Securing a reservation at New York’s most sought-after restaurants has become increasingly difficult, with the challenge reaching new heights in recent years. Many prospective diners find themselves struggling to book a table at the city’s top dining spots.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, recently highlighted this trend, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He noted that even restaurateurs lack effective strategies for securing reservations.
In response to the growing difficulty, the New York state legislature took action last month by voting to ban third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which saw users reselling their dinner reservations for significant sums, much like scalpers in the concert industry.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, called the legislation a significant win for the hospitality sector, suggesting it would lessen competition for table bookings and protect restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these regulatory efforts, the desire for unique and high-end experiences continues to exceed availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India observed, “Post-COVID, everything is booked up—every plane, every restaurant, every hotel.” India, who leads Sienna Charles, a concierge service for affluent clients, argues that access to popular dining experiences hinges on understanding client needs and nurturing relationships with restaurants.
She noted a shift away from traditional fine dining towards trendy establishments, where the experience often matters more than the food itself. “It’s about saying that you got in; it’s a bragging right,” she remarked.
For those keen on snagging a reservation at New York’s hardest-to-book restaurants, persistence and strategy are key, as shared by India.