Securing a restaurant reservation in New York has become increasingly challenging, with many would-be diners finding it nearly impossible to book a table at the city’s most sought-after eateries. Over the past three years, the difficulty level has escalated significantly.
Joel Montaniel, the CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, highlighting that some restaurants are simply inaccessible. Even restaurant owners admit they have no tricks to offer for securing a seat.
The situation has intensified to the point where the New York state legislature recently passed a law prohibiting third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to sell their reservations for hefty sums—sometimes up to $200, similar to the resale market for concerts and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aiming to lessen reservation competition and protect restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, there is still a high demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences, making them hard to come by. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted the post-COVID landscape shows every travel sector, including flights, hotels, and restaurants, is experiencing full bookings.
India, who manages Sienna Charles—a luxury concierge and travel planning service—emphasizes that her clients often value exclusive dining experiences. Notably, the trend has shifted away from traditional fine dining towards trendy venues with an emphasis on social status and exclusivity.
She pointed out that the modern dining mindset is less about the food itself and more about the experience and the bragging rights that come with it. For those eager to secure a reservation at one of New York’s hardest-to-book spots, persistence and understanding the preferences of these trendy restaurants are key.