For those eager to enjoy a meal out in New York, securing a reservation has become more challenging than ever. Over the past three years, gaining access to the city’s most sought-after dining spots has shifted from a difficulty to a near-impossibility for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, recently stated that certain restaurants have become virtually inaccessible. “I’ve even talked to restaurateurs during panels and asked them for tips to get in, and they say, ‘I don’t have them,’” he noted.
The competition for dinner reservations has intensified to such an extent that last month, New York state lawmakers voted to prohibit third-party booking services like Appointment Trader, which were reportedly selling restaurant reservations for $200 and above—similar to ticket scalping for 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 lessen the competition for reservations and protect restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these regulatory changes, demand for unique and trendy dining experiences remains sky-high compared to their availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India commented on the overwhelming bookings across the board: “Post-COVID, I’m sure you’ve noticed that everything is booked up, right? Every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full.”
India, who has managed a concierge and travel planning service for affluent families for 16 years, points out that even for elite clientele, securing reservations hinges on a few key factors—primarily understanding customer desires and building connections with restaurants capable of meeting those needs. She has worked with clients including George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
Interestingly, she notes a trend away from fine dining, stating, “We very rarely have a client that wants to sit through a tasting menu. The entire shift in the last three years has been towards trendy restaurants where the focus is not necessarily on food. It’s about FOMO (fear of missing out) and the prestige of having visited a popular venue.”
For those determined to snag a reservation at these coveted New York restaurants, persistence is key, and Sienna Charles has insights on the hardest tables to book in the city.