Dining out in New York has become increasingly challenging, with the process of securing reservations at popular restaurants reaching an all-time high. Over the past three years, many food enthusiasts have found it nearly impossible to snag a seat at the city’s most sought-after eateries.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the bookings platform Sevenrooms, recently shared his insights on the issue, noting that some restaurants are simply inaccessible. “I’ve even spoken to restaurateurs, and when asked for tips to get in, they admit they have none,” he stated in an interview with Bloomberg.
The competitive nature of dinner reservations led the New York state legislature to take action last month by voting to ban third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader. These platforms had allowed users to sell their reservation slots for exorbitant prices, sometimes exceeding $200, a practice more commonly associated with concert and sports tickets.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new legislation as a significant boon for the hospitality industry, asserting that it would mitigate competition for reservations and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the overwhelming demand for trendy and luxurious experiences continues to surpass their supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India observed that since the COVID-19 pandemic, securing reservations has become more challenging. “Every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full,” she remarked, highlighting the difficulty in accommodating eager diners.
India has extensive experience in the realm of high-end dining, having operated Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service for affluent clients, for the past 16 years. Her clientele includes influential figures such as George W. Bush and Mariah Carey. However, she points out that gaining access to the most prestigious dining venues often hinges on understanding client preferences and forging strong relationships with the restaurants.
“There’s been a noticeable shift away from fine dining; most clients now prefer trendy establishments where the emphasis is not solely on food,” India explained. She described the current dining trend as revolving around the allure of the experience itself and the status that comes with securing a reservation at a coveted spot.
For those eager to enjoy a memorable dining experience in New York and willing to persist in their pursuit of a reservation, a list of the most difficult tables to obtain has been compiled by Sienna Charles.