A table.watch study

The hardest tables in the worldand how each one opens

Difficulty is not the same as fame. A three-star that takes bookings ninety days out on OpenTable is easier to get into than a one-star that releases a month of seats at 10am on the first and answers only its phone. We monitor 1,286 Michelin-starred restaurants across 38 cities, so this ranking is built from booking mechanics rather than reputation.

229
take no online booking at all
6
release seats on a fixed schedule
every 5 min
how often we check for cancellations

How this is ranked

Each venue scores on the things that actually stand between you and a table: how many stars pull demand, whether there is any online route at all, whether seats appear in one monthly drop rather than continuously, and how far ahead the book opens. Every entry below shows exactly which of those it scored on — there is no hidden weighting.

Where we have verified a venue’s release schedule we give it exactly — 6 venues so far, 5 of them in this top 100. We also flag the 78 here that take no online booking at all. For everything else we would only be restating the platform’s standard window, which is not worth your time, so we leave it blank. The verified list is growing.

  1. 1

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    3-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  2. 2
    KandaAtago, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    3-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  3. 3
    L'OSIERGinza, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    3-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  4. 4
    MiyamasoSakyo-ku, Kyoto

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    3-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  5. 5
    MyojakuNishiazabu, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    3-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  6. 6
    QuintessenceKitashinagawa, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    3-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  7. 7
    SÉZANNEMarunouchi, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    3-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  8. 8
    Ta VieCentral, Hong Kong

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    3-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  9. 9
    HarutakaGinza, Tokyo

    Seats for a whole month go up on the 1st, local time, and are usually gone the same day.

    3-star MichelinSeats released in a monthly batchOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  10. 10
    Kagurazaka IshikawaKagurazaka, Tokyo

    Seats for a whole month go up on the 1st, local time, and are usually gone the same day.

    3-star MichelinSeats released in a monthly batchOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  11. 11
    RyuGinYurakucho, Tokyo

    Seats for a whole month go up on the 1st, local time, and are usually gone the same day.

    3-star MichelinSeats released in a monthly batchOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  12. 12
    SazenkaMinamiazabu, Tokyo

    Seats for a whole month go up on the 1st, local time, and are usually gone the same day.

    3-star MichelinSeats released in a monthly batchOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  13. 13
    DisfrutarEixample, Barcelona
    3-star MichelinWorld's 50 Best #1
  14. 14
    DiverXOChamartín, Madrid
    3-star MichelinWorld's 50 Best #6
  15. 15
    102 HouseHuangpu, Shanghai

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  16. 16
    8 ½ Otto e Mezzo BombanaHuangpu, Shanghai

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  17. 17

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  18. 18
    Canton 8 (Huangpu)Huangpu, Shanghai

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  19. 19
    DenJingumae, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  20. 20
    DoppoKita-ku, Kyoto

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  21. 21
    3-star MichelinBooks only through its own siteOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  22. 22
    EnsuiNakameguro, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  23. 23
    FlorilègeToranomon, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  24. 24
    Ginza FukujuGinza, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  25. 25
    HakuunMinamiaoyama, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  26. 26
    Ji Pin CourtXuhui, Shanghai

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  27. 27
    Jingumae HiguchiJingumae, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  28. 28
    3-star MichelinBooks only through its own siteOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  29. 29
    Kei1st arr., Paris
    3-star MichelinBooks only through its own siteOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  30. 30
    KutanShintomi, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  31. 31
    Kyokaiseki KichisenSakyo-ku, Kyoto

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  32. 32
    MiyamotoKita-ku, Osaka

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  33. 33
    Nishiazabu Sushi ShinNishiazabu, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  34. 34
    Oimatsu HisanoKita-ku, Osaka

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  35. 35
    OtagiKita-ku, Kyoto

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  36. 36
    PRISMAMinamiaoyama, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  37. 37
    SeizanMita, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  38. 38

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  39. 39

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  40. 40
    Sumibi Kappo IfukiHigashiyama-ku, Kyoto

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  41. 41
    Sushi HarashoTennoji-ku, Osaka

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  42. 42
    Sushi KanesakaGinza, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  43. 43
    Tempura MotoyoshiEbisunishi, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  44. 44
    Tenjimbashi AokiKita-ku, Osaka

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  45. 45
    The House of RongJingan, Shanghai

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  46. 46
    Tou ZaoJingan, Shanghai

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  47. 47
    Yusokuryori MankameroKamigyo-ku, Kyoto

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  48. 48
    Ginza KojyuGinza, Tokyo

    Seats for a whole month go up on the 1st, local time, and are usually gone the same day.

