Securing a reservation at New York City’s most sought-after restaurants has become increasingly difficult in recent years. The process, which previously posed a challenge, now feels nearly impossible for many eager diners.
According to Joel Montaniel, CEO of bookings platform Sevenrooms, certain eateries have become so exclusive that even restaurateurs cannot provide guidance on how to successfully book a table. This surge in reservation difficulty has prompted the New York state legislature to take action, recently voting to ban third-party reservation platforms like Appointment Trader, where users were reselling restaurant bookings for exorbitant prices, similar to practices seen in concert ticket scalping.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector. She stated that this move would help alleviate reservation competition and protect restaurants from costly no-shows.
Regardless of legislative efforts, the high demand for unique and luxurious dining experiences continues to outpace availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India, who runs a concierge service for elite clients, noted that the post-COVID period has resulted in fully booked planes, restaurants, and accommodations.
India, who has catered to high-profile clients including George W. Bush and Mariah Carey, believes that gaining access to trendy restaurants hinges on understanding client desires and fostering strong relationships with restaurant personnel. She observed that diners are shifting away from traditional fine dining experiences, favoring trendy spots that cater to the experience rather than the food itself. For many, securing a reservation has become a matter of social status, with dining out serving as a means of boasting.
For those eager to join the ranks of exclusive diners, industry insights reveal which New York restaurants currently have the toughest reservations to secure.