For those eager to enjoy dining experiences in New York, securing a reservation has become increasingly challenging. Over the past three years, gaining access to the city’s most sought-after restaurants has transitioned from a difficult task to an almost unattainable one for many culinary enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, the CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He noted that even restaurateurs have admitted they lack effective strategies for securing a table, despite his discussions with them on the subject.
The competition for dinner reservations has escalated to such a degree that, just last month, New York’s state legislature passed legislation to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader. Users were reported to be reselling reservations for exorbitant prices, sometimes exceeding $200, mimicking practices typically seen in the concert and sporting event industries.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, characterized the new law as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aimed at minimizing reservation competition and shielding restaurants from costly no-shows.
Nevertheless, the ongoing demand for unique and upscale dining experiences continues to surpass their availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India pointed out, “After COVID, I’m sure you’ve noticed that everything is booked up, right? Every plane, every restaurant, every hotel is full.” As the founder of Sienna Charles, a luxury concierge and travel planning service, India has spent over 16 years helping ultra-wealthy families secure exclusive dining opportunities. Her clientele includes prominent figures such as George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
Despite her impressive background, India highlights that accessing the most in-demand restaurants boils down to a few key elements: understanding client desires and fostering relationships with the establishments that can meet those needs. She noted a shift in preferences, stating, “People have really moved away from fine dining; we rarely have a client that wants to sit through a tasting menu. The trend has evolved toward restaurants that offer unique experiences rather than solely focusing on the food. It’s about the social aspect and the bragging rights that come with securing a reservation.”
For those who aspire to secure a coveted table and are ready to put in the effort, Sienna Charles has identified which restaurants in New York are currently the hardest to book.