Dining out in New York City has become increasingly difficult, with securing a reservation reaching new levels of challenge. Over the past three years, the experience of booking a table at the city’s hottest restaurants has shifted from difficult to nearly impossible for many eager diners.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, recently shared insights on the situation, noting that some establishments are nearly impossible to access. He mentioned that even restaurant owners have expressed frustration, saying they have no tips to offer for getting reservations.
The competition for dinner reservations prompted New York’s state legislature to take action last month, passing a bill to ban scalping practices on third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where users were selling coveted reservation slots for prices upwards of $200—similar to practices seen in the concert and sports industry.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, called the legislation a significant win for the hospitality sector, as it aims to lessen reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly no-shows.
Despite this legislative move, the demand for appealing, modern, and extravagant dining experiences continues to surpass availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India remarked on the crowded landscape since the pandemic, noting that securing bookings for restaurants, hotels, and activities has become a complex challenge.
India, who runs Sienna Charles, a high-end concierge and travel planning service tailored for wealthy clients, argues that success in gaining reservations hinges on understanding client preferences and fostering strong relationships with restaurants.
She noted a shift in trends over recent years, with clients moving away from traditional fine dining experiences toward trendy venues. For many, dining out has become less about the food and more about the experience and status it conveys.
For those determined to navigate the competitive reservation landscape and earn bragging rights for exclusive dining experiences, India suggests staying persistent and informed about which tables in New York are the most sought-after.