Securing a table at some of New York’s most sought-after restaurants has become increasingly difficult. Over the past three years, the process of securing reservations has escalated from tough to nearly impossible for many dining enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the bookings platform Sevenrooms, shared with Bloomberg that a number of restaurants have become virtually inaccessible. He noted that even restaurateurs he has spoken to have expressed their frustration, admitting they lack effective strategies to improve reservation access.
The situation became serious enough that last month, the New York state legislature passed a ban on third-party booking platforms such as Appointment Trader, which allowed users to resell their reservations for significant profits, sometimes over $200—similar to practices seen in concert and sports ticket scalping.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aiming to ease the competition for reservations and protect restaurants from costly no-shows.
Despite these regulatory changes, the reality remains that the demand for trendy and luxurious experiences continues to exceed supply in the wake of the pandemic. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted that nearly every sector, from airlines to restaurants and hotels, is experiencing high occupancy rates.
India, who has spent 16 years managing Sienna Charles—a concierge service for affluent clients—explained that finding access to popular venues heavily relies on understanding customer preferences and fostering relationships with restaurant owners.
She pointed out a notable shift in dining preferences, stating that her clients increasingly favor trendy establishments over traditional fine dining experiences. The focus, she argues, is less about the culinary offerings and more about the experience, often influenced by the fear of missing out, or FOMO.
For those determined to secure a reservation at one of New York’s exclusive dining spots, India offers insights into some of the hardest-to-book tables in the city.