Securing a reservation at New York’s popular restaurants has become increasingly difficult, with many food enthusiasts finding it nearly impossible to get a seat. Over the past three years, the challenge of booking tables at the city’s hottest dining spots has escalated significantly.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, stating that many restaurants have become exclusive. Montaniel noted that even restaurateurs he has spoken with struggle to provide tips on how to secure a table.
The competitive nature of dinner reservations prompted the New York state legislature to recently vote to prohibit third-party booking websites like Appointment Trader, where users had been reselling restaurant reservations for prices exceeding $200—a practice typically associated with high-demand events like concerts and sports.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a “major victory for the hospitality industry,” aimed at reducing reservation competition and shielding restaurants from costly cancellations.
Nevertheless, the demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to outpace availability, a reality acknowledged by travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India. With over 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a concierge service catering to ultra-wealthy clients, India has notable experience in navigating the reservation landscape.
Despite her high-profile clientele—including George W. Bush and Mariah Carey—India stresses that securing access to sought-after restaurants relies on comprehending what diners want and fostering relationships with the restaurants that can meet those desires.
She observed a shift away from traditional fine dining toward trendy venues where the experience often overshadows the food. “It’s never about food; it’s about FOMO,” India explained, highlighting that dining out has become a form of social currency.
For those determined to secure coveted reservations, India offers insights into which New York restaurants currently have the most challenging tables to book.