Dining in New York City has become increasingly difficult, especially when it comes to securing a reservation at the hottest restaurants. Over the past three years, what was once a challenging process has turned into an almost impossible task for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, stating, “Some restaurants are simply inaccessible.” Even restaurateurs admit they have no tips on how to grab a seat at their establishments.
The situation has grown so dire that the New York state legislature recently passed a law banning third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where users were reselling their restaurant reservations for exorbitant prices, akin to ticket scalping for concerts and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a pivotal win for the hospitality sector, arguing it would lessen reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the ongoing trend of high demand for trendy and luxurious experiences still overshadows their availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India remarked, “Post-COVID, you’ve probably noticed that everything is fully booked—flights, restaurants, hotels.” She poses an important question regarding how to secure access to these already crowded venues.
With 16 years of experience managing Sienna Charles, a concierge service for the affluent, India offers unique insights. Her clientele often consists of families with wealth exceeding $100 million, including notable figures such as George W. Bush and Mariah Carey. India explains that gaining access to exclusive restaurants and experiences hinges on understanding customer preferences and fostering relationships with restaurant staff.
“There’s been a distinct shift away from fine dining; clients rarely request tasting menus anymore,” she notes. “The trend is now for fashionable spots where the emphasis isn’t necessarily on the cuisine but on the experience itself—it’s about the fear of missing out and having something to brag about.”
For those determined to secure a reservation at New York’s most sought-after dining spots, persistence is key, and India’s expert recommendations reveal which restaurant tables are the most elusive.