Securing a reservation at New York’s popular dining establishments has become more challenging than ever, according to industry experts. Over the past three years, what was once a difficult task has transformed into a seemingly unattainable goal for many diners.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, shared with Bloomberg that certain restaurants have become nearly impossible to access. He noted that even restaurant owners have expressed a lack of solutions to help diners gain entry.
Recent trends have seen such fierce competition for dinner reservations that the New York state legislature recently passed a bill prohibiting third-party booking services like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to sell their restaurant reservations for over $200—a tactic more commonly associated with concert and sports tickets.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed this new legislation as a “major victory for the hospitality industry,” arguing it will lessen the competition surrounding reservations and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the overwhelming demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to exceed supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India observed that since the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly every restaurant, hotel, and flight is fully booked.
India has spent 16 years leading Sienna Charles, a concierge service for affluent clients, including high-profile figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey. She believes that gaining access to sought-after dining spots hinges on two crucial elements: understanding clients’ desires and building relationships with the restaurants that meet those needs.
She noted a significant shift away from traditional fine dining; most of her clients now prefer trendy venues that prioritize the experience over the meal itself. “It’s about FOMO. It’s about saying that you got in; it’s a bragging right,” she explained.
For those determined to secure a coveted reservation, India offers insights into which New York restaurant tables are currently the hardest to book.