In New York, securing a dinner reservation has become increasingly difficult, with many trendy restaurants now appearing nearly impossible to access. Over the past three years, the challenge of obtaining a table at the city’s most sought-after eateries has intensified.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservations platform Sevenrooms, noted that some restaurants have become virtually inaccessible. He mentioned that even restaurant owners are at a loss for tips on how to get reservations.
The New York state legislature recently voted to ban third-party booking platforms like Appointment Trader, where users were reportedly reselling restaurant reservations for as much as $200, a practice reminiscent of ticket scalping for concerts and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new legislation as a significant achievement for the hospitality sector, aimed at diminishing reservation competition and safeguarding restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these regulatory changes, the demand for unique and upscale dining experiences continues to exceed availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India highlighted that since the pandemic, nearly every travel-related service, from flights to restaurants to hotels, is fully booked.
With 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles—a concierge and travel planning service catering to high-net-worth families—India helps clients secure reservations in popular establishments. Her clientele includes notable figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
India stressed that gaining access to top restaurants often relies on understanding client preferences and fostering relationships with the establishments that meet those desires. She pointed out a shift from traditional fine dining experiences toward trendy venues that emphasize social status over culinary excellence.
For those eager to secure a coveted reservation in New York, India recommends tenacity and ambitions, as some eateries are proving exceptionally hard to book.