Dining out in New York has become increasingly challenging, with securing reservations at the city’s most sought-after restaurants reaching new levels of difficulty. Over the past three years, the struggle to land a table has escalated, leaving many food enthusiasts feeling frustrated.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, stating, “Some restaurants are just inaccessible.” He noted that many restaurateurs, when asked for tips on securing a reservation, simply admit they don’t have any.
The rise in reservation competition led the New York state legislature to take action last month, voting to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to sell restaurant reservations for inflated prices, similar to the resale markets for concerts and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aimed at reducing reservation competition and shielding restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these changes, the demand for unique and luxurious dining experiences continues to surpass availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India remarked on the current trend, stating, “Post-COVID, it seems everything is fully booked—airlines, hotels, restaurants.”
India, who operates Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service for high-net-worth clients, claims that access to exclusive dining options hinges on knowing client preferences and fostering relationships with restaurants.
“Clients are less interested in fine dining experiences and more drawn to trendy spots,” she explained. “The focus has shifted to social status—it’s not just about the meal but about the experience and the status of being able to say you dined there.”
For those determined to secure a reservation at a top New York restaurant, Sienna Charles provides insights on which tables are currently the hardest to book.