For diners in New York City, securing a reservation has become increasingly difficult, with some restaurants becoming nearly impossible to access. Over the past three years, getting a table at the city’s most sought-after restaurants has shifted from complicated to nearly unattainable for many eager food lovers.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservations platform Sevenrooms, highlighted the situation by stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He noted that even restaurant owners, when asked for tips on securing a reservation, admitted to having no solutions to offer.
The state legislature recently took action in response to the fierce competition for reservations, voting to prohibit third-party booking platforms like Appointment Trader, where individuals were reselling restaurant slots for $200 or more. This practice was once typical for high-demand events such as concerts and sports games.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, called this legislation a significant win for the hospitality sector, as it would lessen the competition for bookings and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative measures, the demand for trendy and exclusive dining experiences continues to surpass availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted, “Post-COVID, everything is booked up… every plane, every restaurant, every hotel is full.” She emphasized the challenges of navigating the high demand for restaurants, hotels, yachts, and other exclusive experiences, which are often fully booked.
India, who has over 16 years of experience running a concierge and travel planning service for wealthy clients, explained that successful access to popular dining spots involves understanding clients’ preferences and fostering relationships with the restaurants that can meet those desires. She pointed out a distinct shift away from traditional fine dining toward trendy eateries that thrive on the allure of “Fear of Missing Out” (FOMO) rather than the culinary experience itself.
Looking to secure one of these coveted reservations? Stay persistent, as the following list highlights the New York restaurants reported to be among the hardest to book a table at, according to Sienna Charles.