Dining out in New York has become increasingly difficult, with the challenge of securing a reservation at the city’s most popular restaurants reaching unprecedented levels. Over the past three years, the ability to snag a table at the trendiest spots has evolved from a challenge to a near-impossibility for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservations platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, noting, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into. Even restaurateurs I’ve spoken with admit they don’t have tips for securing tables.”
The competition for dinner reservations has intensified to the point where last month, New York state lawmakers voted to prohibit third-party booking platforms like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to resell reservation slots for hefty sums, sometimes exceeding $200. This practice drew parallels to ticket scalping in concerts and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, called the new legislation “a major victory for the hospitality industry,” citing efforts to lessen competition for reservations and safeguard restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these regulatory changes, the demand for trendy and luxurious experiences continues to surpass the available options. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted, “Post-COVID, everything is booked up. Every flight, restaurant, and hotel is at capacity. How do you help people access fully-booked establishments?”
India, who has spent 16 years managing Sienna Charles—a concierge and travel planning service catering to the ultra-wealthy—recognizes the challenge of accessing sought-after dining experiences. Her clientele often includes affluent families, with past notable clients like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
Even with her extensive connections, India points out that gaining entry into popular restaurants hinges on understanding client preferences and fostering relationships with those restaurants. “People have shifted away from fine dining; very few clients desire a lengthy tasting menu,” she explained. “The trend now is towards trendy dining spots where the focus isn’t just food; it’s about the experience and having something to brag about.”
For those determined to secure hard-to-get reservations, here are some of the most coveted dining spots in New York, according to Sienna Charles.