In New York City, securing a reservation at the most popular restaurants has become increasingly difficult, with many food enthusiasts finding it nearly impossible to land a table. Over the past three years, the already challenging task of making dinner reservations has escalated to a point where some restaurants have become virtually inaccessible.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, noting that even restaurant owners have struggled to offer tips on how to score reservations. He remarked, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into,” highlighting the intensifying competition.
The situation has prompted actions from state lawmakers; just last month, the New York state legislature voted to prohibit third-party booking platforms like Appointment Trader, which had allowed users to resell restaurant reservations for upwards of $200, similar to practices seen for concerts and sports events.
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 mitigate competition for reservations and protect restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these regulatory changes, the overall demand for trendy and luxury dining experiences remains high, often outstripping supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India pointed out that since the pandemic, venues across the board—planes, hotels, and restaurants—are typically at full capacity.
With 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a high-end concierge and travel planning service catering to ultra-wealthy clients, including notable figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey, India emphasized the importance of understanding client desires and fostering relationships with restaurants.
She noted a shift away from fine dining towards more trendy establishments, explaining that today’s dining experience often revolves around social status and the ‘fear of missing out’ (FOMO), rather than the food itself.
For those determined to secure their own coveted reservations, Sienna Charles has insights into which New York City restaurants are currently the hardest to book.