Acquiring a reservation at New York’s popular dining spots has become increasingly difficult in recent years. The challenge has escalated from merely tough to virtually impossible for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, noted that some restaurants are completely inaccessible, revealing that even restaurateurs lack strategies for securing seats.
Recent legislative actions reflect this competitive landscape. Last month, New York state lawmakers passed a law prohibiting third-party booking platforms like Appointment Trader, where reservations were being resold for upwards of $200, a practice reminiscent of ticket scalping for concerts and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, heralded this legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aimed at reducing reservation competition and shielding restaurants from costly no-shows.
Despite these legislative efforts, the high demand for unique dining experiences continues to outstrip supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted that post-COVID, almost every restaurant, hotel, and flight seems fully booked, complicating the process of securing reservations.
India, who has spent 16 years running Sienna Charles—a concierge and travel planning service for the affluent—underscored that winning a table at a sought-after restaurant revolves around understanding clientele needs and nurturing relationships with restaurant owners.
She observed that there has been a noticeable shift in dining preferences, with clients frequently opting for trendy spots rather than traditional fine dining experiences. For many, it’s less about the food and more about the exclusivity of the experience—securing a reservation has become a point of pride.
For those aiming to nab a coveted reservation, Sienna Charles offers insights into which New York restaurants have the most elusive tables.