Dining in New York City has become increasingly challenging, with securing a reservation at popular restaurants reaching new levels of difficulty. Over the past three years, obtaining a seat at the city’s most sought-after eateries has transformed from a tough task to a near-impossible feat for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, noted that there are restaurants that many patrons simply cannot access. In discussions with restaurateurs, he has learned that even they struggle to provide tips on how to secure a reservation.
The competitive landscape for dinner bookings prompted the New York state legislature to pass a measure banning third-party reservation sites like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to sell their slots for prices exceeding $200—akin to practices seen with concert tickets and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, praised this legislation as a significant win for the hospitality industry. She believes it will lessen the competitive pressures regarding reservations and protect restaurants from costly no-shows.
Despite these legislative efforts, the insatiable demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to surpass availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India stated that since the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly every service sector has experienced full bookings, making it increasingly complicated to secure tables at top restaurants.
India, who has spent over 16 years operating Sienna Charles—a concierge and travel planning service for the wealthy—emphasizes the need for understanding client preferences and cultivating relationships with restaurants to enhance access to exclusive venues. She notes a shift away from traditional fine dining, with most clients now preferring trendy spots where the experience is more about the ambience and social status rather than just the food.
For those eager to enjoy their own bragging rights through a coveted reservation, India indicates that persistence is key and recommends keeping an eye on some of the most elusive dining options in New York City.