In New York, securing a dining reservation has become increasingly challenging, with many food enthusiasts struggling to get a seat at the city’s top restaurants. Over the past three years, the process has transformed from difficult to seemingly impossible for some patrons.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of booking platform Sevenrooms, highlighted the issue, saying, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He mentioned that restaurateurs he has spoken to often have no tips to share on how to secure a reservation.
The situation grew so competitive that the New York state legislature recently voted to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which had allowed users to resell restaurant slots for $200 or more—similar to practices seen in the concert and sports industries.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector. She believes it will diminish competition for reservations and guard restaurants against costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the reality remains that the demand for exciting and luxurious dining experiences continues to surpass their availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India pointed out, “Post-COVID, everything is booked up—every plane, every restaurant, every hotel.”
With 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a concierge service for the ultra-wealthy, India has notable clients such as George W. Bush and Mariah Carey. She notes that gaining access to sought-after restaurants or luxury experiences hinges on two main factors: understanding client desires and cultivating relationships with the restaurants.
India observed a shift in dining preferences, stating, “People have really moved away from fine dining; we very rarely have clients wanting to sit through a tasting menu.” She indicated that the current trend leans towards trendy venues where the emphasis lies more on the experience and social affirmation than on the food itself.
For those eager to claim their own bragging rights and willing to fight for a reservation, insights from Sienna Charles reveal which New York restaurants are currently the hardest to book.