Securing a reservation at one of New York City’s popular restaurants has become increasingly difficult over the past three years, with many food enthusiasts finding it nearly impossible to land a seat at the hottest dining spots.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, noted in a recent Bloomberg interview that some restaurants are completely inaccessible. He mentioned that even experienced restaurateurs have admitted they lack tips for securing a table at their own establishments.
The competition for dinner reservations has led to legislative action, as the New York state legislature recently voted to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to resell restaurant reservations at inflated prices of $200 or more—similar to how tickets for concerts and sports events were scalped in the past. Melissa Fleischut, president and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed this legislation as a significant victory for the hospitality sector, asserting that it would lessen reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these changes, the demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to exceed supply, particularly in the post-COVID era, where everything from flights to restaurants is fully booked. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India pointed out the challenges of navigating reservations when so many options are already taken. With over 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles—a concierge service catering to ultra-wealthy clients, including notable figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey—India has valuable insight into securing access to exclusive dining experiences.
She explains that the shift in dining preferences has moved away from traditional fine dining towards trendy restaurants that offer more than just food; they provide a sense of status or “fear of missing out” (FOMO). Today’s diners are more interested in the experience of being part of a sought-after venue.
For those determined to secure a reservation in New York City’s coveted dining scene, persistence and relationship-building with restaurants are key strategies.