For those hoping to enjoy a meal out in New York, securing a reservation has become increasingly difficult. Over the past three years, the challenge of getting a table at the city’s most popular restaurants has escalated, leaving many food enthusiasts struggling.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservations platform Sevenrooms, highlighted the issue in a recent interview, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into. I’ve spoken with restaurateurs who admit they have no tips to share on how to secure a reservation.”
The situation has intensified to the point where New York’s state legislature recently passed a law banning third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where individual bookings were being resold for over $200, a practice typically associated with concerts and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, praised the new legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, suggesting it would lessen reservation competition and safeguard restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legal changes, the reality remains that the demand for engaging and luxurious dining experiences continues to exceed supply in the post-pandemic landscape. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India notes, “You’ve probably noticed that everything is booked up—planes, restaurants, hotels—so how do you navigate getting people into these already full venues?”
With 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service for affluent clients, India understands the reservation game. She has served clients with fortunes exceeding $100 million, including notable figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
India acknowledges that securing access to the trendiest restaurants hinges on a few key factors: knowing what customers seek and fostering relationships with the establishments that meet those needs.
“People have shifted away from fine dining; clients rarely request a tasting menu anymore,” she explains. “The last three years have seen a move towards trendy spots where the emphasis isn’t primarily on the food, but rather on the experience and the status it conveys. It’s about the thrill of getting in and the bragging rights that come with it.”
If you’re determined to earn your own bragging rights and are prepared to work hard for a reservation, read on to discover which New York dining hotspots are currently the most elusive, as compiled by Sienna Charles.