Dining out in New York has become increasingly challenging, with securing a reservation at the city’s most sought-after restaurants reaching unprecedented levels of difficulty. Over the past three years, obtaining a seat at these trendy venues has morphed from a tough task to an almost impossible feat for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of bookings platform Sevenrooms, noted in a recent discussion that some restaurants have become virtually inaccessible. He shared that restaurateurs he has spoken with often admit they have no tips for overcoming this hurdle.
The fierce competition for dinner reservations led the New York state legislature to ban certain third-party booking platforms, such as Appointment Trader, which allowed users to resell reservation slots for hefty sums of $200 or more—similar to practices seen in the concert and sports ticket markets.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, welcomed the new legislation, viewing it as a significant win for the hospitality sector. She believes it will help minimize competition for reservations and offer protection to restaurants against costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the escalating demand for unique, trendy, and luxury experiences in the post-COVID era continues to exceed availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India highlighted this trend, pointing out the overwhelming occupancy across planes, restaurants, and hotels. For over 16 years, India has operated Sienna Charles, a concierge service catering to high-net-worth individuals, including clients like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
India shared her insights into gaining access to the hottest dining spots, emphasizing that success in this arena hinges on understanding client preferences and fostering relationships with restaurant owners. She observed a significant shift in customer preferences, with many opting for trendy venues focused on experiences rather than traditional fine dining.
For those determined to secure a reservation and keen on enjoying bragging rights, India offers a guide to the New York restaurants currently considered the most difficult to book.