In New York City, securing a dining reservation has become increasingly challenging. Over the past three years, the quest to dine at the city’s most fashionable restaurants has escalated to a level where many food enthusiasts find it nearly impossible to secure a table.
Joel Montaniel, the CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, recently shared insights with Bloomberg, noting, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He mentioned that even restaurateurs have expressed their frustrations, unable to provide tips on how to gain access to their establishments.
The competitive landscape for dinner reservations prompted the New York state legislature to take action last month by voting to prohibit third-party booking platforms like Appointment Trader. These sites allowed users to resell restaurant reservations for inflated prices, sometimes exceeding $200, reminiscent of the ticket scalping seen in concerts and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, which would help lessen reservation competition and safeguard restaurants from costly no-shows.
Despite such legislative measures, the demand for unique and upscale experiences continues to exceed supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted, “Post-COVID, everything is booked up—every plane, every restaurant, every hotel.” She highlighted the challenge of navigating access to these in-demand venues.
India, who has spent 16 years managing Sienna Charles, a travel planning service for high-net-worth families including notable figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey, shared her expertise in obtaining reservations. She explained that success in this area relies heavily on understanding client preferences and fostering strong relationships with the restaurants.
She pointed out a shift in client interests away from traditional fine dining. “People have really moved away from fine dining,” she stated, “The entire shift in the last three years has been towards trendy restaurants where the focus is not necessarily on food.” For many, the allure of these dining spots is as much about social status and experience as it is about the cuisine itself.
For those eager to secure a coveted table in New York, persistence is crucial. India advises that building relationships and understanding the social dynamics around these trendy restaurants can help improve chances of obtaining a reservation.