Securing a reservation at New York’s top restaurants has become increasingly challenging, with many food enthusiasts finding it nearly impossible to get a seat at the city’s most sought-after dining spots. Over the past three years, the difficulty of making reservations has escalated significantly.
According to Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, many popular restaurants are completely booked. He noted that restaurateurs, when asked for advice on how to secure a table, often admit they have no solutions to offer.
The situation has become so competitive that the New York state legislature recently voted to prohibit the use of third-party booking sites, such as Appointment Trader, which allowed users to sell restaurant reservations for exorbitant prices—sometimes $200 or more. This practice resembles ticket scalping for concerts and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, praised the new legislation, calling it a significant win for the hospitality sector. She believes it will lessen competition for reservations and protect eateries from costly cancellations.
Despite legislative efforts, the demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to surpass availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India notes a surge in bookings across all sectors, including airlines, hotels, and restaurants since the pandemic. India, who runs the high-end travel planning service Sienna Charles for ultra-wealthy clients, emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs and cultivating relationships with restaurants.
She observes a shift away from traditional fine dining toward trendy venues, where the experience is often more about social status than culinary offerings. As a result, the motivation for dining at these locations has shifted from the food itself to the experience of securing a reservation, which has become a badge of honor among diners.
For those eager to secure a reservation at New York’s most exclusive restaurants, persistent effort and strategic approaches are essential.