Obtaining a reservation at New York’s popular restaurants has become increasingly difficult. Over the past three years, many food enthusiasts find themselves struggling to secure a seat at the city’s most sought-after dining establishments.
Joel Montaniel, the CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, highlighted the issue, explaining that some restaurants have become nearly impossible to enter. He noted, “I’ve even talked to restaurateurs…and they say, ‘I don’t have [tips to get in].’”
The competition for dinner reservations led the New York state legislature to pass a ban on third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where users were reselling restaurant reservations for high prices, similar to ticket scalping seen in concerts and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, called the legislation a “major victory for the hospitality industry.” She believes it will help reduce reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these changes, demand for trendy and high-end dining options continues to exceed supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India remarked that since the pandemic, securing bookings for flights, restaurants, hotels, and other experiences has become exceptionally challenging.
India, who runs a luxury concierge service, emphasized the importance of understanding client desires and establishing strong connections with restaurants to successfully navigate the reservation landscape. With a clientele comprising individuals worth over $100 million, including notable figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey, India has significant insights into the dining trends.
She observed a shift in customer preferences away from traditional fine dining, with many now opting for trendy spots that prioritize the social experience over the culinary one. According to her, the appeal lies in the fear of missing out (FOMO) and the connection to exclusivity.
For those eager to secure difficult reservations and willing to persist in their efforts, India provides insights into which New York restaurant tables are currently the most elusive.