Dining out in New York City has become increasingly challenging, with securing a reservation at the hottest restaurants now more difficult than ever. Over the past three years, the competition for tables has escalated to the point where many food enthusiasts find it nearly impossible to get a seat.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, highlighted the issue when speaking to Bloomberg, mentioning that even restaurateurs struggle to offer tips on how to secure reservations at their own establishments.
Last month, the New York state legislature responded to this growing concern by voting to outlaw third-party reservation services like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to sell restaurant slots for prices exceeding $200—similar to practices seen in the concert and sports arenas.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aimed at easing the reservation crunch and shielding restaurants from costly no-shows.
Despite these legislative efforts, recent trends show that the appetite for novel and upscale dining experiences continues to surpass the available options. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted the post-COVID booking frenzy, observing that restaurants, hotels, and travel experiences are often at full capacity.
India, who leads Sienna Charles—a concierge service catering to ultra-wealthy clients—emphasized that gaining access to premier dining spots involves understanding customer preferences and cultivating relationships with restaurant insiders. She pointed out a shift away from traditional fine dining among her clients, with a growing preference for trendy venues that offer unique experiences rather than merely culinary excellence, often driven by the fear of missing out.
For those eager to secure their own reservations and claim bragging rights, Sienna Charles offers insights into which New York City restaurants are currently the most difficult to book.