Reservations at New York City restaurants have become more elusive than ever, with many food enthusiasts struggling to secure a spot at the trendiest dining establishments. Over the past three years, the complexity of obtaining a table has intensified, making it nearly impossible for many.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, remarked to Bloomberg that certain restaurants are simply out of reach for diners. Even restaurant owners, when approached for tips on securing a reservation, have admitted they don’t have any.
The competition for dinner reservations prompted the New York state legislature to take action last month, passing a bill that prohibits third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where individuals had been marking up restaurant reservations by $200 or more, a practice more commonly associated with concert and sports tickets.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, indicating that it would help decrease reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the demand for exciting and fashionable dining experiences continues to outpace their availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted the overwhelming nature of bookings post-COVID, stating that practically every plane, hotel, and restaurant is full.
India, who has been in the business for 16 years running Sienna Charles, a luxury concierge and travel planning service, emphasizes that understanding client preferences and fostering relationships with restaurants is key to navigating this high-demand landscape. Her clientele often includes ultra-wealthy individuals with fortunes exceeding $100 million, and her experience includes notable figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
She points out a shift in dining preferences, stating that clients are increasingly moving away from traditional fine dining experiences towards trendier spots that offer social status over culinary excellence. The current dining trend often revolves around the fear of missing out (FOMO), where being able to say one dined at a sought-after location becomes a badge of honor.
For those determined to secure a reservation at one of New York’s hardest-to-get dining spots, insights from Sienna Charles may offer invaluable guidance.