One name stands out above the rest – Babbo. Everyone knows Mario Batali. The most popular chef in Manhattan had been a common face on the food network until they recently gave him the boot. Regardless, we all know the difficulty of snagging one of these coveted reservations. Reservations open up one month in advance at 10:00 AM. Unlike other restaurants, Mario does not have a dozen receptionists manning the phones to record the reservations at Babbo. Instead, would-be diners often hear busy signals for over an hour only to find a fully booked restaurant when the phone finally rings through. The outrage is palpable – trust me, I know as it’s happened to me too.

The food is sublime and worth the pains of getting through to the receptionist. As with most of the New York’s finest restaurants, reservations pop on tablexchange regularly if you covet that last minute steal. Otherwise, try calling for a Sunday or Monday evening when it’s slightly (and only just so) less busy. Also, if you do not mind eating a little earlier you can usually get a walk-in table if you do not mind arriving by 6:00. When you finally make it in to dine be sure to order the Mint Love Letters. You will not be disappointed.