Dining out in New York has become increasingly difficult, with securing reservations at the city’s most popular restaurants reaching new levels of challenge. Over the past three years, what once was a tough process has now become nearly impossible for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He noted that even restaurateurs, whom he has consulted with, struggle to provide tips on obtaining reservations.
The competitiveness of dinner reservations prompted the New York state legislature to pass a law last month banning third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where users were reportedly selling restaurant reservations for $200 or more, mirroring practices typically seen in the concert and sports industries.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, suggesting it would lessen reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the appetite for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to grow, often exceeding what is available. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted that the post-COVID landscape has led to heightened demand across sectors, including aviation, hospitality, and dining. “Everything is booked up; every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full,” she observed.
With over 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service for wealthy clients, India understands the nuances of securing reservations. Her clientele includes families with fortunes exceeding $100 million, and she has worked with high-profile figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
India emphasizes that gaining access to elite dining experiences hinges on a few key factors: comprehending customer desires and cultivating relationships with restaurants capable of meeting those needs. “People have really moved away from fine dining,” she noted, explaining that many clients prefer trendy spots that aren’t solely focused on food but instead offer experiences tied to social status or FOMO—fear of missing out.
For those eager to secure coveted reservations in New York, persistence and insider knowledge may be essential strategies in the ongoing challenge of dining out.