Those hoping to enjoy a meal out in New York City are facing unprecedented challenges in securing reservations. Over the past three years, making a reservation at the city’s most sought-after eateries has evolved from a tough task to a nearly impossible one for many dining enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, spoke with Bloomberg about the situation, noting, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He mentioned that he has engaged with restaurateurs during panels, and they admitted they have no tips to help diners secure a spot.
The competition for dinner reservations reached a peak last month when New York state legislators voted to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which were facilitating the resale of restaurant reservations for as much as $200. This practice was reminiscent of ticket scalping for concerts and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a critical win for the hospitality sector, arguing it would lessen reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
However, despite these legislative measures, the demand for trendy and upscale experiences continues to exceed availability. Jaclyn Sienna India, a travel advisor, notes the post-COVID landscape where everything from flights to hotels to dining spots remains fully booked. “So how do you navigate getting people into restaurants, hotels and yachts and experiences that are sort of already booked up?” she asked.
India, with her 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles— a concierge service for the ultra-wealthy including clients like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey—has insights on this challenge. She points out that gaining access to exclusive restaurants hinges on understanding what patrons desire and fostering good relationships with the establishments.
According to India, diners have shifted away from traditional fine dining. “Very rarely do we have a client that wants to sit through a tasting menu.” The trend now leans toward trendy venues where the dining experience is more about the social status it conveys rather than the food itself. “It’s about FOMO. It’s about saying that you got in; it’s a bragging right.”
For those eager to secure their own bragging rights—if they’re willing to persist in their pursuit of a reservation— Insider insights reveal which New York restaurants have become the most challenging to reserve a table at, as highlighted by Sienna Charles.