Scoring a reservation at one of the world’s most exclusive restaurants has never been more difficult, or more interesting, especially now that Maine is involved.
In an article from Food & Wine, the publication highlighted a report from hospitality tech firm Dojo that ranks the most impossible-to-book dining experiences in the world. The list includes one iconic restaurant right here in the Pine Tree State.
The restaurants on the list include establishments with year-long waits, reservation resale prices in the thousands, and even one where you need to send a handwritten postcard just to be considered.
So, you’re probably wondering: Which spot in the 207 landed at the top of this global list?
It just happens to be The Lost Kitchen, located at 22 Mill Street in Freedom, Maine.
You might have the best meal of your life, but get ready to open that wallet! The Lost Kitchen is a foodie’s dream come true, and it has become something of a phenomenon.
Incredibly, the restaurant has a capacity of just 48 seats and is so inundated with reservation requests that hopeful diners have to send a postcard just to have a shot at getting a table.
Since The Lost Kitchen is only open from May through October, getting a reservation is no easy task.
Diners are selected through a random drawing. The restaurant’s popularity comes from its beautiful location in Freedom, unique cuisine, and acclaimed farm-to-table dinners that have attracted rave reviews from diners around the world.
@catiecat84 Unforgettable dinner at The Lost Kitchen in Freedom, Maine! Send your postcards in, people! #TheLostKitchen #LostKitchen #FreedomMaine #Maine #ErinFrench ♬ I Wanna See You Smile – Guitalele Guys
Owner Erin French has revealed that The Lost Kitchen typically receives more than 70,000 postcards each year from people hoping to snag a reservation.
It is also important to keep in mind that dinner will set you back a whopping $265! And that does not include drinks.
In addition, French has authored books and has been featured on The Drew Barrymore Show, The Today Show, and CBS Sunday Morning.
Here is how the Top 5 breaks down:
1. The Lost Kitchen — Freedom
2. Rao’s — New York
3. Disfrutar — Barcelona
4. House of Prime Rib — San Francisco
5. El Celler de Can Roca — Girona
Traditionally, The Lost Kitchen opens its mailbox for incoming postcards on April 1st each year. That date marks the official start of its reservation lottery process.
Once the postcard window opens, hopeful diners simply send a handwritten card that includes their name and contact information to:
The Lost Kitchen
22 Mill Street
Freedom, ME 04941
Postcards are then randomly selected beginning in April. If yours is chosen, you’ll receive a phone call to schedule your dinner, which is served on Saturdays from May through October.
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Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna
Dining and Cooking