Dining out in New York City has become increasingly challenging, with securing a reservation now more difficult than ever. Over the past three years, many food enthusiasts have found it nearly impossible to reserve a seat at the city’s most fashionable restaurants.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservations platform Sevenrooms, noted in a recent interview that some eateries are simply inaccessible. He mentioned discussing this dilemma with restaurateurs at industry events, who often admit they have no advice on how to secure reservations.
The competitive nature of dining reservations prompted the New York state legislature to take action last month by voting to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which were known for allowing users to resell restaurant reservations for $200 or more, akin to ticket scalping for concerts and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector. She believes it will diminish reservation competition and protect restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative measures, the demand for trendy, high-end dining experiences continues to outpace availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India pointed out that post-COVID, virtually every sector is experiencing high occupancy, from airplanes to hotels to restaurants.
India, who has spent 16 years managing Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service for affluent clients, indicated that gaining access to popular dining spots hinges on understanding client preferences and fostering relationships with restaurants. Notably, her clients include wealthy individuals with fortunes exceeding $100 million.
She observed a notable shift in dining preferences over the past three years, with fewer clients interested in formal tasting menus. Instead, the focus has shifted to trendy venues where the experience is more about the social aspect and less about the culinary offerings. The thrill of obtaining a reservation is often perceived as a status symbol.
For those determined to secure their own coveted reservations, insights from Sienna Charles detail which New York restaurants are the most difficult to access.