Securing a dining reservation in New York City has become increasingly difficult, with many food enthusiasts finding it nearly impossible to land a table at the most sought-after establishments. Over the past three years, the landscape of restaurant reservations has transformed from a challenging endeavor to one that feels out of reach for many.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, recently shared insights about the situation, stating that even restaurateurs are struggling to provide tips on how to snag a reservation.
In response to the growing issue, the New York state legislature took steps to address the problem by banning third-party booking sites, such as Appointment Trader. These platforms allowed users to resell restaurant reservations at inflated prices—sometimes reaching $200 or more—similar to the practices seen in the concert and sports ticket markets.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aiming to lessen competition for reservations and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these new regulations, the demand for exciting and trendy dining options continues to exceed supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted the trend of full bookings across various sectors in the post-COVID landscape, saying that flights, restaurants, and hotels are all experiencing high demand.
India, who has spent 16 years operating Sienna Charles, a luxury concierge and travel service catering to ultra-wealthy clients, understands the intricacies of securing reservations better than most. With a clientele that often includes high-profile individuals, she highlights key factors for gaining access to popular venues: recognizing client preferences and establishing relationships with restaurants.
According to India, the dining preferences of clients have shifted significantly in recent years. There’s a growing trend away from traditional fine dining experiences, with many clients expressing a preference for trendy restaurants where the experience is driven by the thrill of exclusivity rather than solely the food. This phenomenon often revolves around the fear of missing out (FOMO) and the social prestige associated with securing a reservation.
For those determined to claim a reservation at one of New York’s hottest dining spots, India provides insight into which tables are currently the most elusive.