Securing a restaurant reservation in New York City has become increasingly difficult, with the process evolving into a challenge that few can successfully navigate. Over the past three years, obtaining a seat at some of the city’s most sought-after dining establishments has shifted from a struggle to a nearly unattainable endeavor for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He acknowledged that even restaurant owners often lack strategies to circumvent the reservation obstacles that customers face.
The competitiveness of dinner reservations led the New York state legislature to take action, recently passing a ban on third-party booking services like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to sell their restaurant reservations for exorbitant prices, reminiscent of the scalping practices seen for concerts and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed this legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aiming to alleviate the pressures of intense competition for reservations and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the growing demand for trendy and upscale dining experiences continues to exceed supply. Jaclyn Sienna India, a travel advisor with 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles—an exclusive concierge and travel planning service for wealthy clientele—acknowledged this trend. She noted, “Post-COVID, everything is booked up, right? Every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full.”
India, who counts high-profile clients among her past connections, explained that access to premier dining experiences hinges on understanding clientele desires and cultivating relationships with restaurants. She observed a shift in customer preferences, stating that “people have really moved away from fine dining,” with many clients preferring trendy spots that offer a different kind of appeal. “It’s sort of about FOMO. It’s about saying that you got in; it’s a bragging right.”
For those aspiring to achieve similar bragging rights and prepared to persist in their pursuit of reservations, a guide to the most challenging restaurant tables in New York, according to Sienna Charles, follows.