Securing a restaurant reservation in New York has become increasingly challenging, reaching unprecedented levels of difficulty. Over the last three years, many food enthusiasts find it nearly impossible to land a seat at the city’s most popular dining spots.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” Despite conversations with restaurateurs who have participated in panels, Montaniel noted that they often do not have solutions for the growing reservation problem.
In response to the competitive landscape of dinner reservations, the New York state legislature recently passed a ban on third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to resell restaurant reservations for exorbitant prices, similar to the practices seen in concert and sports ticket markets.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed this legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aimed at reducing reservation competition and shielding restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these changes, the demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to exceed the current supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India points out that since the pandemic, securing bookings for planes, hotels, and restaurants has become increasingly difficult. India, who has spent 16 years managing Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service for the ultra-wealthy, emphasizes that her clients are typically families with fortunes exceeding $100 million.
However, she highlights that gaining access to the most sought-after restaurants requires understanding customer preferences and establishing relationships with these dining establishments.
“People have really moved away from fine dining, we very rarely have a client that wants to sit through a tasting menu,” India remarked. She noted a significant shift towards trendy eateries where the experience often centers around social status rather than the food itself, emphasizing the allure of bragging rights.
For those eager to make a reservation at some of the most exclusive New York restaurants, India offers insights on the hardest tables to secure, encouraging would-be diners to remain persistent in their pursuit.