Securing a restaurant reservation in New York City has become increasingly difficult, with many food enthusiasts struggling to snag a seat at the hottest dining spots. Over the past three years, the challenge has escalated from tough to nearly impossible for numerous diners.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, shared with Bloomberg that some restaurants have become so exclusive that even industry insiders lack strategies for gaining access. He noted restaurateurs have expressed their own frustration about the situation, stating, “I don’t have them.”
The competitiveness of dinner reservations led the New York state legislature to vote last month to prohibit third-party booking platforms like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to sell their dining slots for prices upwards of $200, mirroring ticket scalping practices seen at concerts and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, called the new legislation a “major victory for the hospitality industry,” as it aims to lessen reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these regulatory changes, the demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to outpace their availability in recent years. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted, “Post-COVID, I’m sure you’ve noticed that everything is booked up, right? Every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full.”
With 16 years of experience managing a concierge and travel planning service for the ultra-wealthy, India has insight into navigating the reservation landscape. She emphasized that understanding client preferences and fostering relationships with restaurants are crucial for securing a table.
India remarked, “People have really moved away from fine dining; we very rarely have a client that wants to sit through a tasting menu.” She observed a shift toward trendy restaurants, where the allure often lies not in the food itself but in the experience and the social status associated with securing a reservation.
For those determined to gain access to the most sought-after tables in New York, India offers insights into which restaurants are currently the hardest to book.