Dining out in New York City has become increasingly difficult, with securing a reservation at the city’s hottest restaurants now more challenging than ever. Over the past three years, many aspiring diners have found the task of obtaining a table to be virtually impossible.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, mentioned to Bloomberg that some restaurants have become so popular that even owners have no advice on how to get in. This has led to heightened competition for dinner reservations. In response, the New York state legislature recently passed a law prohibiting third-party booking services like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to resell their restaurant bookings for inflated prices, sometimes reaching $200 or more—a practice previously seen only with high-demand concerts or sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, praised the new legislation as a significant win for the hospitality industry, aimed at reducing competition for reservations and shielding restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these regulatory changes, the demand for vibrant, trendy, and luxurious dining experiences remains overwhelming. Jaclyn Sienna India, a travel advisor specializing in catering to the ultra-wealthy, pointed out, “Post-COVID, everything is booked up. Every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full.” She noted the challenges in navigating reservations when demand exceeds supply.
With 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service, India has worked with clients worth over $100 million, including notable figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey. She emphasizes that securing access to sought-after restaurants hinges on understanding customer preferences and fostering relationships with the establishments.
India has observed a significant shift in dining trends, where clients are increasingly leaning away from traditional fine dining experiences. Instead, many seek out trendy spots that emphasize the experience over the meal itself, driven by the desire for shared “fear of missing out” (FOMO) on popular dining venues.
For those eager to score a coveted reservation at some of New York’s most elusive restaurants, persistence and knowledge of the scene are key.