Acquiring dinner reservations in New York has become increasingly difficult, with the challenge evolving to a level that many food enthusiasts find daunting. Over the past three years, securing a seat at one of the city’s most sought-after restaurants has transitioned from a tough task to an almost unattainable one for many.
Joel Montaniel, the CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He noted that even restaurant owners, who often provide tips on securing reservations, admit they lack effective strategies themselves.
The competitive nature of restaurant reservations led the New York state legislature to recently vote against third-party booking platforms like Appointment Trader, where users were reportedly selling their coveted slots for $200 or more—echoing practices typically seen in concert and sports event ticket scalping.
Melissa Fleischut, the President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the law as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aimed at reducing reservation competition and shielding eateries from costly cancellations.
Despite regulatory changes, the high demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to surpass availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted, “Post-COVID, everything is booked up, right? Every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full.” India has 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a concierge service catering to ultra-wealthy clients, including notable figures such as George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
India emphasizes that gaining access to the most desirable restaurants relies on understanding customer preferences and fostering relationships with restaurant owners. She remarked that the shift in dining trends has moved away from fine dining; her clients rarely request tasting menus anymore. Instead, there is a growing preference for trendy spots where the experience is less about the food and more about the status that comes with dining there.
For those aspiring to secure reservations at exclusive restaurants in New York, persistence in the pursuit may be necessary, as the following establishments have been identified as the hardest tables to book.