Reservations at New York’s hottest restaurants have become increasingly elusive, making dining out a challenging experience for many. Over the past three years, obtaining a table at popular venues has escalated from difficult to nearly impossible for many dining enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, recently shared insights with Bloomberg, stating, “Some restaurants are simply out of reach.” Even restaurateurs, when asked for tips on securing a reservation, have said they have none to offer.
The intense competition for dinner reservations prompted New York’s state legislature to outlaw third-party booking platforms like Appointment Trader, where individuals were reselling their restaurant reservations for exorbitant prices, similar to practices 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 believes it will lessen competition for reservations and shield restaurants from costly no-shows.
Despite these legislative efforts, the demand for unique and upscale dining experiences still far exceeds their availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India observed, “Since COVID, everything seems fully booked—planes, restaurants, hotels.” She offered insight into managing high-demand bookings, given her extensive career running a concierge service for wealthy clients, including notable figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
India highlighted that gaining access to top-tier restaurants and luxury experiences hinges on understanding client preferences and fostering strong relationships with those venues. She noted a shift in dining trends, with clients increasingly favoring trendy spots over traditional fine dining, driven more by the allure of being part of a popular experience than the food itself.
For those determined to secure coveted reservations, Sienna Charles provides recommendations on New York’s most difficult restaurant tables to book.