    2-star MichelinSeats released in a monthly batchOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  49. 49
    MugaritzErrenteria, San Sebastián
    2-star MichelinWorld's 50 Best #7Books only through its own site
  50. 50
    ArzakAlto de Miracruz, San Sebastián
    3-star MichelinBooks only through its own site
  51. 51
    Core by Clare SmythNotting Hill, London
    3-star MichelinWorld's 50 Best #38
  52. 52
    Kodaiji WakudenHigashiyama-ku, Kyoto

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    2-star MichelinNo online booking — phone only
  53. 53
    Le BernardinMidtown, New York
    3-star MichelinWorld's 50 Best #44
  54. 54
    The LedburyNotting Hill, London
    3-star MichelinWorld's 50 Best #14
  55. 55
    ad hocFukushima-ku, Osaka

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  56. 56
    AlardeNishi-ku, Osaka

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  57. 57
    AloToronto

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  58. 58
    amarantosGinza, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  59. 59
    Anne3rd arr., Paris

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  60. 60
    au decoEbisu, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  61. 61
    Azabu KadowakiAzabujuban, Tokyo
    3-star MichelinOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  62. 62
    Azabujuban FukudaAzabujuban, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  63. 63
    BieberbauWilmersdorf, Berlin

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  64. 64
    BiniNakagyo-ku, Kyoto

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  65. 65
    BrescaWashington, Washington DC

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  66. 66
    Canton TableHuangpu, Shanghai

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  67. 67
    CausaWashington, Washington DC

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  68. 68
    Cheng Long Hang (Huangpu)Huangpu, Shanghai

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  69. 69
    CodaPathumwan, Bangkok

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  70. 70
    CRAFTALEAobadai, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  71. 71
    Edomae ShinsakuNihombashiningyocho, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  72. 72
    Edomae Sushi HanabusaAkasaka, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  73. 73

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  74. 74
    Épices & Foie GrasHuangpu, Shanghai

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  75. 75
    ES7th arr., Paris

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  76. 76
    EssenCielLeuven, Brussels

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  77. 77
    ForumCauseway Bay, Hong Kong
    3-star MichelinOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  78. 78
    Fu 1015Changning, Shanghai

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  79. 79
    Fu 1039Changning, Shanghai

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  80. 80
    Fu 1088Jingan, Shanghai

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  81. 81
    Fu HoTsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  82. 82
    FUSHIKINOKagurazaka, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  83. 83

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  84. 84
    FZN by Björn FrantzénCrescent Road, Dubai
    3-star MichelinOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  85. 85

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  86. 86
    GeraniumCopenhagen
    3-star MichelinOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  87. 87
    Ginza KitagawaGinza, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  88. 88
    Gion MammaHigashiyama-ku, Kyoto

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  89. 89
    Gion SasakiHigashiyama-ku, Kyoto
    3-star MichelinOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  90. 90
    GuchokuniKagurazaka, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  91. 91
    HAJIMENishi-ku, Osaka
    3-star MichelinOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  92. 92
    hakuneiNishiazabu, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  93. 93
    Higashiyama MukuHigashiyama, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  94. 94

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  95. 95
    HiraishiKita-ku, Osaka

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  96. 96
    Hiroo IshizakaHiro, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  97. 97
    hortensiaShintomi, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  98. 98

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  99. 99
    HyoteiSakyo-ku, Kyoto
    3-star MichelinOnly 30 days bookable ahead
  100. 100
    Ippei HantenMotoazabu, Tokyo

    No online booking at all — the only way in is to call the restaurant.

    1-star MichelinNo online booking — phone onlyOnly 30 days bookable ahead

You cannot refresh faster than we can

Pick any restaurant above and we will watch it for you, checking every five minutes and alerting you the moment a cancellation frees a table.

Browse restaurants

Compiled from table.watch’s live catalogue of 1,286 Michelin-starred restaurants. Booking mechanics are verified per venue and updated as they change.