In New York, securing a dining reservation has become more challenging than ever. Over the past three years, the interest in trendy restaurants has surged, making it exceedingly difficult for food enthusiasts to land a seat at the city’s most sought-after tables.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, commented on the situation, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He noted that even restaurateurs he has spoken with cannot offer tips for securing reservations.
The competitive nature of dining has led New York’s state legislature to vote to ban third-party booking websites like Appointment Trader, where users were reselling restaurant reservations for as much as $200, a practice usually associated with concert tickets and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector. She believes it will lessen reservation competition and safeguard restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative measures, the demand for unique, fashionable dining experiences exceeds the available options. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India stated, “Post-COVID, I’m sure you’ve noticed that everything is booked up. Every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full.”
India, who leads Sienna Charles, a travel planning service for high-net-worth individuals, explains that securing access to the most popular dining spots often hinges on understanding what clients desire and cultivating relationships with the restaurants that can meet those needs.
She noted a shift in preferences, saying, “People have really moved away from fine dining. We very rarely have a client that wants to sit through a tasting menu.” Instead, diners are increasingly drawn to trendy venues where the experience is more about exclusivity and social status than the food itself.
For those determined to enjoy a coveted dining experience, India offers insights into which New York restaurants are the hardest to book.