Securing a dining reservation in New York City has become increasingly challenging, with many popular restaurants now feeling nearly impossible to access. Over the past three years, the process has escalated from merely tough to out of reach for many aspiring diners.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservations platform Sevenrooms, noted in a recent interview that some restaurants remain virtually inaccessible. Despite discussions with restaurateurs, he found that even they could not offer effective strategies for securing a table.
The competition for dinner reservations has intensified so much that last month, the New York state legislature took action to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where users were reselling restaurant reservations for as much as $200, similar to the scalping seen at concerts and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new legislation as a significant advancement for the hospitality sector, aimed at reducing reservation competition and safeguarding restaurants from costly cancellations.
Nonetheless, even with these legislative measures in place, the reality is that the demand for trendy and luxurious experiences continues to surpass availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted the ongoing trend since the pandemic, stating that securing spots at restaurants, hotels, and other venues has become increasingly difficult.
India, who has operated Sienna Charles—a concierge and travel planning service for affluent clients—for 16 years, acknowledges her expertise in navigating these challenges. Her clientele, consisting of families with a net worth exceeding $100 million, has included prominent figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
Despite her prestigious background, India emphasizes that gaining access to top restaurants ultimately hinges on a fundamental understanding of client needs and establishing strong relationships with the dining establishments that can meet those expectations. She observed a shift from traditional fine dining to trendy restaurants where the experience often transcends the food itself, driven largely by the allure of exclusivity and status.
For those eager to secure their own bragging rights in New York’s dining scene (and willing to engage in the relentless quest for reservations), Sienna Charles has compiled a list of the restaurants that are currently the most difficult to access.