Securing a dinner reservation in New York City has become increasingly difficult, making it a challenge for food enthusiasts to enjoy meals at the city’s most sought-after restaurants. Over the past three years, the competition for these coveted seats has escalated significantly, leaving many would-be diners frustrated.
Joel Montaniel, the CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, highlighted the prevailing trend, stating that even restaurateurs are stumped on strategies to help diners secure tables. “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into,” he remarked.
The situation has grown so dire that last month, the New York state legislature enacted a ban on third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to resell restaurant reservations for hefty sums, sometimes exceeding $200. This practice, once related to the resale of concert and sports tickets, has sparked concerns among restaurant owners.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, referred to the new legislation as a “major victory for the hospitality industry,” aimed at alleviating the fierce competition for reservations and shielding restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these recent legislative efforts, the demand for unique and upscale dining experiences continues to surpass their 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.”
With 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel service for wealthy clients, India has insight into navigating the reservation landscape. She emphasizes that securing a table at popular establishments hinges on understanding clients’ desires and cultivating relationships with restaurant personnel.
India observed a shift in dining preferences, saying, “People have really moved away from fine dining. The focus is not necessarily on food but on the experience of getting in, which leads to a sense of FOMO—fear of missing out.”
For those determined to secure a reservation at these exclusive venues, insights from Sienna Charles can help identify which New York restaurants are currently the hardest to access.