Securing a reservation at New York’s most sought-after dining spots has become increasingly difficult in recent years. The challenge has escalated in the past three years, making it seem nearly impossible for many food enthusiasts to snag a table at the city’s most popular restaurants.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, noted that some restaurants are simply inaccessible. He shared that when he spoke to restaurateurs at panels about tips for reservation success, they admitted, “I don’t have them.”
The New York state legislature recently took action against the growing competition for these coveted slots by voting to ban third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader. These platforms had allowed users to resell restaurant reservations for high prices, similar to the resale market for concert tickets.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aiming to ease the reservation frenzy and protect restaurants from costly no-shows.
Despite this legislative effort, the competition for exclusive dining experiences remains fierce, as popular activities continue to outpace availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted the high demand across various sectors, stating, “Every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full.”
India, who has spent 16 years managing her concierge and travel planning service Sienna Charles for affluent clients, shared insights on navigating this competitive landscape. Her clientele includes individuals with fortunes exceeding $100 million, featuring names such as George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
According to India, gaining access to popular dining venues hinges on understanding customer preferences and fostering relationships with restaurant operators. “People have really moved away from fine dining… Trends have shifted towards trendy venues where the emphasis often lies on the experience rather than the food,” she explained. “It’s about the bragging rights of having dined there.”
For those keen on claiming their own bragging rights—or willing to persist in the battle for a reservation—her insights highlight which New York restaurants are currently the most difficult to book.