For those eager to enjoy the culinary scene in New York, securing a reservation has become more challenging than ever. Over the past three years, the struggle to snag a seat at the city’s most sought-after eateries has escalated, leaving many food enthusiasts frustrated.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservations platform Sevenrooms, highlighted this issue in a recent conversation with Bloomberg. He noted that some restaurants are so difficult to access that even seasoned restaurateurs are at a loss for tips on how to obtain reservations.
The situation became so dire that last month, the New York state legislature passed legislation prohibiting third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which had allowed users to resell restaurant reservations for prices exceeding $200—an approach typically seen in concert and sporting event ticket scalping.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new law as a “major victory for the hospitality industry,” aimed at reducing reservation competition and shielding restaurants from costly no-shows.
Despite these legislative efforts, the growing demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to outpace availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India explained, “Post-COVID, everything is booked—every flight, every restaurant, every hotel.” She noted the challenge of securing space in an already crowded market.
With over 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service for high-net-worth individuals, India understands the intricacies of obtaining coveted reservations. Her clientele includes individuals with fortunes exceeding $100 million, including notable figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
India pointed out that gaining access to the hottest restaurants hinges on a few key elements: comprehending customer preferences and cultivating relationships with the establishments that can meet those needs. She observed a significant shift away from traditional fine dining, stating, “We rarely have clients interested in long tasting menus.” Instead, consumers are more drawn to trendy spots, driven by status and the “fear of missing out.”
For those determined to claim a coveted seat at one of New York’s top restaurants, persistence is key. Stay tuned as we reveal which dining spots are currently the most elusive according to Sienna Charles.