Dining out in New York City has become increasingly challenging, with securing reservations at popular restaurants reaching an all-time high of difficulty. Over the past three years, many food enthusiasts have found it nearly impossible to land a spot at the city’s most sought-after dining establishments.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, highlighted the situation, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He noted that even restaurateurs themselves struggle to offer advice on how to secure a reservation.
Last month, the New York state legislature passed a law aimed at curbing the practice of third-party booking sites, such as Appointment Trader, where users were reselling restaurant reservations for $200 or more— a trend traditionally associated with concert and sports ticket scalping.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, called the legislation a “major victory for the hospitality industry,” emphasizing that it will help streamline the reservation process and protect restaurants from costly cancellations.
Nevertheless, demand for trendy and upscale dining experiences continues to exceed supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted the post-pandemic trend, stating, “Every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full.” As the owner of Sienna Charles, a concierge service for wealthy clients, India has extensive experience navigating this crowded landscape.
India highlighted that gaining access to the most sought-after restaurants and experiences hinges on understanding customer preferences and fostering relationships with restaurant owners. She pointed out a shift in clientele, observing that “People have really moved away from fine dining,” preferring instead trendy spots that offer a sense of exclusivity and social capital.
For those eager to snag reservations at New York City’s hardest-to-reach tables, persistence and a strategic approach will be crucial.