Securing a reservation at New York’s most sought-after restaurants has become increasingly difficult, with the past three years marking a significant rise in competition for tables. Many food enthusiasts are finding it nearly impossible to snag a seat at the city’s trendiest dining establishments.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, recently shared insights on the situation, indicating that even industry insiders struggle to provide tips for gaining access to top restaurants. “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into,” he noted.
In response to the growing challenge, the New York state legislature took action last month, voting to ban third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader. These platforms allowed users to resell restaurant reservations for exorbitant prices, reminiscent of the ticket scalping often seen at concerts and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector. She believes it will lessen competition for reservations and help safeguard restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the trend of high demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to exceed supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted the post-COVID landscape, stating, “everything is booked up, right? Every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full.” As the owner of Sienna Charles, a concierge service catering to the ultra-wealthy, India has extensive knowledge in navigating the competitive dining scene.
Over her 16 years in the industry, she has worked with prominent clients, including former President George W. Bush and singer Mariah Carey. India emphasizes that gaining access to popular restaurants hinges on understanding clients’ preferences and fostering relationships with restaurant owners.
She observed a significant shift in dining preferences, explaining that people are moving away from traditional fine dining experiences in favor of trendy establishments focused more on the social experience than the food itself. “It’s about saying that you got in; it’s a bragging right,” she said.
For those eager to secure a coveted reservation and willing to persevere in the process, India has insights into which New York restaurant tables are currently the hardest to book.