Securing a reservation at New York’s hottest restaurants has become increasingly difficult, reaching new heights over the past three years. What once was a challenging endeavor for food enthusiasts has now transitioned into a near-impossible task for many.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, recently shared insights on the situation, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He noted that even restaurateurs, who are often asked for tips on securing a table, admit to being stumped.
The growing competition for dinner reservations led the New York state legislature to take action last month, voting to prohibit third-party booking platforms like Appointment Trader, where users were reselling reservations for upwards of $200. This practice has drawn parallels to ticket scalping in the concert and sports industries.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aimed at minimizing reservation competition and shielding restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite the regulatory changes, the demand for trendy and upscale dining continues to exceed availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted the broader impact of this trend, stating, “Post-COVID, everything is booked up—every plane, every restaurant, every hotel.”
With 16 years of experience managing the concierge service Sienna Charles for ultra-wealthy clients, including high-profile figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey, India understands the nuances of securing reservations. She emphasizes that access to exclusive dining experiences largely depends on understanding client preferences and establishing relationships with restaurant owners.
India observed a shift among diners, saying, “People have really moved away from fine dining; we very rarely have a client that wants to sit through a tasting menu.” She pointed out that the focus has moved to trendy venues that cater to the desire for unique experiences and social validation, encapsulated in the concept of “FOMO” – the fear of missing out.
For those eager to secure a coveted reservation in New York, here are some of the city’s most sought-after dining spots, according to Sienna Charles.