In New York, securing a reservation at popular restaurants has become increasingly challenging, with many potential diners struggling to find seats at the city’s hottest venues. Over the past three years, the reservation process has transformed from difficult to nearly impossible for numerous food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the bookings platform Sevenrooms, commented on the situation, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He relayed that even restaurateurs have been unable to offer tips on bypassing the competitive reservation landscape.
The situation reached a tipping point last month when the New York state legislature voted to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which had allowed users to sell restaurant slots for high fees, similar to procedures in the live entertainment industry.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a monumental achievement for the hospitality sector, anticipating it will decrease reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly no-shows.
Despite these legislative efforts, demand for trendy dining experiences in the city continues to exceed supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted, “Post-COVID, everything is booked up—every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full.” She questioned how individuals can successfully secure spots in an increasingly competitive environment.
India, who runs a luxury concierge and travel planning service catering to ultra-wealthy families, including notable figures such as George W. Bush and Mariah Carey, explained that gaining access to sought-after restaurants hinges on understanding customer preferences and fostering relationships with the establishments that can meet those needs.
She observed a shift in dining preferences away from traditional fine dining, noting, “The entire shift in the last three years has been towards trendy restaurants where the focus is not necessarily on food.” For many, dining out has become less about the culinary experience and more about social currency and exclusivity.
For those eager to secure reservations and enjoy bragging rights at New York’s most exclusive restaurants, India shares insights on which tables prove to be the hardest to obtain.