Securing a table at a restaurant in New York has become increasingly difficult, with the challenge reaching new heights over the past three years. For many food enthusiasts, landing a reservation at the city’s hottest dining spots has transitioned from tough to nearly impossible.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the bookings platform Sevenrooms, shared insights into the situation, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” In discussions with restaurateurs on how to secure reservations, he was met with a common refrain: they lacked the answers.
The competitiveness of dinner reservations prompted the New York state legislature to take action last month by banning third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to resell restaurant slots for prices as high as $200. This practice has been likened to ticket scalping for concerts and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aimed at reducing reservation competition and shielding restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the demand for innovative and high-end dining experiences continues to outstrip supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted the trend since the COVID-19 pandemic: “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 high-net-worth clients, including notable figures such as George W. Bush and Mariah Carey, India has valuable insights into navigating the reservation landscape. She believes success hinges on understanding client preferences and forging strong relationships with restaurants.
India observed a notable shift in dining preferences among her clients, stating, “People have really moved away from fine dining. The entire shift in the last three years has been towards trendy restaurants where the focus is not necessarily on food.” She emphasized that the appeal often lies in the exclusivity and social cachet of being able to claim a reservation.
For those determined to claim their own bragging rights by securing a reservation at one of New York’s most sought-after restaurants, India suggests remaining persistent and understanding the dynamics at play.