New York’s dining scene has become increasingly difficult for patrons to navigate, with securing a reservation at the city’s most sought-after restaurants now more challenging than ever. Over the past three years, the pursuit of a table has evolved from a tough task to an almost unattainable goal for many.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg on the situation, noting, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He added that even restaurateurs struggling to manage the demand have expressed a lack of solutions.
The situation prompted the New York state legislature to take action last month, voting to ban third-party reservation platforms like Appointment Trader. These sites had enabled users to resell restaurant slots for inflated prices of $200 or more, a practice akin to ticket scalping for concerts and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a “major victory for the hospitality industry,” highlighting its potential to lessen competitive pressures for reservations and protect restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these changes, the post-COVID reality continues to show that demand for trendy, upscale dining experiences frequently exceeds supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India points out that everything from flights to hotels and dining spots is fully booked, complicating the task of securing reservations.
India, who has spent 16 years running Sienna Charles—a concierge and travel planning service catering to the ultra-wealthy—emphasizes the importance of understanding customer desires and building relationships with restaurants to secure spots. Her clientele includes high-profile figures, showcasing her expertise in navigating the luxury market.
“The trend has shifted away from fine dining. Most of our clients aren’t interested in lengthy tasting menus anymore,” India explains. “The focus is now on trendy restaurants, where the experience often eclipses the food itself. It’s more about the fear of missing out (FOMO) and the prestige of sharing that you’ve dined there.”
For those eager to experience these coveted dining venues and willing to persist in their pursuit of reservations, a list of the hardest-to-access restaurant tables in New York, as identified by Sienna Charles, could be invaluable.