In New York City, securing a restaurant reservation has become more challenging than ever, reflecting a trend over the past three years where access to the city’s most sought-after dining experiences has become increasingly elusive for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, highlighted the issue, stating that some restaurants are nearly impossible to enter. He shared that even restaurateurs struggle to offer advice on how to obtain reservations.
In response to the intensifying competition for dining spots, the New York state legislature recently voted to prohibit third-party reservation platforms like Appointment Trader, which had allowed users to resell restaurant slots for exorbitant prices, reminiscent of practices seen in concert and sporting event ticket sales.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant triumph for the hospitality sector, aimed at reducing reservation competition and safeguarding restaurants from high cancellation fees.
Despite these regulatory efforts, the demand for exclusive dining options continues to exceed supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted that, in the post-COVID environment, many sectors—including travel, dining, and hospitality—are experiencing full bookings and limited availability.
With 16 years of experience running the concierge service Sienna Charles—catering to affluent clients who typically exceed $100 million in wealth—India possesses valuable insights into securing reservations. She emphasized the importance of understanding client needs and fostering relationships with restaurants to access sought-after reservations.
India remarked on a shift in dining preferences away from traditional fine dining, noting that clients now seek trendy establishments where the experience is more about social status and less about the food itself. The appeal is heavily intertwined with the concept of fear of missing out (FOMO), where gaining access to these venues becomes a point of pride.
For those eager to secure their own exclusive dining experiences in New York, perseverance and determination will be essential, as certain restaurant tables have proven particularly difficult to reserve, as outlined by Sienna Charles.