In New York, securing a restaurant reservation has become increasingly difficult, reaching new heights of competition. Over the past three years, getting a table at the city’s most sought-after dining spots has transitioned from being merely challenging to nearly impossible for many diners.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, noted in a recent interview that some restaurants are simply inaccessible to patrons. He mentioned that even restaurant owners, when asked for tips on navigating the reservation system, admitted they didn’t have any solutions.
The competitiveness surrounding dinner reservations prompted the New York state legislature last month to pass a ban on third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to resell restaurant reservations for $200 or more—an issue previously seen only in the realms of concerts and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed this legislation as a significant win for the restaurant industry, claiming it would lessen competition for reservations and protect dining establishments from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative changes, the challenge of securing a spot at trending and upscale restaurants persists. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India remarked on the overwhelming demand in the post-COVID landscape, where everything from flights to hotels and dining experiences is fully booked.
India, who operates Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service for affluent clients, has spent 16 years mastering the art of securing desirable reservations. Her clientele consists of families with fortunes exceeding $100 million, including high-profile individuals.
She points out that the current trend has shifted away from traditional fine dining. Clients are increasingly interested in trendy spots where the experience is more about social status than the food itself. For many, securing a reservation has become a way to showcase status and gain bragging rights.
For those determined to claim their own bragging rights and willing to navigate the complexities of securing a reservation, India highlights some of the most challenging tables to book in New York City.