Securing a reservation at New York’s top restaurants has become increasingly difficult, reaching unprecedented levels of competition. Over the past three years, the challenge of landing a seat at the city’s most sought-after dining spots has escalated, leaving many food enthusiasts frustrated.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, highlighted the growing problem, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” Even restaurateurs have admitted they have no solutions for the reservation struggle, despite being asked during discussions.
The situation prompted the New York state legislature to take action, voting to ban third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where users had been selling reservation slots for exorbitant prices. Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the restaurant industry, as it would alleviate reservation competition and protect establishments from costly no-shows.
However, the high demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to outpace supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted that since the pandemic, nearly everything—planes, hotels, and restaurants—are fully booked. India, who runs a high-end travel service catering to ultra-wealthy clients, understands the intricacies of securing reservations in this competitive environment.
According to India, access to exclusive dining experiences hinges on two key factors: knowing what patrons desire and fostering relationships with the restaurants that can provide those experiences. She pointed out a notable shift away from fine dining, with clients increasingly seeking trendy restaurants where the allure isn’t just the food but also the prestige of securing a table.
If you’re aspiring to snag a highly coveted reservation, industry insights from Sienna Charles reveal which New York eateries are the most difficult to book.