What Are the Top 5 Restaurants With The Longest Waiting Lists in The World?

It is now common practice in every part of the world to book a restaurant for a lunch or dinner with friends, so as to ensure a table on the day and at the desired time. By doing so, you do not find yourself waiting hours and hours outside the restaurant in the hope that someone will vacate their seat as soon as possible. The only small "inconvenience"? Some waiting lists, especially those of the most popular restaurants internationally, have become disproportionately long, so much so that in some cases you have to wait more than 5 years to get a reservation. Here are the places scattered around the world where it is practically impossible to organize a dinner.

1. Noma – Copenhagen, Denmark

Noma, located in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark, is often regarded as one of the best restaurants in the world. Founded by chef René Redzepi in 2003, Noma has revolutionized Nordic cuisine by focusing on local, seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques. Redzepi's culinary genius has earned the restaurant multiple Michelin stars and numerous awards. Diners can expect a unique experience with dishes that might include reindeer moss or fermented wild plants. The waiting list for Noma can stretch up to a year, and the cost of a dinner there is around $500 per person, excluding wine pairings.

2. Osteria Francescana – Modena, Italy

In the charming town of Modena, Italy, Osteria Francescana is the brainchild of chef Massimo Bottura. Opened in 1995, this three-Michelin-starred restaurant is celebrated for its avant-garde approach to traditional Italian cuisine. Bottura's playful and artistic dishes, such as his famous "Five Ages of Parmigiano Reggiano," have earned global acclaim. The waiting list for a table at Osteria Francescana can be as long as six months, and dining here will set you back around $400 per person, not including drinks.

3. El Celler de Can Roca – Girona, Spain

El Celler de Can Roca, situated in Girona, Spain, is a family-run restaurant founded in 1986 by the Roca brothers—Joan, Josep, and Jordi. Each brother brings his own expertise to the table: Joan as the head chef, Josep as the sommelier, and Jordi as the pastry chef. Their collaborative efforts have earned the restaurant three Michelin stars and a reputation for exceptional Catalan cuisine with a modern twist. The waiting list can extend up to 11 months, and a meal here typically costs around $350 per person, not including wine pairings.

4. The French Laundry – Yountville, California, USA

The French Laundry, located in the picturesque Napa Valley in Yountville, California, is a culinary landmark helmed by renowned chef Thomas Keller. Since opening in 1994, this three-Michelin-starred restaurant has become synonymous with refined French-American cuisine. Keller's meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence have made The French Laundry a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Securing a reservation can take up to a year, and a meal will cost approximately $350 per person, with wine pairings and service charges additional.

5. Sukiyabashi Jiro – Tokyo, Japan

Sukiyabashi Jiro, a small sushi restaurant in Tokyo's Ginza district, is legendary for its masterful sushi crafted by Jiro Ono, the world's oldest Michelin three-star chef. Since opening in 1965, Jiro's dedication to perfection has attracted sushi lovers from around the globe, including celebrities and dignitaries. The restaurant's minimalist approach focuses solely on the quality and flavor of the sushi. The waiting list can be several months long, and dining at Sukiyabashi Jiro costs around $300 per person, offering an unforgettable culinary experience.