Securing a restaurant reservation in New York City has become increasingly challenging, with many seeking a table at popular dining spots facing near-impossible odds. Over the past three years, what was once a difficult task has escalated into a situation where aspiring diners struggle to find openings at the city’s most sought-after restaurants.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, recently highlighted the issue in an interview, noting that some restaurants are simply inaccessible. Even restaurateurs, when asked for tips on securing reservations, often reply that they lack suggestions.
The competitive landscape has prompted the New York state legislature to take action. Last month, lawmakers voted to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where individuals were reselling restaurant reservations for substantial profits, sometimes exceeding $200. This practice has drawn comparisons to scalping tickets for concerts and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aimed at decreasing reservation competition and shielding restaurants from high rates of cancellation.
Despite these regulatory changes, demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to far surpass available options. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India remarked on the post-COVID climate, noting the challenges of securing bookings as planes, restaurants, and hotels become consistently full.
India, who leads Sienna Charles—a concierge service for high-net-worth individuals—acknowledged her extensive experience in helping clients nab coveted reservations. She noted that successful access to popular dining spots hinges on understanding client preferences and cultivating relationships with restaurant management.
She pointed out a shift in dining preferences over the past few years. There is less interest in traditional fine dining experiences, with most clients opting for trendy venues where the emphasis is often more on the experience and social recognition rather than the culinary offerings. India described this trend as centered around the fear of missing out (FOMO), where gaining entry into a trendy restaurant serves as a status symbol.
For those determined to secure their own brag-worthy reservations in New York, Sienna Charles has insights on the hardest tables to book in the city.