For those eager to dine out in New York City, securing a reservation has become an increasingly difficult task. Over the past three years, the process of booking a seat at the city’s most sought-after restaurants has evolved from a challenge into an impossibility for many diners.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservations platform Sevenrooms, noted that certain restaurants have become virtually inaccessible. He recounted discussions with restaurateurs, who admitted to lacking strategies for securing reservations.
The competitive landscape for dinner reservations reached a tipping point last month when the New York state legislature enacted a ban on third-party booking sites such as Appointment Trader, which allowed users to resell their restaurant reservations for hefty prices—sometimes exceeding $200, a practice that has typically been associated with concerts and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, referred to the new legislation as a significant achievement for the hospitality sector, aimed at reducing reservation competition and safeguarding restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to exceed availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India remarked that since the end of COVID restrictions, nearly all venues—flights, restaurants, and hotels—are fully booked.
India, who runs a luxury concierge and travel planning service for affluent clients, shared insights from her 16 years of experience. She has worked with high-profile individuals, including George W. Bush and Mariah Carey. She explained that gaining access to top restaurants hinges on understanding customer preferences and developing relationships with restaurateurs.
According to India, the dining landscape has shifted away from traditional fine dining. Clients now prefer trendy venues that emphasize the experience over the food itself. The focus has turned to status and exclusivity, with many seeking the social cachet of being able to say they secured a reservation.
For those determined to claim their own bragging rights and willing to persist in the pursuit of a coveted table, India offers her expertise on which New York restaurants are currently the hardest to book.