Dining out in New York has become increasingly challenging, with securing a reservation at the city’s hottest restaurants now more difficult than ever. Over the past three years, the process has shifted from merely difficult to seemingly impossible for many eager diners.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, revealing, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into. Even restaurateurs admit they have no tips to offer on securing a spot.”
The competition for dinner reservations has led New York’s state legislature to take action, recently voting to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where users were scalping restaurant reservations for hefty sums, sometimes over $200—a practice reminiscent of the resale markets for concert and sports tickets.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, regarded the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, arguing it would lessen reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legal measures, the overwhelming demand for unique, trendy, and opulent experiences continues to surpass their availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted, “Post-COVID, everything is booked. Every plane, every restaurant, every hotel is full,” highlighting the challenge of securing spots amidst soaring demand.
With 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a travel and concierge service catering to the ultra-wealthy, India understands the landscape of high-end dining. Her clientele includes individuals with fortunes exceeding $100 million, including notable figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
India emphasizes that gaining access to exclusive restaurants, hotels, or luxury experiences hinges on a few crucial elements: comprehending customer wants and forging relationships with the right venues. She observes a shift away from fine dining, saying, “People very rarely desire a tasting menu anymore. There’s been a movement towards trendy restaurants where the focus is often not even about food. It’s more about having the experience and the ability to say you were there.”
For those eager to claim bragging rights when it comes to securing reservations, India shares insights into which New York restaurant tables are the toughest to book.