Securing a reservation at a restaurant in New York has become increasingly difficult, with many food enthusiasts finding it nearly impossible to dine at the city’s most sought-after establishments over the past three years.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the bookings platform Sevenrooms, highlighted this challenge in a recent interview, explaining that even restaurateurs struggle to provide tips for getting reservations.
The competitive nature of dinner bookings has prompted New York state’s legislature to take action, recently voting to outlaw third-party reservation services like Appointment Trader, where users have been scalping restaurant bookings for upwards of $200. This practice, once limited to concerts and sporting events, has drawn the ire of the hospitality sector.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, called this legislation a “major victory for the hospitality industry,” aimed at curbing competition for reservations and safeguarding restaurants against costly cancellations.
Despite these legal changes, the ongoing demand for high-end and trendy dining experiences continues to surpass the available reservations. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted that since the pandemic, almost all travel-related services—including flights, hotels, and restaurants—tend to be oversubscribed.
With 16 years of experience managing Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service catering to high-net-worth clients, India has significant insight into securing reservations. Her clientele includes individuals with fortunes exceeding $100 million and notable figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
India observed a shift in dining preferences, stating that fine dining is becoming less appealing, with a noticeable move towards trendy spots that emphasize the experience rather than just the food. She noted that for many, securing a reservation has become a status symbol, reflecting a trend driven by the fear of missing out (FOMO).
For those eager to secure a table at one of New York’s hardest-to-book restaurants, persistence and a willingness to cultivate relationships with the right venues can go a long way.