Dining out in New York City has become increasingly challenging, with securing a reservation at popular restaurants becoming nearly impossible for many food enthusiasts. Over the past three years, the difficulty of getting a seat at the city’s hottest dining spots has reached new levels of frustration.
Joel Montaniel, the CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, noting, “Some restaurants are simply off-limits for many people.” He recounted conversations with restaurateurs who were unable to provide tips for securing a table, indicating the extent of the issue.
In response to the growing competition for dinner reservations, the New York State legislature recently voted to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which have allowed users to resell restaurant reservations for prices exceeding $200—similar to practices seen in the concert and sports industries.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, stating that it will diminish reservation competition and safeguard restaurants from high cancellation fees.
Despite these legislative efforts, the reality remains that the demand for trendy, upscale dining experiences continues far outpace supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted the prevalence of fully booked restaurants, hotels, and flights in the post-COVID landscape.
India, who has spent 16 years managing the concierge service Sienna Charles for ultra-wealthy clients, explained that her elite clientele—comprising individuals with fortunes exceeding $100 million—raises the stakes in securing coveted dining experiences. Her past clients include notable figures such as former President George W. Bush and singer Mariah Carey.
She emphasized that successfully accessing top restaurants relies on understanding customer desires and fostering relationships with dining establishments. Notably, she observed a shift in dining preferences, stating, “Clients are moving away from fine dining. There’s a trend towards restaurants where the appeal is less about the food and more about the experience and social recognition.”
For those determined to claim their own bragging rights regarding hard-to-get reservations, India offers insights into which New York restaurants are currently the toughest to book.