Dining out in New York has become increasingly challenging, with securing a reservation at the city’s most sought-after restaurants reaching new levels of difficulty. Over the past three years, obtaining a seat at trendy dining spots has shifted from a struggle to a nearly insurmountable task for many eager diners.
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, when asked for tips on how to secure a reservation, often admit they don’t have any.
The competitive landscape for dinner reservations prompted the New York state legislature to take action last month, banning third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to sell restaurant reservations for exorbitant prices, sometimes reaching $200 or more. This practice was previously seen only in the context of concerts and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed this legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aimed at minimizing reservation competition and safeguarding restaurants from costly no-shows.
Despite these new regulations, the reality is that the post-COVID appetite for exclusive dining and experiences continues to exceed availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India observed, “Everything is booked up—every plane, every restaurant, every hotel.”
India, who runs a concierge and travel planning service for the affluent, emphasizes the importance of understanding customer desires and nurturing relationships with restaurants to enhance access to popular venues. “People have really moved away from fine dining; we rarely have a client that wants to go through a tasting menu,” she pointed out. “The trend has shifted toward restaurants that prioritize atmosphere over traditional culinary experiences, often driven by a sense of FOMO—the fear of missing out.”
For those determined to secure their own coveted reservations, Sienna Charles provides insights into which New York restaurants have the most elusive tables.