Dining out in New York City has become increasingly challenging, with securing a reservation at popular restaurants feeling nearly impossible for many food enthusiasts. Over the past three years, the quest for a seat at the city’s most sought-after dining spots has escalated from difficult to nearly unattainable.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, shared insights on the situation, noting that some restaurants are just not accessible. In discussions with restaurateurs, he found that even they struggled to offer advice on securing reservations.
The surge in competition for dinner slots prompted the New York state legislature to outlaw third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where users were reselling reservation slots for upwards of $200. This practice, similar to ticket scalping in the concert and sports arenas, was a growing concern.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, praised the new legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector. She believes it will help mitigate reservation competition and protect restaurants from costly no-shows.
Still, even with these changes, the demand for unique and upscale experiences continues to exceed supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted an overall post-COVID trend where nearly everything—planes, restaurants, and hotels—are fully booked.
With 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a luxury concierge and travel planning service catering to affluent families, India has a wealth of knowledge in securing exclusive reservations. Her client list includes high-profile individuals, such as George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
According to India, gaining access to the hottest dining spots relies on understanding customer preferences and cultivating relationships with restaurant owners. She has observed an industry shift away from traditional fine dining towards trendy venues where the emphasis is often more about the experience and social media presence rather than the food itself.
For those determined to gain access to these coveted dining experiences and willing to put in the effort to obtain a reservation, Sienna Charles provides insights on which New York restaurants are the most difficult to book.