Securing a reservation at a New York restaurant has become increasingly challenging, with many food enthusiasts finding it nearly impossible to get a seat at the city’s most fashionable dining spots. Over the past three years, the struggle for a table at trending restaurants has intensified considerably.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, shared insights about the situation, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He has heard similar frustrations from restaurateurs, who admit they do not have solutions for the overwhelming demand.
In response to the growing competition for reservations, New York’s state legislature recently passed a law prohibiting third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where individuals were reselling restaurant reservations for exorbitant prices, similar to practices in the concert and sports ticket markets.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new legislation as a significant move for the hospitality sector, aiming to lessen the reservation competition and safeguard restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative changes, the demand for engaging and upscale dining experiences continues to outpace their availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted, “Post-COVID, it seems everything is booked up—every plane, every restaurant, and every hotel.”
India, who has operated Sienna Charles, a concierge service for wealthy clients, for 16 years, emphasizes that gaining access to popular dining spots hinges on understanding customer desires and cultivating strong relationships with restaurants.
She pointed out that the trend among clients has shifted away from traditional fine dining, with many now seeking out trendy spots where the atmosphere and social experience take precedence over the food itself. “It’s about FOMO,” she explained, referring to the ‘fear of missing out’ on the latest dining craze.
For those eager to claim their own bragging rights and willing to fight for a reservation, India offers insights into which New York restaurant tables are currently the most sought after.