Securing a reservation at a restaurant in New York City has become increasingly challenging, as many food enthusiasts struggle to nab a seat at the most sought-after establishments. Over the past three years, the competition for tables at trendy dining spots has escalated from difficult to nearly impossible for many.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, shared with Bloomberg that some restaurants have become inaccessible. He noted that even restaurateurs attending panels often admit they lack strategies for achieving reservations.
The New York state legislature addressed the issue last month by approving a ban on third-party booking websites like Appointment Trader, which had allowed users to resell restaurant reservations for inflated prices, sometimes reaching $200. This practice mirrored those seen in concert and sporting event tickets.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, called the new legislation a significant victory for the hospitality sector, suggesting it would help stabilize reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly no-shows.
Despite these legislative efforts, the trend of growing demand for unique and luxurious dining experiences continues to surpass availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted that post-COVID, every sector from air travel to dining is often fully booked. India, who leads Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service for the affluent, emphasizes that her clientele of ultra-wealthy individuals places little priority on formal dining experiences and is heavily influenced by trends and social status.
She remarked, “People have really moved away from fine dining… It’s about FOMO (fear of missing out). It’s about saying that you got in, it’s a bragging right.”
For those eager to gain their own bragging rights while vying for hard-to-get reservations, India’s insights on the most elusive restaurant tables in New York may provide valuable guidance.