UPTOWNflavor

Rao’s is legendary for its lock on reservations. One rumor is that there are only 10 tables. Another is that the place is mafia run. Whatever the case may be Zagat’s offers tips for people itching to step foot inside their very closely guarded doors:

Rao’s (455 E 114th St., Manhattan, 212-722-6709)
The all-time champ of tough-to-book restaurants may be NYC’s Rao’s, where if you’re not a regular or friend of a regular, getting in is nigh on impossible. What can average folk do? Co-owner Ron Straci says, “If you come to the restaurant and get a drink at the bar, ask when the next table is open. It might be six months from now, but you might get a reservation.” Rao’s rejects may face better odds in Vegas, where a branch of the original is opening at Caesars Palace in December, complete with reservations line (702-731-RAOS).