In New York City, securing a dining reservation has become increasingly challenging, reaching new levels of difficulty over the past three years. For many seeking to enjoy a meal at the city’s hottest spots, the prospect of getting a seat feels nearly impossible.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, commented on the situation, stating that some restaurants are simply inaccessible. He noted that even restaurateurs have been unable to provide effective strategies for obtaining reservations during discussions.
The competitive nature of dinner reservations has prompted action from state lawmakers. Last month, the New York state legislature passed a law prohibiting third-party booking sites, such as Appointment Trader, which allowed users to resell restaurant reservations for exorbitant prices—sometimes as high as $200. This practice was reminiscent of ticket scalping for concerts and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, emphasizing that it will help reduce reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these changes, the demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to far exceed the supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India pointed out the post-COVID landscape, where everything from planes to restaurants is fully booked, making it more difficult to secure desired experiences.
India, who has spent 16 years running Sienna Charles—a concierge and travel planning service for affluent clients—has invaluable insights into this challenge. Her clientele, which includes high-profile individuals, underscores the necessity of understanding customer preferences and nurturing relationships with top restaurants.
She highlighted a shift in consumer behavior, noting that more guests are gravitating away from traditional fine dining experiences. Instead, the focus has moved toward trendy spots that emphasize the experience of dining itself, seen as a status symbol rather than just a gastronomic adventure.
For those determined to secure a coveted reservation, India offers tips on some of New York’s most elusive dining venues.