Dining out in New York City has become increasingly challenging, with securing a reservation at the hottest restaurants reaching new levels of difficulty. Over the past three years, what once was a tough task has become nearly impossible for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, recently shared insights, noting, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He mentioned that restaurateurs he consulted during panels admitted they couldn’t offer any tips for securing a table.
The situation has escalated to the point where the New York state legislature recently voted to prohibit third-party reservation platforms like Appointment Trader, where users were reselling reservation slots for as much as $200, a practice once limited to concert and sporting event tickets.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, called the legislation a “major victory for the hospitality industry,” highlighting its potential to lessen reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the demand for upscale, trendy dining experiences has continued to exceed supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India pointed out, “Post-COVID, everything is booked up, right? Every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full.” She noted the challenges in securing bookings as travel and dining experiences become even more sought after.
With 16 years of experience managing Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service for the ultra-wealthy, India specializes in helping high-net-worth families navigate this competitive landscape. Her clientele includes notable figures such as George W. Bush and Mariah Carey. India emphasized that gaining access to popular restaurants hinges on understanding customer preferences and fostering relationships with establishment staff.
She remarked on a shift in dining preferences, stating, “People have really moved away from fine dining; we very rarely have a client that wants to sit through a tasting menu.” Instead, the focus has shifted to trendy spots, where the allure lies more in social media status than culinary offerings. For those eager to earn bragging rights at the trendiest restaurants, being tenacious about securing reservations is key.