Securing a reservation at trendy New York restaurants has become increasingly challenging, reaching levels of competition previously unseen. Over the past three years, many food enthusiasts have found it nearly impossible to book a table at some of the city’s hottest establishments.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, shared with Bloomberg that certain restaurants are entirely booked. He noted that even restaurateurs struggle to provide tips on how to secure a reservation.
In response to the rising difficulty of obtaining dining reservations, the New York state legislature voted last month to ban third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where users were reselling restaurant slots for $200 or more, a practice reminiscent of ticket scalping for concerts and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, which is expected to lessen the competition for reservations and safeguard restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite the new legislation, the demand for unique and luxurious dining experiences remains high, often surpassing availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India pointed out that since the pandemic, nearly every travel and hospitality sector has been fully booked, complicating the process of securing reservations.
India, who has spent 16 years operating Sienna Charles— a concierge and travel planning service for affluent clients— explains that access to the best restaurants hinges on two key factors: understanding client desires and nurturing relationships with restaurant owners.
She observed a shift away from traditional fine dining, mentioning that clients are increasingly drawn to trendy spots focused more on social experience than on the food itself, reflecting a cultural shift toward exclusivity and the associated bragging rights.
For those determined to secure a table at some of New York’s most sought-after restaurants, Sienna Charles has insights on which dining spots are currently the most difficult to book.