takes walk-ins and serves the full menu, offering hope for spontaneous diners. Weekend brunch is equally challenging to book.
12. Select Oyster Bar (Boston)
Michael Serpa’s Back Bay oyster bar channels classic New England seafood shacks with a polished, urban twist.
The daily-changing oyster selection features varieties from both coasts, plus classic preparations like lobster rolls that nail the perfect mayo-to-lobster ratio.
Service is full-service at both lunch and dinner and both get absolutely slammed with seafood lovers.
Dinner reservations are tough but not impossible if you book exactly when they release. Their fried clam roll has developed a cult following among locals.
The casual vibe makes it perfect for both quick bites and longer meals. Reservations are accepted for lunch and dinner; walk-in space is held daily.