Securing a dinner reservation in New York City has become increasingly difficult, reaching new levels of competitiveness over the past three years. For many food enthusiasts, booking a table at the city’s most fashionable restaurants has transitioned from a tough endeavor to a seemingly impossible task.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, indicated to Bloomberg that some eateries are essentially inaccessible. He noted that even experienced restaurateurs struggle to provide tips for securing a reservation.
The situation has prompted legislative action, with the New York state legislature recently voting to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where users were reselling restaurant reservations for $200 or more. This practice has drawn parallels to ticket scalping for concerts and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, designed to minimize reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these changes, the demand for trendy and luxurious experiences continues to surpass their availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India pointed out that the post-COVID landscape sees full booking across flights, restaurants, and hotels. With a deep understanding of this industry—having run the concierge and travel planning service Sienna Charles for 16 years, primarily serving clients with assets exceeding $100 million—India has helped high-profile figures, including George W. Bush and Mariah Carey, navigate their reservation challenges.
India highlights that gaining access to the most sought-after restaurants and luxury experiences hinges on a few crucial factors: knowing what customers desire and fostering relationships with the right restaurants. She notes a notable trend away from traditional fine dining to more vibrant and social dining contexts, emphasizing that the appeal often leans less toward the food and more toward the social status gained from securing a reservation.
For those eager to nab exclusive reservations themselves, a list of the hardest restaurants to book in New York City, according to Sienna Charles, could provide valuable insights.