Securing a reservation at New York’s popular restaurants has become increasingly difficult, as many food enthusiasts find themselves unable to snag a table. Over the past three years, the challenge of booking a seat at the city’s hottest spots has escalated significantly.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, shared with Bloomberg that some restaurants have become virtually inaccessible. When consulted for booking tips, restaurateurs often admit they have none to offer.
In an effort to combat the intense competition for dinner reservations, the New York state legislature recently passed a law prohibiting third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader. These platforms previously allowed users to resell restaurant reservations for prices exceeding $200, a practice that has drawn parallels to ticket scalping for concerts and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a landmark win for the hospitality sector, aimed at minimizing reservation competition and protecting restaurants from costly cancellations.
However, despite these legal changes, the growing demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to outpace availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted that since the pandemic, almost every aspect of travel and dining, including flights and accommodations, has become fully booked.
India, who has operated her concierge and travel planning service, Sienna Charles, for 16 years, caters to ultra-wealthy clients, including former President George W. Bush and singer Mariah Carey. Although she has considerable experience in securing exclusive reservations, she points out that access largely hinges on understanding client preferences and establishing strong connections with restaurants.
She remarked, “People have really moved away from fine dining; we very rarely have a client that wants to sit through a tasting menu.” The trend has shifted toward eateries where the experience is more about social status and sharing on social media than the culinary offerings.
For those eager to secure a coveted reservation in New York City, persistence and an understanding of current dining trends are essential.