How to Get a Reservation at Laurel
South Philadelphia · Philadelphia
Laurel is Nicholas Elmi's intimate BYOB French restaurant in South Philadelphia — one of the city's most acclaimed fine dining experiences, with meticulous French technique applied to local ingredients.
Why Is It So Hard to Book?
Laurel is extremely small — just over 20 seats — and the BYOB format makes it especially attractive to serious diners. That combination of tiny capacity and high demand makes reservations very competitive.
Tips for Getting a Table at Laurel
- 1
Book as early as possible — Laurel's tiny size means it fills up weeks in advance.
- 2
Bring a special bottle of wine — the BYOB format is part of what makes Laurel special.
- 3
A table for two is significantly more attainable than larger groups.
- 4
Monitor with ResTracker for any rare cancellations.
The Fastest Way: Cancellation Alerts
Even fully booked restaurants have cancellations — usually in the 24–72 hours before a seating. ResTracker monitors Laurel on Resy and OpenTable around the clock and sends you an email the moment a slot opens up.
Most users get their first alert within a few days of setting up monitoring.
Try ResTracker FreeFrequently Asked Questions
Is Laurel Philadelphia on Resy or OpenTable?
Laurel takes reservations on Resy.
What neighborhood is Laurel in?
Laurel is located in South Philadelphia.
Is Laurel Philadelphia BYOB?
Yes — Laurel is BYOB with no corkage fee. This is part of what makes it so appealing to serious wine lovers and special-occasion diners.
How many seats does Laurel have?
Laurel has just over 20 seats — one of Philadelphia's most intimate fine dining rooms. That small size is the primary reason reservations are so competitive.