Securing a reservation at New York’s top restaurants has become increasingly difficult, reaching new levels of challenge in recent years. The trendiest dining spots in the city have seen demand surge, resulting in a struggle for many food enthusiasts to find a table.
“We have certain restaurants where people just can’t get in,” stated Joel Montaniel, CEO of bookings platform Sevenrooms, in a recent interview. He mentioned that even restaurateurs he has spoken to could not offer tips on how to secure a reservation.
The situation has escalated to the point that the New York state legislature voted last month to prohibit third-party booking services like Appointment Trader, which had allowed users to resell their reservations for prices exceeding $200, a practice more common in the events industry.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, referred to this legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, intended to lessen the competition for reservations and protect restaurants from costly no-shows.
Despite these legislative efforts, the demand for unique and upscale dining experiences continues to overwhelm availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted, “Post-COVID, everything is booked—every flight, every restaurant, every hotel.” India has been running Sienna Charles, a luxury travel and concierge service for affluent clients, for 16 years, serving individuals with fortunes exceeding $100 million, including notable figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
India recognizes that gaining access to popular dining spots hinges on understanding customer preferences and forging connections with the restaurants that satisfy those cravings. She observed a notable shift away from fine dining, pointing out that most of her clients are now drawn to trendy establishments where the experience, rather than the food itself, takes precedence. “It’s not just about the meal. It’s about being able to say you got in; it has become a sort of bragging rights.”
For those eager to secure exclusive dining experiences and willing to put in the effort, India provides insights into the most challenging-to-book restaurants in New York.