Diners in New York are experiencing unprecedented challenges in securing restaurant reservations. Over the past three years, gaining access to the city’s most sought-after dining spots has shifted from difficult to nearly impossible for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, noted in a recent Bloomberg interview that some restaurants are completely booked. He shared that even restaurateurs are at a loss for strategies to help diners secure a table.
This intense competition for dinner reservations prompted the New York state legislature to recently pass a law banning third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to resell restaurant reservations for prices exceeding $200 — similar to practices seen at concerts and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aimed at reducing reservation competition and shielding restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these regulatory changes, the high demand for glamorous dining experiences continues to surpass availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India observed that post-COVID, nearly all sectors—flights, restaurants, and hotels—are booked solid.
India, who has spent 16 years operating Sienna Charles, a concierge service catering to ultra-wealthy clientele, explained that effective access to exclusive dining experiences hinges on understanding customer preferences and forging strong relationships with restaurants.
She noted a marked shift from traditional fine dining, with clients increasingly favoring trendy establishments. “It’s not just about the food; it’s about the experience and having the bragging rights that come with it,” she stated.
For those determined to secure a coveted reservation, India offers insights into which New York restaurants are considered the hardest to book.