Dining out in New York City has become increasingly challenging, with securing a reservation at popular restaurants reaching new levels of difficulty. Over the past three years, the struggle to snag a seat at the city’s trendiest eateries has grown, leaving many food enthusiasts feeling frustrated and left out.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, noted that some restaurants have become nearly inaccessible. He mentioned discussions with restaurateurs who admitted they have no insider tips to help diners gain access.
The competitive nature of dinner reservations led the New York state legislature to pass a ban on third-party booking platforms like Appointment Trader, where users were reportedly reselling restaurant reservations for amounts up to $200—similar to practices seen in the world of concerts and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, called the legislation a significant win for the hospitality sector, as it aims to lower competition for reservations and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative changes, the trend of seeking unique and upscale dining experiences continues to outpace availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India highlighted the post-pandemic environment, stating that virtually everything—from flights to hotels and restaurants—has been fully booked.
India, who has spent 16 years running Sienna Charles, a luxury concierge and travel planning service, indicates that understanding clients’ desires and fostering relationships with restaurants is critical for securing reservations. Her clientele consists of ultra-wealthy individuals and families, some of whom have included well-known figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
She revealed that the dining landscape has shifted significantly, with fewer clients interested in traditional fine dining and tasting menus. The emphasis has shifted to trendy restaurants where the experience and exclusivity take precedence over the food itself.
For those determined to achieve their own dining bragging rights, insights are available on which New York restaurant tables are currently the most difficult to secure, according to Sienna Charles.