Dining out in New York has become increasingly challenging, with securing a reservation at the city’s most popular restaurants reaching new levels of difficulty. In the past three years, the competition for tables at trendy eateries has intensified, leaving many food enthusiasts struggling to get a seat.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, highlighted this issue in a recent statement, saying that even restaurateurs often lack tips for gaining access to their full restaurants.
To address the growing problem of reservation scalping, the New York state legislature recently voted to outlaw third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where individuals have been reselling table reservations for exorbitant prices, comparable to scalping tickets for concerts and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, praised the legislation, calling it a significant win for the hospitality sector, as it aims to lessen reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly no-shows.
Despite this regulation, the appetite for unique and upscale dining experiences continues to exceed supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted the post-COVID landscape, where every aspect of travel, from flights to dining and hotels, is heavily booked, prompting the question of how to secure access to these in-demand services.
India, who has spent 16 years running Sienna Charles, a luxury concierge service catering to ultra-wealthy families, emphasized that getting reservations at exclusive venues hinges on understanding customer desires and cultivating connections with the restaurants.
She pointed out a noticeable shift away from fine dining towards more trendy establishments, where social status and experiences take precedence over the food itself. The focus has turned to the “fear of missing out,” with reservations seen as a status symbol.
For those eager to secure a reservation and willing to persist, insights from Sienna Charles reveal which New York restaurants are currently the most elusive.