Securing a reservation at New York’s top restaurants has become increasingly difficult, with many aspiring diners finding it nearly impossible to snag a seat at the city’s most sought-after venues. In the past three years, the challenge of making dinner reservations has escalated from tough to nearly unattainable for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, recently noted that certain restaurants have become so exclusive that even industry insiders struggle to provide tips on how to get in. “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into,” he stated, mentioning discussions with restaurateurs who’ve admitted a lack of solutions to overcome the booking hurdles.
In response to rampant reservation scalping, the New York state legislature recently enacted a law banning third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where users were reportedly selling restaurant slots for upwards of $200. This practice mirrors ticket scalping commonly seen in concerts and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, characterized the new legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aimed at reducing competition for reservations and shielding restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite legislative efforts, the demand for trendy and upscale dining experiences remains high, often outpacing availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India observes, “Post-COVID, every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full.” She emphasizes the challenge of navigating the booking landscape, especially as individuals seek access to popular venues that are often fully booked.
With 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a concierge service catering to the ultra-wealthy, India has insights into securing coveted reservations. Her clientele, consisting of families with a net worth exceeding $100 million, includes notable figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
Despite her extensive experience, India points out that gaining access to the trendiest restaurants hinges on a few key elements: understanding customer desires and cultivating relationships with restaurant owners. She observes a shift in preferences, stating, “People have really moved away from fine dining… The entire shift in the last three years has been towards trendy restaurants where the focus is not necessarily on food.” This trend is driven more by a desire for the social status associated with securing a reservation than the culinary experience itself.
For those hoping to join the ranks of diners at these elusive establishments, persistence and strategic planning may be key, especially as they navigate which New York restaurants are currently the hardest to book, according to Sienna Charles.