Securing a reservation at New York’s hottest dining spots has become increasingly difficult. Over the past three years, what was once a challenging endeavor has now become nearly impossible for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, highlighted the issue, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He noted that even restaurateurs lack advice on navigating the reservation process.
The competitive nature of dinner reservations prompted the New York state legislature to recently vote to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where users were reselling reservations for $200 or more, similar to practices seen in concert and sports event ticket sales.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, termed the legislation a “major victory for the hospitality industry,” indicating it would alleviate competition for reservations and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the demand for trendy and luxurious experiences remains higher than the available options. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted, “Post-COVID, everything is booked up; every plane, every restaurant, every hotel is full.” She specializes in securing reservations for high-net-worth clients through her concierge service, Sienna Charles, which caters to families earning over $100 million.
Despite her extensive experience, India points out that gaining access to top restaurants hinges on understanding client desires and fostering relationships with the venues. She remarked, “People have really moved away from fine dining… It’s all about FOMO, about bragging rights.”
For those eager to claim their own exclusive dining experiences and willing to persist in securing a reservation, Sienna Charles outlines which New York restaurant tables are currently the most elusive.