Securing a dinner reservation in New York has become increasingly difficult, reaching new heights of competition. Over the past three years, gaining access to the city’s most sought-after dining spots has evolved from a challenge to an almost unattainable goal for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He mentioned that even restaurateurs themselves often lack tips for overcoming this obstacle.
Last month, New York state lawmakers took action to address this issue by voting to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to sell their restaurant reservations for inflated prices, sometimes reaching $200. This practice drew comparisons to ticket scalping for concerts and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector. She believes it will lessen competition for table reservations and protect restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the reality remains that the demand for trendy, upscale dining experiences continues to outpace their availability post-COVID. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted, “Every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full,” emphasizing the challenges of securing reservations in a time when almost everything is booked.
India, who runs Sienna Charles—a concierge service catering to high-net-worth individuals—has seen the dining landscape shift significantly. Drawing from her extensive experience with clients who earn over $100 million, including high-profile figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey, she highlighted that access to top restaurants often hinges on understanding customer preferences and building relationships with restaurant owners.
She observed a notable trend away from traditional fine dining, as many clients are now more interested in trendy spots that prioritize the social aspect of dining—essentially seeking experiences marked by exclusivity and the thrill of being part of the latest buzz.
For those determined to claim their own dining bragging rights in New York, perseverance is key, and staying informed about the city’s most exclusive tables is essential.