In New York City, securing a restaurant reservation has become increasingly challenging, reaching levels never seen before. Over the past three years, many diners have found landing a seat at the city’s most sought-after establishments to be nearly impossible.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He noted that even restaurateurs find it difficult to advise potential diners on how to secure reservations.
The competition has intensified to the extent that New York’s state legislature recently enacted a ban on third-party booking platforms like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to resell restaurant reservations for significant amounts—sometimes reaching $200 or more—akin to scalping tickets for concerts and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, labeled the legislation a “major victory for the hospitality industry,” arguing it would lessen reservation competition and help protect restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the growing demand for unique and upscale experiences continues to surpass their availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted the post-COVID landscape, saying, “Every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full.” She highlighted the challenge of securing spots in a landscape filled with fully booked venues.
With over 16 years of experience leading Sienna Charles, a luxury concierge and travel planning service for high-net-worth individuals, India has a wealth of knowledge about restaurant access. Her illustrious clientele includes figures such as George W. Bush and Mariah Carey. Yet, she emphasizes that gaining entry to popular dining spots hinges on understanding customer preferences and fostering relationships with restaurants.
“People have really moved away from fine dining; we rarely have a client that wants to sit through a tasting menu,” India explained. She observed a trend shift toward trendy restaurants, where the allure often lies in social status rather than the cuisine itself. “It’s about saying that you got in; it’s a bragging right.”
For those determined to snag a coveted reservation, India offers insights into which New York restaurant tables are the hardest to obtain.