Finding a table at one of New York’s popular restaurants has become increasingly difficult, with many aspiring diners struggling to secure reservations. Over the past three years, the challenge has escalated, transforming from a hassle into a near-impossible feat for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the venue booking platform Sevenrooms, recently shared insights about the situation, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He noted that even restaurant owners, who often discuss strategies on how to obtain reservations, do not have clear solutions for the current predicament.
The growing competition for dinner reservations led to a recent vote by the New York state legislature to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which had allowed users to sell restaurant slots for prices exceeding $200—practices typically associated with the resale market for 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, aiming to mitigate the competition for reservations and safeguard restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legal changes, the demand for exclusive and trendy dining experiences remains higher than ever. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India highlighted this trend, stating, “Post-COVID, everything is booked up—every plane, restaurant, and hotel.” With 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a concierge service for extremely wealthy individuals, India’s clientele has included notable figures such as George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
Even with her extensive connections, India points out that gaining access to elite dining spots hinges on a few key factors: understanding customer desires and fostering relationships with restaurants capable of meeting those needs. She observed a shift in consumer preferences, saying, “People have really moved away from fine dining; very rarely do we have a client wanting a tasting menu.” Instead, the trend has leaned towards popular dining spots where the experience constitutes more than just food—it’s about the social prestige of being part of the exclusive crowd.
For those determined to secure a reservation and earn their own bragging rights, the article promises a list of New York restaurants which are particularly hard to access, as identified by Sienna Charles.