Securing a restaurant reservation in New York City has become increasingly difficult, with the last three years witnessing a dramatic shift from a challenging process to one that feels nearly impossible for many diners.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the bookings platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg about the current landscape of dining reservations, noting that some restaurants simply cannot accommodate all who wish to dine there. He mentioned that restaurateurs themselves often lack solutions for securing a table, complicating the situation further.
The situation escalated to the point where the New York state legislature recently voted to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to sell reservation slots for prices exceeding $200—an issue typically associated with concert and sports tickets.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, celebrated this legislative move as a significant win for the hospitality sector, asserting it would diminish reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite the new regulations, the demand for trendy and fashionable dining experiences continues to exceed their availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India observed that post-pandemic, nearly all establishments—from flights to hotels—are experiencing high occupancy rates, leaving many restaurants at full capacity as well.
India, who has spent 16 years running a concierge service for high-net-worth families, revealed that her expertise lies in navigating access to exclusive dining experiences. She has catered to prominent clients, including George W. Bush and Mariah Carey. India explained that gaining access to the most sought-after restaurants hinges on understanding client preferences and fostering connections with the establishments.
“There’s been a distinct shift away from fine dining,” she noted, adding that clients rarely request lengthy tasting menus anymore. Instead, the focus has shifted towards trendy venues where the primary appeal goes beyond the food, emphasizing that it often revolves around the experience of securing a reservation and the accompanying social status it entails.
For those determined to secure a table at New York’s most elusive restaurants, persistence is key, and knowing which spots are the hardest to book is essential.