In New York, securing a dining reservation has become increasingly difficult, reaching new levels of challenge. Over the past three years, the process of getting a table at the city’s most sought-after restaurants has evolved from tough to nearly impossible for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the bookings platform Sevenrooms, stated that certain restaurants are virtually inaccessible. Despite efforts to provide tips from restaurant owners, he noted that many simply do not have any strategies to share.
The competition for reservations has intensified to the extent that last month, lawmakers in New York voted to prohibit third-party booking platforms like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to sell restaurant slots for $200 or more—an approach typically associated with concerts and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislative move as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aiming to lessen reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the reality remains that the demand for unique and upscale experiences continues to exceed supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India pointed out that post-COVID, nearly everything—planes, hotels, and restaurants—is fully booked. She highlighted the challenge of navigating access to these coveted spots.
India operates Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service catering to ultra-wealthy clients, including prominent figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey. She emphasized that gaining entry to the most desirable restaurants, hotels, and luxury experiences relies on a few key elements, primarily understanding clients’ preferences and cultivating relationships with the establishments.
According to India, there has been a noticeable shift away from fine dining; most of her clients no longer desire lengthy tasting menus. Instead, the focus has shifted towards trendy dining experiences, where the appeal lies more in social status and sharing the experience rather than just the food itself.
For those aiming to secure their own sought-after reservations, India outlines which New York dining tables are deemed the most difficult to obtain.