Dining out in New York City has become increasingly difficult, with securing a reservation at the trendiest restaurants now more challenging than ever. Over the past three years, the competition for tables has intensified, making it nearly impossible for many food enthusiasts to grab a seat.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservations platform Sevenrooms, highlighted this issue in a recent discussion, stating that some restaurants have become so exclusive that even industry professionals struggle to provide tips on how to get in.
To combat the fierce competition for dinner slots, New York’s state legislature recently passed a law banning third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, known for allowing users to resell restaurant reservations for exorbitant prices, similar to ticket scalping practices seen in concerts and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, labeled the new legislation a significant win for the hospitality sector. She believes it will help lessen competition for reservations and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the appetite for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to exceed their availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India notes that since the pandemic, nearly every sector of the travel and dining industry has been overbooked.
India, who runs a high-end concierge and travel planning service, has worked for clients worth over $100 million, including notable figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey. She points out that gaining access to in-demand restaurants relies heavily on understanding client desires and cultivating relationships with restaurant staff.
In her experience, there has been a notable shift away from traditional fine dining to what she terms “trendy” venues, where the dining experience is more about social status and popularity than the food itself.
For those determined to secure a coveted reservation at some of New York’s most exclusive restaurants, India offers insights on which dining spots are currently the hardest to access.