Securing a reservation at restaurants in New York has become increasingly difficult, with the past three years seeing a notable decline in availability at the city’s most sought-after dining spots.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the bookings platform Sevenrooms, highlighted the extent of the challenge, stating that many restaurants have become impossible to access, even for those in the industry. He mentioned that restaurateurs he has conversed with are at a loss for tips on how to secure a table.
In response to the growing competitiveness of dinner reservations, the New York state legislature recently voted to outlaw third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to sell their restaurant reservations for exorbitant fees, mirroring practices typically seen in concert and sports event ticketing.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, called the new legislation a “major victory for the hospitality industry,” as it aims to lessen the competition for reservations and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the demand for unique and upscale dining experiences continues to exceed supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India observed that in the post-COVID landscape, booking availability across various sectors—air travel, dining, and accommodations—has become tighter than ever.
India, who has spent 16 years managing Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service for affluent clients, noted her extensive experience, which has included working with high-profile individuals like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey. She pointed out that gaining access to popular restaurants often hinges on understanding customer preferences and fostering relationships with restaurateurs.
She noted a shift away from traditional fine dining, where tasting menus are less in demand, towards trendy eateries that are more about the experience and social cachet than the cuisine itself. “It’s about FOMO (fear of missing out) and the bragging rights that come with being able to say you got in,” she said.
For those determined to secure a coveted reservation and enjoy some of that social prestige, India offers insights into the most challenging restaurant bookings in New York.