Securing a reservation at New York’s most sought-after restaurants has become increasingly difficult, reaching new heights of competition. Over the past three years, many food enthusiasts have found it nearly impossible to snag a seat at the city’s trendiest spots.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, noted that some restaurants are virtually inaccessible. In conversations with restaurateurs, he learned that they too struggle to provide effective tips for getting reservations.
Last month, the New York state legislature took action by banning third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to resell restaurant reservations for prices as high as $200, a practice often seen in the ticketing of concerts and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & 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 safeguarding restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite the new laws, the demand for trendy and upscale dining experiences continues to outweigh their availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India pointed out that post-COVID, high demand is evident across all sectors, including travel, dining, and accommodations.
India, who has expertise in catering to ultra-wealthy clients through her concierge service Sienna Charles, highlighted that gaining access to top restaurants hinges on understanding clients’ preferences and fostering relationships with the establishments.
She observed a shift in dining habits over the past three years, noting that clients are less interested in formal tasting menus and more drawn to trendy venues. Dining has become less about the food and more about the experience and social recognition of securing a reservation.
For those eager to secure a reservation at one of New York’s hardest-to-book restaurants, persistence and strategy will be key to achieving that elusive bragging right.