Dining out in New York City has become increasingly challenging, as securing a reservation at the city’s most sought-after restaurants has reached new levels of difficulty. Over the past three years, what used to be a tough task has turned into nearly impossible for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, recently highlighted the problem, stating that numerous restaurants are simply inaccessible. He noted that even restaurateurs have been unable to offer tips on securing a table when consulted on the matter.
The fierce competition for dining reservations prompted the New York state legislature to take action last month by banning third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader. These platforms enabled users to sell reservation slots for prices exceeding $200, a practice traditionally associated with concert and sporting event tickets.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aimed at lessening competition for table bookings and shielding restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the reality remains that the demand for unique and luxurious dining experiences continues to surpass supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India pointed out that since the pandemic, virtually all sectors, from airlines to restaurants to hotels, are crowded and fully booked.
India, who has spent 16 years managing her luxury concierge and travel service, Sienna Charles, for high-net-worth clients—including notable figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey—says navigating this crowded scene requires a keen understanding of clients’ desires and fostering relationships with restaurants.
She noted a noticeable shift away from traditional fine dining, explaining that most of her clients now prefer trendy eateries focused on social experiences rather than just gourmet food. Dining out has increasingly become about the experience and the prestige of securing a reservation, often described as a form of bragging rights.
For those eager to claim their own bragging rights and who are persistent in their pursuit, there are specific New York restaurants identified as particularly hard to reserve.