Dining out in New York City has become increasingly challenging as securing a reservation at the most sought-after restaurants has reached new levels of difficulty. Over the past three years, many food enthusiasts have found it nearly impossible to snag a seat at the city’s hottest dining spots.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, mentioning that there are restaurants that are simply inaccessible. Even restaurateurs he has spoken with on panels have admitted they have no tips to offer for getting in.
The situation has become so competitive that last month, New York state legislators enacted a ban on third-party booking platforms like Appointment Trader, where users were reselling reservation slots for up to $200—a practice akin to ticket scalping seen at concerts and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aimed at decreasing competitive pressure for reservations and shielding restaurants from costly cancellations.
Nevertheless, despite these legislative efforts, the reality remains that the demand for unique, trendy, and upscale dining experiences continues to surpass their availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India points out that post-COVID, it seems every flight, hotel, and restaurant is fully booked.
With over 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service for affluent clients, India’s insights are valuable. Her clientele includes high net-worth individuals, and she has worked with notable figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
Despite her extensive experience, India suggests that gaining access to popular and exclusive restaurants—or other luxury experiences—hinges on understanding customer preferences and establishing strong relationships with restaurant owners.
She notes a shift in dining preferences among her clients, saying, “People have really moved away from fine dining; we very rarely have a client that wants to sit through a tasting menu.” According to her, current trends favor stylish eateries where the experience is more about social status than culinary excellence.
For those determined to claim a reservation at a hot New York restaurant, persistence is key. Following India’s advice, patrons can learn which tables are currently the hardest to book in the city.