Dining out in New York has become increasingly difficult, with securing a reservation at the city’s most sought-after restaurants more challenging than ever before. Over the past three years, the process has evolved from being merely tough to nearly unattainable for many diners.
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 restaurant owners, when asked for tips on obtaining reservations, admit they are at a loss.
The competitive nature of dinner reservations has prompted New York’s state legislature to ban third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to resell their restaurant slots for prices reaching $200 or more, a practice reminiscent of ticket scalping.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aimed at reducing reservation competition and safeguarding restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the demand for trendy and luxurious experiences continues to exceed availability. According to travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India, “Post-COVID, everything is booked up; every plane, every restaurant, every hotel is full.” India has spent 16 years managing Sienna Charles, a concierge service catering to wealthy clients, including notable figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
India pointed out that securing reservations at top restaurants is influenced by understanding customer preferences and establishing relationships with restaurant providers. She noted a shift away from traditional fine dining, with clients now favoring trendy eateries that prioritize social status over culinary experiences.
For those eager to dine at New York’s hardest-to-reserve restaurants, persistence and strategy are key, as industry insiders suggest.