Dining out in New York has become increasingly difficult, with securing a reservation at the city’s most popular restaurants now more challenging than ever. In just three years, the competition for tables has surged, leaving many food enthusiasts struggling to secure a spot.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, stating that certain restaurants have become nearly impossible to access. He mentioned that even restaurant owners express their inability to provide tips on how to get a reservation.
The situation escalated to the point that the New York state legislature recently voted to prohibit third-party booking platforms such as Appointment Trader, where users were reselling restaurant reservations for exorbitant prices, similar to practices seen in concert and sporting event ticketing.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, suggesting it would mitigate reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite this legislative progress, the demand for trendy, high-end dining experiences remains elevated, often exceeding available options. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted that since the pandemic, bookings across the board—from flights to hotels—have been hard to come by.
India operates Sienna Charles, a concierge service catering to affluent clients, including notable figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey. She emphasized that gaining access to sought-after dining venues or other luxury experiences hinges on understanding clients’ preferences and fostering relationships with the restaurants.
She noted a shift in dining trends, stating that many clients no longer seek traditional fine dining experiences, but instead prefer trendy establishments that emphasize social status and cultural cachet over the culinary experience itself.
For those eager to secure a reservation at one of New York’s hardest-to-access restaurants, persistence is key, alongside a keen understanding of what these establishments offer.