Grabbing a table at the trendiest restaurants in New York has become more challenging than ever, according to recent reports. Over the past three years, securing a reservation has shifted from being merely difficult to nearly impossible for many diners.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, revealing that some restaurants are simply not accessible. Even restaurateurs admit they have no tips to help diners gain entry to their establishments.
In response to the growing competition for dinner reservations, the New York state legislature recently passed a bill prohibiting third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which had allowed users to sell their restaurant reservations for exorbitant prices, sometimes reaching $200 or more. This practice was previously reserved for high-demand events like concerts and sporting matches.
Melissa Fleischut, the President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed this new legislation as a “major victory for the hospitality industry,” noting that it would decrease competition for tables and protect restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the demand for trendy dining experiences continues to outpace the available options. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India pointed out that the post-COVID landscape has made securing reservations increasingly difficult. “Every restaurant is full, just like hotels and flights,” she noted.
With 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a concierge service catering to affluent clients, India understands the intricacies of accessing sought-after reservations. She emphasizes that successful dining experiences depend largely on understanding client preferences and nurturing relationships with restaurant staff.
According to India, there has been a significant shift in dining preferences over the past few years. Many clients are less interested in traditional fine dining and more into trendy spots that emphasize the experience rather than just the food. “It’s about FOMO,” she explained, highlighting how the appeal of being able to say you dined at a popular restaurant has become a badge of honor.
For those eager to secure their own coveted reservations, India provides insight into which New York restaurants are currently the hardest to book.