Greenwich Village & Chelsea: Restaurants that don’t require reservations

L'Artusi is widely considered the best Italian restaurant in NYC. While you need a reservation for larger groups (and they go live exactly 14 days in advance at 9am ET), you can put your name in for a seat at the bar if you're 1-2 people. Head there around 6pm ET to put your name in and then grab a drink nearby while you wait for your reservation. Also, don't miss out on the cacio e pepe or olive oil cake, which are to-die-for.

Via Carota is another fantastic Italian restaurant in the West Village that doesn't take reservations. To get in, show up WELL in advance of when you want to eat and stand in line to put your name in. Once your name is on the board, grab an aperol spritz across the street at the famous Bar Pisellino while you wait for your table.

John's of Bleecker is my favorite classic NY pizza, and since it's been in business for almost 100 years, it's clear that a few other people feel the same way. Unlike most NY pizza places, John's doesn't sell pizza by the slice, so the only way to get it is by standing in line and grabbing a seat at one of the old wooden booths inside. Check it out when you don't have a reservation one night in Greenwich Village.

Buvette is another coveted West Village restaurant that doesn't take reservations and is 100% worth the wait. This small french restaurant nestled into Grove Street has unbeatable cuisine and cocktails. Many people prefer the brunch, but I'd highly recommend heading there for the dinner menu. I recommned showing up at 5PM on the dot to grab a table. Unlike most places that don't require reservations, you can't put your name down and instead need to stand in line and wait your turn.

Menkoi Sato is my favorite ramen in all of NYC. In a small, unassuming establishment on the famed Cornelia Street in Greenwich Village, Menkoi Sato doesn't require reservations and you can usually even grab a table for a larger group.

Malatesta is a classic Italian trattoria that you'd probably be surprised to find in NYC. Their extremely reasonably priced menu (pastas go for about $15, which is unheard of for NYC) and walk-in only mentality makes it a perfect spot to eat dinner when you don't have a reservation somewhere. My tip: Come around sunset and grab a bottle of the house wine for a relaxing dinner outdoors in the warmer months.

Bar Pitti is a walk-in only Italian spot that's known for droves of celeb-sightings and classic dishes. Come here when you don't have a reservation somewhere and keep your eyes peeled for whoever might walk through the door.

Jack's Wife Freda, a Mediterranean brunch spot with multiple locations in Soho, Greenwich Village, and Chelsea, is a great place to grab brunch on any given morning. Known for their shakshuka and other Mediterranean dishes, you can grab a reservation or walk in to start your day of right at Jack's Wife Freda.