Dining out in New York City has become increasingly challenging, as securing a reservation at the most popular restaurants has reached new heights of difficulty. Over the past three years, many aspiring diners have found it nearly impossible to land a seat at the city’s trendiest spots.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, noted that some restaurants have become so exclusive that even restaurateurs struggle to provide tips on how to gain access. “I don’t have them,” they reportedly state when asked for advice on securing reservations.
In response to the competitive landscape, the New York state legislature recently voted to outlaw third-party booking services like Appointment Trader, where users previously scalped restaurant reservations for prices exceeding $200—similar to practices seen in ticket scalping for concerts and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, which will help mitigate reservation competition and protect restaurants from costly cancellations.
Nevertheless, the reality persists that the demand for unique, trendy, and luxurious experiences continues to surpass their availability. According to travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India, post-COVID trends reveal that restaurants, planes, and hotels are consistently fully booked.
India, who runs Sienna Charles—a travel planning service for the wealthy—has extensive experience navigating these high-demand environments. Her roster of clients includes notable figures such as George W. Bush and Mariah Carey. She explains that gaining access to desired dining experiences primarily hinges on understanding clientele wishes and establishing solid relationships with the restaurants themselves.
“People have really moved away from fine dining; we very rarely have a client that wants to sit through a tasting menu,” India observed. “In the last three years, the focus has shifted toward trendy restaurants, where the emphasis is often not on the food but on the ambiance and the feeling of exclusivity—it’s about having bragging rights.”
For those eager to secure their own coveted reservation in New York City, persistence is key, as Sienna Charles outlines the most challenging restaurant reservations to obtain.