Securing a dining reservation in New York has never been more challenging, as many food enthusiasts are finding their quest to enjoy meals at the city’s most popular restaurants increasingly elusive. Over the past three years, the level of difficulty in obtaining a seat at the trendiest establishments has escalated, leaving many aspiring diners frustrated.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, recently conveyed the situation to Bloomberg, stating that some restaurants are simply inaccessible. Even restaurateurs themselves have admitted to having no solutions for the reservation bottleneck, showcasing the overwhelming demand.
The issue has attracted legislative attention, leading New York’s state legislature to prohibit third-party booking platforms like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to sell restaurant reservations for prices exceeding $200—similar to practices seen in the concert and sports industries. Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the ban as a significant win for the hospitality sector, which aims to mitigate reservation competition and offer protection against costly cancellations.
Nonetheless, the trend for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to exceed supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India, who has advised distinguished clients, from celebrities to political figures, for over 16 years through her concierge service, Sienna Charles, noted, “Post-COVID, everything appears booked—planes, hotels, and restaurants alike.”
India stresses that securing access to exclusive dining spots involves more than just persistence; it calls for an understanding of client desires and forging strong relationships with restaurant personnel. She further points out a noticeable shift in dining preferences, with clients increasingly favoring trendy venues over traditional fine dining options, emphasizing the importance of the experience and the allure of exclusivity—often referred to as “FOMO” (fear of missing out)—over the food itself.
For those determined to gain access to the hardest-to-book tables in New York, persistence is key, along with insights into the restaurants that are most sought after.
The silver lining here is that the restaurant industry is adapting to these challenges, and with new laws in place, diners may eventually find a more equitable landscape for securing reservations. As more venues prioritize accessibility and build relationships with guests, the struggle to dine out might become a little less daunting—offering hope that everyone will be able to enjoy these culinary experiences in the future.