Securing a reservation at a popular New York City restaurant has become increasingly difficult, with many food enthusiasts finding it nearly impossible to claim a seat at the trendiest dining spots. Over the past three years, the challenges of making dinner reservations have intensified significantly.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into. I’ve even spoken with restaurateurs who have been unable to provide tips on how to secure a table.”
The situation has grown so competitive that the New York state legislature recently passed a law prohibiting third-party reservation sites like Appointment Trader, where users were reselling dining slots for over $200, similar to practices seen in the concert and sports ticket markets.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a “major victory for the hospitality industry,” which aims to diminish reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Even with these legislative efforts, the demand for unique and trendy culinary experiences continues to surpass supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted, “Post-COVID, everything is fully booked—every plane, every restaurant, every hotel.” India, who has spent 16 years running Sienna Charles, a concierge service for the ultra-wealthy, understands the nuances of dining access. Her clientele, consisting of families with incomes exceeding $100 million, has included notable figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
India points out that gaining access to sought-after restaurants and luxury experiences revolves around two main factors: understanding client preferences and nurturing relationships with the restaurants that can satisfy those demands.
She observed a shift in consumer behavior, stating, “People have really moved away from fine dining; we seldom have clients interested in lengthy tasting menus. The trend has leaned towards popular restaurants where the experience is less about the food and more about the fear of missing out. It’s about the prestige of being able to say you got in.”
For those eager to claim their own bragging rights and willing to persistently pursue reservations, a list of New York’s most coveted dining spots has been curated, highlighting which tables are the hardest to secure, according to Sienna Charles.