Dining out in New York City has become increasingly difficult, with securing a reservation at popular restaurants now a formidable challenge. In the past three years, reaching the city’s most sought-after dining spots has shifted from tough to nearly unattainable for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, shared insights on this trend, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He noted discussions with restaurateurs who admitted they lacked effective strategies to help diners secure reservations.
The competitiveness of dinner reservations culminated in a recent decision by the New York state legislature to outlaw third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where users were reselling reservations for significant sums—sometimes as high as $200. This practice, akin to ticket scalping for concerts and sports events, raised concerns within the dining community.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a critical win for the hospitality sector, aiming to diminish reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite such legislative efforts, the demand for unique and luxurious dining experiences remains high, consistently surpassing supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India highlights this disparity, noting, “Post-COVID, everything is booked up, right? Every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full.”
With over 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service for affluent clients, India has valuable insights into securing coveted reservations. Her clientele often includes families with fortunes exceeding $100 million, and she has worked with distinguished figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
India suggests that the secret to accessing the best dining venues lies in understanding client preferences and fostering relationships with restaurant establishments. “People have really moved away from fine dining… it’s more about trendy restaurants where the experience is less about food and more about the exclusivity of getting in,” she said, noting the shift towards a culture centered around the fear of missing out (FOMO).
For those keen on claiming their own exclusive dining experiences and willing to persist in the reservation process, Sienna Charles identifies some of the most challenging restaurants in New York City to book a table at.