Acquiring a reservation at top restaurants in New York has become increasingly difficult. Over the past three years, the challenge of securing a seat at the city’s most popular eateries has escalated, leaving many food enthusiasts feeling shut out.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, shared with Bloomberg that some restaurants are simply inaccessible. He noted that even restaurateurs themselves struggle to provide solutions for securing tables.
The competitive nature of dinner reservations led the New York state legislature to recently vote to ban third-party booking sites such as Appointment Trader, where users were reselling restaurant reservations for prices reaching $200 or more, a trend typically seen in concert and sporting event ticket sales.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aimed at reducing reservation competition and shielding restaurants from costly no-shows.
Despite these regulatory changes, the reality remains that the demand for trendy and upscale experiences continues to surpass their availability.
Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India highlighted the problem: “Post-COVID, everything is booked up—flights, restaurants, hotels,” she said. India has extensive experience in securing restaurant access, having operated Sienna Charles, a concierge service for wealthy families, for 16 years. Her clientele often exceeds $100 million in wealth, including high-profile figures such as George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
India pointed out that understanding client needs and fostering relationships with restaurants are crucial for gaining access to popular dining spots. She noted a shift away from traditional fine dining towards trendy venues, emphasizing that patrons often seek experiences for social status rather than culinary exploration.
For those eager to secure coveted reservations and willing to persist in their pursuit, Sienna Charles has identified which New York restaurant tables are the most elusive.