Dining out in New York has become increasingly difficult, with securing reservations at the city’s most popular restaurants now harder than ever. Over the past three years, the process has transitioned from challenging to virtually unattainable for many dining enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, the CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, noted the struggles of gaining access to certain restaurants, sharing his conversations with restaurateurs who admit they have no tips to offer for getting a reservation.
The issue has become so severe that last month, the New York state legislature voted to outlaw third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where users were reselling restaurant reservations for as much as $200, a practice reminiscent of ticket scalping for concerts and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, called the new law a significant win for the hospitality sector, aimed at reducing reservation competition and protecting eateries from costly cancellations.
Despite these changes, the trend of high demand for unique and trendy dining experiences continues to surpass supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India remarked on the post-COVID surge in bookings across various sectors, stating, “Every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full.”
India, who runs Sienna Charles—a concierge service catering to the ultra-wealthy—explained that accessing sought-after dining options often hinges on understanding customers’ needs and fostering connections with the restaurants themselves. She pointed out a shift away from fine dining toward trendy spots, where the emphasis is less about food and more about the experience and the associated social status.
For those eager to secure a hard-to-get reservation in New York, India offers insights on which restaurants have the most elusive tables.