Securing a reservation at popular New York restaurants has become increasingly challenging, reaching unprecedented levels of difficulty in the past three years. Obtaining a seat at some of the city’s most sought-after dining spots is now often deemed out of reach for many food lovers.
Joel Montaniel, the CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, noted that certain restaurants have become so exclusive that even industry insiders are at a loss for tips on how to gain access. Montaniel remarked, “I’ve talked to restaurateurs who say, ‘I don’t have them.’”
The situation has led to heightened competition for dinner reservations. Last month, New York’s state legislature responded by voting to ban third-party booking sites such as Appointment Trader, where individuals were illegally reselling reservations for $200 or more, a practice reminiscent of ticket scalping for concerts and sports.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, arguing it would decrease competition for reservations and protect restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the demand for unique, trendy, and luxurious experiences continues to outpace supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India observed, “Everything is booked up, right? Every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full,” and wrestles with the challenge of securing reservations in such a crowded market.
India, who has spent 16 years managing Sienna Charles, a concierge service catering to the ultra-wealthy, shared insights into navigating the competitive dining scene. Her clients, who typically have a net worth exceeding $100 million, include notable figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
She emphasized that accessing popular restaurants hinges on understanding client needs and cultivating connections with the establishments that can deliver these services. “People have really moved away from fine dining,” she noted, adding that many clients prefer trendy spots where the experience is more about the scene than the food itself.
For those determined to claim bragging rights by securing a reservation, India offers guidance on which tables in New York are currently the hardest to book.