A West Village Red Sauce Joint Ranked Third in the Country for Most Difficult Reservations

Don Angie, a West Village Italian restaurant, has been named the third most difficult reservation in the country. Despite opening its reservations 7 days in advance, starting at 9 a.m, New Yorkers quickly book up the tables.

The Restaurant’s Popularity

The restaurant, run by chefs Angie Rito and Scott Tacinelli, has been a sought-after spot since it opened in 2017. It has received rave reviews for its modern take on classic Italian dishes, including decadent options like buffalo milk caramel pasta and conch steak al limone. Don Angie earned a Michelin star in May 2021, further solidifying its reputation as a top dining destination.

Reservation Trends

According to OpenTable’s 2026 Dining Trends Report, Don Angie is outperformed only by Nashville sushi restaurant Kase x Noko and Philadelphia Cambodian noodle house Mawn. The report examines restaurant behavior, popular restaurants, and reservation habits. On average, Americans are willing to wait 39 minutes for a table, but in NYC, that number increases to 57 minutes.

The Status Symbol of Dining Out

Restaurants are no longer just a place to eat, but also a status symbol. Waiting in long lines for a table at a sought-after hotspot is becoming the new norm in the city. Boundaries in the restaurant industry have to do with status – the status the restaurant has in the diner’s mind and the status the restaurant gives the diner when it posts it on social media.

The Rise of Long Lines

Waiting in lines is becoming increasingly common in the city, with locals waiting for tables at popular restaurants, bakeries, and other eateries. This trend is not limited to new establishments, as old-school places like Katz’s and Emilio’s Ballato have long had lines. However, the pandemic has exacerbated the issue, with lines now forming in almost every borough.