Securing a dinner reservation in New York City has become increasingly difficult, with the process evolving into a near-impossible task for many eager diners in recent years. Joel Montaniel, the CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, noted that some restaurants have become so exclusive that even industry insiders struggle to provide tips on how to snag a seat.
To combat the growing competition for reservations, New York’s state legislature recently voted to ban third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which had enabled users to sell restaurant reservations for prices exceeding $200—a practice reminiscent of ticket scalping for concerts and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed this legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aiming to lessen the fierce competition for bookings and protect restaurants against costly no-shows.
Despite these regulatory changes, the high demand for trendy and luxurious dining options continues to exceed their supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India highlighted the overwhelming nature of post-pandemic demand across various sectors, including restaurants and hotels.
With 16 years of experience managing Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel service for affluent clients, India knows the ins and outs of gaining access to exclusive dining spots. She emphasizes that successful reservations are based on recognizing client preferences and fostering relationships with restaurants.
India noted a shift in customer desires, stating that many clients are no longer interested in traditional fine dining experiences, but instead flock to trendy venues. It has become more about the social aspect of dining—where being seen at a popular restaurant has turned into a status symbol.
For those determined to secure a coveted table, India offers insights into which New York restaurants are the most difficult to reserve.