Securing a dining reservation in New York has become increasingly difficult, with many popular restaurants seeming nearly impossible to access. Over the past three years, the challenge has escalated, leaving food enthusiasts frustrated.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the bookings platform Sevenrooms, highlighted the issue in a recent interview. He noted, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” Despite various panels with restaurateurs discussing tips for securing reservations, Montaniel found that even those in the industry often lacked solutions.
Last month, the New York state legislature took action by voting to prohibit third-party booking platforms such as Appointment Trader, which had allowed users to resell reservations for prices exceeding $200, a practice typically associated with concerts and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, praised the legislation as a significant achievement for the hospitality sector, suggesting it would lessen reservation competition and protect restaurants from costly cancellations.
Nevertheless, the surge in demand for trendy, exciting, and luxurious experiences continues to outpace supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India pointed out that since the pandemic, virtually all sectors—from flights to restaurants to hotels—are experiencing full bookings.
India, who has 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a concierge service catering to ultra-wealthy clients, emphasizes that creating access to sought-after establishments hinges on understanding clientele needs and forging strong relationships with those restaurants.
She observed a shift away from traditional fine dining, stating, “We very rarely have a client that wants to sit through a tasting menu.” Instead, the trend favors venues that cater to the desire for exclusivity and social bragging rights.
For those determined to secure a coveted reservation, insights from industry professionals like India may provide guidance on navigating the competitive dining landscape in New York.