Securing a seat at Kwame Onwuachi’s popular NYC restaurant Tatiana isn’t impossible; it simply demands persistence and strategy. Among all the restaurants I’ve visited in the last six months, I’ve received the most questions about dining at Tatiana and how I secured a 7pm table for two.
Here are my top 5 tips for dining at Tatiana:
TL;DR: Refresh that reservation page multiple times daily.
Tip #1: Check Resy ALL THE TIME
This is crucial. Reservations open on Resy 28 days in advance at noon ET. While many log on at noon, checking throughout the day can help snag canceled reservations for the upcoming week because guests are trying to avoid the $25/pp penalty for canceling with less than 24 hours notice.
Resy notifications aren’t effective for popular spots like Tatiana because they are gone by the time you get the ping/email; refresh Tatiana’s reservation page yourself. This method requires upfront time investment, but secures your reservation without last-minute stress.
Tip #2: Stay Logged In
Always be logged into your Resy account while searching. Reservations go quickly, so being logged in can mean the difference between getting the reservation and not. I prefer the Resy web app over the iOS app because it’s easier to use. You can save your settings (date and number of diners) and easily see availability in the calendar view.

Tip #3: Target Less Popular Days and Times
Holidays and non-peak times like Mondays, Tuesdays, and slower months (Jan, Feb) offer better chances. You’ll also have a better shot if you’re ok with eating at 9:30pm or will be visiting during the summer months when they have 38 extra seats on the outdoor patio. If reservations don’t drop exactly at noon ET, keep checking. This might be your best chance since bots are programmed for the exact time, not a few minutes later.
Tip #4: Table for Two or Bust
You have a better chance of getting a reservation if you’re only looking to bring your bestie along with you. Opt for tables for two as larger tables are not as readily available to book.
However, if you can’t bear to only eat with one other person, there is some wisdom to the idea that looking for larger tables (5-6 people) can be a winning strategy because people are less likely to book them when available.
Tip #5: Line Up Early for Walk-ins
If all else fails, arrive at the restaurant well ahead of the 5pm dinner service (1 hour early, not 15 minutes) and wait in line. Tatiana sets aside six bar seats for walk-ins. Your chances improve significantly on quieter nights like Mondays or Tuesdays, when there are no shows or events at Lincoln Center, or during slower periods of the year.
What to Expect Once Inside
The atmosphere is vibrant and electric. Despite receiving countless texts warning me to arrive early and adhere to a two-hour dining limit, we had a brief wait for our table and our experience was surprisingly relaxed with no rush from the service.


Overall, Tatiana offers well-crafted and harmonious dishes. My top picks were the Curried Goat Patties and Short Rib Pastrami Suya. While some items, like the Crispy Okra and Non-alcoholic drinks, are good but not exceptional, the smaller plates showcase more adventurous and playful flavors compared to the generously portioned mains. If opting for several small plates, sharing one large dish should suffice.
I hope this guide helps, and good luck securing a reservation at Tatiana!