Dining out in New York has become increasingly challenging, with securing a reservation at the city’s most sought-after restaurants now more difficult than ever. Over the past three years, the ability to obtain a table at these popular eateries has transitioned from a tricky endeavor to a nearly impossible task for many potential diners.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservations platform Sevenrooms, has noted that getting into certain restaurants has become so difficult that even restaurateurs admit they have no tips to share. “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into,” Montaniel told Bloomberg.
The competitive landscape for dinner reservations reached a new level last month when the New York state legislature voted to prohibit third-party booking platforms like Appointment Trader. This site allowed users to sell reservations for exorbitant prices, sometimes as high as $200, a practice reminiscent of ticket scalping seen in concerts and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new legislation as a significant accomplishment for the hospitality sector, aimed at reducing reservation competition and protecting eateries from costly no-shows.
Despite these legislative measures, the demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to surpass availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted, “Post-COVID, everything is booked up—every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full.”
India, who leads Sienna Charles, a concierge service catering to ultra-wealthy clients, advocates for understanding individual desires and fostering connections with restaurants that can meet those needs. She observed a shift away from formal, fine dining to more trendy spots where the appeal is more about the experience and social status than the food itself. “It’s sort of about FOMO. It’s about saying that you got in, it’s a bragging right,” she explains.
For those eager to secure a reservation and enjoy the prestige of dining at exclusive New York restaurants, persistence and strategy are key, as shared by India.