Getting a reservation at restaurants in New York has become increasingly difficult, reaching levels that many food enthusiasts find nearly impossible to navigate. Over the past three years, securing a spot at the city’s most sought-after dining venues has shifted from a challenge to a significant hurdle.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, spoke about the situation, noting that some restaurants are simply unavailable for patrons. He mentioned discussions with restaurateurs who also admit to being unsure about how to secure reservations amidst this growing competition.
The competitive nature of dinner reservations prompted the New York state legislature to pass a law last month banning third-party booking services, such as Appointment Trader, where users were reselling their reservation slots for prices exceeding $200—similar to the ticket scalping seen in concerts and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed this legislation as a significant win for the hospitality industry, aimed at reducing reservation competition and shielding restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite the new laws, the trend of increasingly limited availability for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues. Jaclyn Sienna India, a travel advisor specializing in high-end clientele, noted that post-COVID, every sector—from flights to dining and hotels—has seen overwhelming demand, complicating the experience of securing reservations.
With 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service for the affluent, India elaborated on the factors influencing access to popular venues, which include understanding customer preferences and fostering relationships with the restaurants.
India remarked that there has been a noticeable shift away from traditional fine dining; few clients now seek lengthy tasting menus. Instead, the focus has evolved towards trendy eateries where the experience is often less about the food and more about the social prestige of being able to dine there.
For those eager to claim their own bragging rights and willing to persist in their pursuit of a reservation, a guide on New York’s hardest-to-get restaurant tables follows.