Dining in New York City has become more challenging than ever, with reservation processes at popular restaurants evolving into a nearly impossible feat for many enthusiastic diners. Over the past three years, securing a table at the city’s most sought-after eateries has shifted from a difficult task to an unattainable one for numerous food lovers.
According to Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, some restaurants remain entirely inaccessible. He noted that discussions with restaurateurs reveal their struggles to offer tips for securing reservations.
In response to the increasing competitiveness for dining spots, the New York state legislature recently voted to prohibit third-party booking services, such as Appointment Trader, which allowed users to sell reservation slots for as much as $200, a trend typically seen in concert and sporting event ticket scalping.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant triumph for the hospitality sector, aiming to lessen reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative advancements, the demand for exclusive and luxurious dining experiences continues to surpass availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted, “After COVID, it’s clear that everything is booking up—planes, restaurants, hotels.”
With 16 years of expertise running Sienna Charles, a concierge service for the ultra-wealthy, India specializes in navigating bookings for high-profile clients including George W. Bush and Mariah Carey. Even with her extensive experience, she emphasizes that access to popular venues hinges on understanding client preferences and fostering solid relationships with restaurants.
India observed a notable shift in dining trends, stating, “People are moving away from fine dining; few clients request a lengthy tasting menu. The focus is now on trendy restaurants where the experience is often about FOMO—fear of missing out—rather than just the food.”
For those eager to secure their own coveted reservations and willing to persist in the effort, Sienna Charles has insights into which New York restaurants are currently the most difficult to book.