Securing a dinner reservation in New York has become increasingly challenging, with many aspiring diners finding it nearly impossible to land a seat at the city’s most popular restaurants. Over the last three years, what was once a difficult task has turned into a daunting one for food lovers.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, shared insights on the situation, noting, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He mentioned that even restaurateurs struggle with providing tips on how to secure a spot.
The competition for reservations has escalated to the point where the New York State legislature recently voted to prohibit third-party booking platforms like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to resell restaurant reservations for as much as $200 – a practice reminiscent of scalping tickets for concerts and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, labeled the new legislation a significant win for the hospitality industry, as it aims to reduce reservation competition and safeguard restaurants against costly no-shows.
Despite these legislative efforts, the growing appetite for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to outpace availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India remarked, “Post-COVID, everything is booked up, right? Every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full.” She also raised concerns about navigating access to already booked restaurants, hotels, and experiences.
With 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel service for ultra-wealthy clients, India finds herself well-versed in the art of securing dining experiences. Her clientele typically includes families with wealth exceeding $100 million, and she has worked with notable figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
India highlights that gaining access to the most coveted dining spots is largely about understanding customer preferences and nurturing relationships with the restaurants that can meet those needs. “People have really moved away from fine dining; we very rarely have a client that wants to sit through a tasting menu,” she said. The trend has shifted more toward popular restaurants where dining often centers around the experience and the ability to share it on social media, rather than the food itself.
For those eager to earn their own bragging rights and willing to put in the effort for a reservation, India offers insights into which New York restaurants are the most sought after.