Securing a reservation at New York’s most coveted restaurants has become increasingly difficult, reaching an all-time high in recent years. What was once a challenging task has evolved into an almost unattainable endeavor for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, highlighted this trend in a recent discussion, sharing that some eateries are so exclusive that restaurant owners themselves can’t offer tips on how to secure a table. This growing competition for dinner spots has prompted action from the New York state legislature. Last month, legislators voted to prohibit third-party booking services, such as Appointment Trader, which had allowed individuals to resell restaurant reservations for exorbitant prices, often exceeding $200—similar to practices in the concert and sports industries.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, described the new legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aimed at reducing reservation competition and safeguarding restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative advancements, the demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to outpace availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India, who has spent 16 years managing Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service for high-net-worth individuals, acknowledges this reality. She observes that following the COVID-19 pandemic, all sectors—planes, hotels, and restaurants—are often fully booked.
India, whose clientele includes prominent figures such as George W. Bush and Mariah Carey, notes that the key to securing reservations lies in understanding client desires and fostering connections with restaurants. She points out that guests are increasingly gravitating away from traditional fine dining towards trendy venues driven by trends and social status, rather than focusing solely on the culinary experience.
For those determined to secure a table at one of New York’s hardest-to-book restaurants, it’s essential to be proactive and persistent in the pursuit of a reservation, according to insights from Sienna Charles.