For those eager to enjoy dining experiences in New York, securing a reservation has become exceptionally difficult. Over the past three years, the challenge of obtaining a table at the city’s most sought-after restaurants has escalated, making it 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 emphasized that even restaurateurs struggle to provide tips on how to secure a reservation.
The competition for dinner spots has intensified to the point where the New York state legislature recently voted to prohibit third-party booking sites such as Appointment Trader, which allowed users to sell their reservation slots for exorbitant prices, comparable to the scalping seen at concerts and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, praised the new legislation as a “major victory for the hospitality industry,” suggesting it will lessen reservation competition and protect restaurants from costly cancellations.
Yet, despite these legislative efforts, the reality remains that the demand for trendy and luxurious experiences consistently exceeds supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted the post-COVID landscape has seen a surge in bookings, with every mode of travel and accommodation fully booked.
India, who has operated Sienna Charles, a luxury concierge and travel planning service for affluent clients, recognizes that securing access to premier dining establishments hinges on a few key factors: understanding client preferences and cultivating relationships with the restaurants that meet those needs.
She observed a shift away from traditional fine dining, pointing out that her clients increasingly prefer trendy spots where the experience is more about social status and exclusivity than culinary excellence. “It’s sort of about FOMO. It’s about saying that you got in; it’s a bragging right,” she explained.
For those determined to claim a reservation of their own, Sienna Charles outlines which New York restaurants are currently the hardest to book.