You know that neighborhood restaurant that you constantly fall back on? The one that always has a table available no matter how last-minute you decide to go? Well, that plan may not work at these busiest restaurants in Bergen County NJ- so make sure you call in advance to reserve.
After calling these red-hot restaurants for a table for 4 on a Saturday night (and being denied) we got the scoop just how busy these eateries are and tips on what you need to score a table!
Saddle River Inn, Saddle River
The small, intimate (and holiday dining worthy) award winning local spot is almost completely booked for tables of 4 for all of December, with just a few open tables available via opentable for later dining times on weekdays.
Tip: Reservations can be booked up to 30 days in advance and all availability is online, but you can however add your name to the waitlist for last minute cancelations and no shows.
Open Tuesday-Thursday 5:30pm - 9:30pm | Friday-Saturday 5:30-10pm
Suggested: call a month in advance
21 tables total - restaurant sits at most 85 for dinner
Sofia Englewood, Englewood
This busy favorite of county foodies offers everything from steaks to italian fare and is always bustling. Large groups love the seating options (three different rooms available) and waitstaff who cater to each diner's request. We found Saturday nights difficult to book last minute but with the restaurant's large size you can score tables if you book within the week.
Tip: Want to go last minute and there's no availability? Grab a seat at their gorgeous bar and enjoy your meal (and cocktails!) from there.
Open Tuesday-Thursday 5:30pm - 9:30pm | Friday-Saturday 5:30-10pm
Suggested: call a week in advance
45 tables total - restaurant sits at most 145 for dinner
Caffe Anello, Westwood
You may not know about this hidden gem right in the heart of Westwood, but scoring a table at the tiny Caffe Anello for a Saturday night is no small feat. Seating only 48 people, and taking reservations by phone only make it a serious challenge. Those who do dine here are rewarded with some of the freshest pastas and decadent Italian fare around.
Tip: Put your name on their waitlist and someone will alert you if a table becomes available. Or wait until 2018 when the restaurant will be expanding capacity.
Open Tuesday-Saturday 6:30 PM-11:00 PM
Suggested: call 6 weeks in advance
Largest table sits 12 - restaurant sits 48 total for dinner
Cafe Panache, Ramsey
The Opentable Diner's Choice 2017 winner has a loyal following of diners who know to book well in advance at this quaint Ramsey townhouse serving up fresh seasonal dishes. We were unable to score a table for 4 on any Saturday night in December, but there were still weekday reservations available.
Tip: Call the restaurant for reservations if you don't see anything on Opentable, they sometimes have additional availability there. Or try calling at around 3 or 4pm for cancelations.
Open Tuesday-Friday 12pm - 2pm, 5-9pm | Saturday 5-10pm | Sunday 5-6pm
Suggested: call 2 weeks in advance
29 tables total - sits 14 or 16 most at largest tables
The River Palm Terrace, Edgewater
Getting into River Palm Edgewater on a typical Saturday night to enjoy a famous "steak for four" or sushi appetizer is difficult normally, but in December it's near impossible. The restaurant is so busy that even weeknights are jammed.
Tip: Offer to sit in the quieter upstairs dining room or near the bar for more availability or try a holiday lunch there instead.
Open Monday-Thursday 11:30 am-10pm | Fri-Sat 11:30am-11pm | Sun 4-11pm
Suggested: call 1-2 weeks in advance
Small groups up to 20, large groups up to 200
Houstons, Hackensack
You may think heading to a mall for dinner during holiday season is crazy, but then again it's hard to top Houstons for the best shopping break ever. And the good news- Houstons Riverside Square does take reservations. Unfortunately we tried to book for a recent Saturday night for 4 people a few days in advance and found no availability between 5 and 9pm.
Tip: Put your name down on their list while you're still shopping so you can grab your table when it's available.
Open Monday-Thursday 11:30am-10pm | Fri-Sat 11:30am-10:30pm | Sun 12-9pm
Minimum reservation is 4
Suggested: call 1 week in advance
About 39 tables total, sits 7 or 8 at largest table
Acappella West, Edgewater
This newcomer on the scene screams "special occasion spot", between the opulent decor and the formal service, complete with tableside shaved parm and house made Ceasar Salads. Same day reservations for Saturday night were not available when we called, but booking a few days in advance should work here.
Tip: Try calling the restaurant if there's no availability on Opentable
Lunch: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 11:45am-3pm
Dinner: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 5pm-10:30pm | Friday at 5pm-11pm | Saturday at 4pm-11pm | Sunday at 4pm-9pm
Suggested: call 1 week in advance
Varka, Ramsey
The formula of good Greek food, great cocktails and a lively ambiance equal a large restaurant that is booked night after night. Same day Saturday night reservations were not available when we called, but if you're willing to be flexible on time and call in advance you can probably score a table.
Tip: Hang at the bar and enjoy one of their perfect martinis and put your name down at the host station.
Lunch: Mon-Sat 11:30am-3pm
Dinner: Mon-Sun 3:30-10pm
Suggested: call 5 days in advance, hottest times for a reservation are 6-8pm
Restaurant sits 180 people, largest table sits 15
Viaggio, Wayne
This tiny restaurant in Wayne is worth the drive and the excellent Tuscan fare served up by star chef Robbie Felice and word has gotten around (thanks to amazing reviews) since their opening in 2016. Don't just try to "swing by" here, reservations are needed and should be made in advance.
Tip: Call at least 2 weeks in advance for the best time selection
Lunch: Tuesday - Friday 11:30am-2:30pm
Dinner: Tuesday - Thursday 5pm-9:30pm | Friday-Saturday 5pm-10:30pm | Sunday 4pm-9pm
18 tables total - largest table sits 6
