In New York City, securing a reservation at popular restaurants is now more challenging than ever. Over the past three years, the difficulty in getting a seat at the city’s most sought-after dining spots has escalated, leaving many food enthusiasts frustrated.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, recently shared insights into this issue, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He noted that even restaurateurs he has spoken with on panels admitted they have no tips to offer for securing reservations.
The competitive nature of dinner bookings led the New York state legislature to approve a ban on third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to sell reservation slots for upwards of $200—a practice previously seen only in the world of concerts and sports.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, called the legislation a significant win for the hospitality sector, emphasizing that it would lessen reservation competition and safeguard restaurants against costly cancellations.
Nevertheless, competition for trendy and luxurious dining experiences remains intense as the demand continues to exceed the available options. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India observed that the post-pandemic landscape has made it seemingly impossible to find unbooked spaces in restaurants, hotels, and other luxury venues.
With 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service catering to the ultra-wealthy, India specializes in helping high-profile clients navigate the challenging landscape of securing reservations. Her clientele includes individuals and families with fortunes exceeding $100 million.
Despite her extensive experience, India points out that gaining access to the most popular restaurants hinges on grasping customer desires and establishing relationships with the venues. She notes a shift in dining trends, explaining that fewer clients are interested in traditional fine dining experiences. “People have really moved away from fine dining; we very rarely have a client that wants to sit through a tasting menu,” she says. Instead, dining out has become more about the experience and the ability to showcase one’s access to trendy spots.
For those eager to secure reservations and gain bragging rights of their own, India offers insights into the most difficult restaurants in New York to book a table at.