In New York, securing a reservation at popular restaurants has become increasingly difficult, a trend that has reached new levels of challenge in recent years. The journey to dine at the city’s hottest spots has escalated from a frustrating task to a nearly impossible feat for many dining enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, noting, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He pointed out that even restaurateurs struggle to advise on how to gain access, saying, “I don’t have them.”
Due to the heightened competition for dining slots, the New York state legislature took action last month, voting to prohibit third-party booking platforms like Appointment Trader, where users were reselling reservations for exorbitant prices of $200 and more, akin to ticket scalping for concerts and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new legislation as a “major victory for the hospitality industry,” aimed at limiting reservation competition and shielding restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative measures, the fundamental issue remains that the demand for unique and fashionable experiences has rapidly surpassed their availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India remarked on the post-COVID landscape, stating, “Every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full.” She raises the challenge of securing bookings when popular venues are already at capacity.
With 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service for wealthy clients, India emphasizes the importance of understanding client preferences and cultivating relationships with restaurants to enhance access to sought-after dining experiences. She noted a shift in clientele preferences, saying, “People have really moved away from fine dining… It’s about FOMO. It’s about saying that you got in, it’s a bragging right.”
For those determined to claim their own bragging rights and willing to persist in their pursuit of reservations, India highlights which New York restaurants are currently the hardest to book.