Securing a reservation at New York’s most sought-after restaurants has become increasingly difficult, reaching new levels of challenge in the past three years. What was once a tough task for food enthusiasts has evolved into a near impossibility for many.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, noting, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He mentioned that when he speaks with restaurateurs about how to gain access, they often respond, “I don’t have them,” indicating the pervasive struggle with reservations.
The situation escalated to the point where, last month, New York’s state legislature voted to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to resell restaurant reservations for exorbitant fees, sometimes exceeding $200—a practice typically associated with high-demand events like concerts and sports matches.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed this legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aiming to diminish competition for reservations and safeguard restaurants from costly no-shows.
Yet, despite these regulatory changes, the trend of increasing demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to surpass availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India pointed out that the post-COVID environment has led to full bookings across the board—airlines, restaurants, and hotels alike.
With 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel service for affluent clients, India understands the complexities of securing dining spots. Her client list includes notable figures such as George W. Bush and Mariah Carey, but she insists that accessing the best establishments hinges on comprehending client desires and fostering relationships with the restaurants capable of meeting those needs.
According to India, there’s been a noticeable shift away from traditional fine dining experiences toward trendy spots where the appeal leans more towards the social aspect than the culinary one. “It’s sort of about FOMO. It’s about saying that you got in; it’s a bragging right,” she elaborated.
For those eager to secure a table and claim their own bragging rights, insights on New York’s hardest-to-get restaurant reservations can provide helpful guidance.