In New York, securing a restaurant reservation has become increasingly difficult, reaching unprecedented levels of competition. Over the past three years, many food enthusiasts have found it nearly impossible to snag a seat at the city’s most sought-after dining spots.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, shared with Bloomberg that some restaurants have become virtually inaccessible. “I’ve even talked to restaurateurs and asked them for tips to get in, and they say, ‘I don’t have them,’” he noted.
The situation has led the New York state legislature to recently vote in favor of banning third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to resell restaurant reservations for prices exceeding $200, reminiscent of ticket scalping for 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,” as it aims to lessen competition for reservations and protect restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the growing demand for unique, trendy, and luxurious experiences continues to exceed availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India remarked on the challenges posed by the post-COVID environment, where every restaurant, hotel, and flight is often fully booked.
With 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service catering to affluent families, India offers insight into securing reservations at the most popular venues. She emphasizes that success relies on understanding clients’ preferences and fostering relationships with sought-after restaurants.
India observed a shift away from traditional fine dining, noting that clients are increasingly interested in trendy spots where the experience often centers around social status rather than the meal itself. “It’s about FOMO. It’s about saying that you got in; it’s a bragging right,” she explained.
For those determined to claim their own bragging rights, the following highlights the most coveted restaurant reservations in New York, as identified by Sienna Charles.