Securing a reservation at popular restaurants in New York has become increasingly challenging, reaching unprecedented levels over the past three years. Many food enthusiasts find it nearly impossible to secure a table at the city’s most sought-after dining spots.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, noting that certain restaurants have become completely inaccessible. “I’ve spoken with restaurateurs who admit they don’t have any tips for getting in,” he stated.
The competitive nature of dinner reservations prompted a legislative response last month, as the New York state legislature voted to prohibit third-party booking services like Appointment Trader, which saw users reselling restaurant reservations for upwards of $200, similar to ticket scalping in the entertainment industry.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aiming to minimize reservation competition and protect restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legal changes, the reality remains that the demand for trendy dining experiences continues to surpass availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India, who has spent 16 years running a concierge service for affluent clients, noted the post-COVID surge in bookings across all sectors, including flights and accommodations.
India pointed out that for high-profile clients, including celebrities and former political figures, securing tables at exclusive restaurants relies on understanding customer preferences and fostering strong relationships with restaurant owners.
“There has been a noticeable shift away from fine dining. Most of our clients are more interested in trendy spots than in lengthy tasting menus,” she explained. “Dining out is less about the food and more about the experience—people want to share that they were there, it’s a status symbol.”
For those eager to claim their own dining bragging rights and willing to persevere in their pursuit of a reservation, Sienna Charles offers insights into which New York restaurant tables are the most elusive.