Dining out in New York City has become increasingly difficult as securing a reservation at the city’s most sought-after restaurants has escalated to new levels of challenge. Over the past three years, the competition for prime dining spots has evolved from being tough to nearly unattainable for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, highlighted the situation, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He added that even restaurateurs he has worked with often lack tips to help patrons gain access to their establishments.
The situation has prompted the New York state legislature to take action. In a recent vote, lawmakers decided to ban third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which allowed individuals to resell restaurant reservations for as much as $200—similar to practices seen in the concert and sports ticketing markets.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, characterized the legislative measure as a significant win for the hospitality sector, indicating it would lessen reservation competition and protect restaurants from costly cancellations.
Nevertheless, the reality remains that the thirst for unique and upscale dining experiences continues to grow, outpacing availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted that post-COVID, the demand for experiences across various sectors—including flights, restaurants, and hotels—has soared.
As the head of Sienna Charles, a luxury travel and concierge service with a clientele that includes high-profile individuals, India recognizes the nuances of securing reservations. She points out that the shift in dining preferences has moved away from traditional fine dining towards more trendy venues, where the experience is often more about social status than the food itself.
“People have really moved away from fine dining; we very rarely have a client that wants to sit through a tasting menu,” India remarked. “It’s about FOMO—fear of missing out—and having the bragging rights that come with getting a reservation at a hot spot.”
For those eager to secure a coveted reservation of their own, Sienna Charles has insights on which New York restaurant tables are the most challenging to obtain.