Securing a restaurant reservation in New York has become increasingly difficult, reaching new heights in the past three years. What was once a challenging process is now nearly impossible for many food enthusiasts eager to dine at the city’s most sought-after restaurants.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, highlighted this issue, noting, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” Even restaurant owners have admitted they lack strategies to help patrons secure a reservation.
The situation has become so dire that last month, the New York state legislature voted to ban third-party booking platforms like Appointment Trader, where users were reselling restaurant reservations for $200 or more, a practice akin to ticket scalping for concerts and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a “major victory for the hospitality industry,” stating it would lessen reservation competition and protect restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative measures, demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to far exceed supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted, “Post-COVID, everything is booked up. Every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full.” She emphasized the challenge of securing spots at popular establishments that are frequently at capacity.
India, who manages Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service for high-net-worth families, shared that even with her impressive clientele, which includes celebrities and former presidents, securing reservations boils down to understanding client preferences and fostering relationships with restaurants.
She remarked on a shift in dining trends, saying, “People have really moved away from fine dining; we very rarely have a client that wants to sit through a tasting menu.” The recent trend reflects a focus on trendy spots, where the experience is often more about social status than the food itself.
For those determined to secure a coveted reservation, India provides insight into the most difficult New York restaurant tables to access.