Securing a dining reservation in New York has become increasingly difficult, with the last three years marking a significant rise in challenges for those seeking to experience the city’s top culinary spots. For many food enthusiasts, getting a seat at trendy restaurants now feels nearly impossible.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, revealed that restaurant owners often lack strategies to help patrons secure reservations. “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into,” he shared with Bloomberg, indicating the level of competition surrounding restaurant bookings.
The situation became so dire that last month, the New York state legislature passed a law prohibiting third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where users were reportedly reselling restaurant slots for exorbitant fees reaching $200, a practice reminiscent of ticket scalping.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aiming to lessen reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these regulatory efforts, the demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to exceed availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted, “Post-COVID, I’m sure you’ve noticed that everything is booked up, right? Every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full.”
India, with 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles—a concierge and travel planning service catering to ultra-wealthy clients—believes that understanding customer desires and fostering relationships with restaurants are crucial for securing reservations. Her clientele includes high-profile individuals, illustrating her expertise in navigating the competitive hospitality landscape.
She observed a trend away from traditional fine dining, saying, “People have really moved away from fine dining, we very rarely have a client that wants to sit through a tasting menu.” The focus has shifted to trendy eateries, driven by a desire for experiences and the social capital that comes with sharing a dining experience.
For those determined to secure a coveted reservation at one of New York’s hardest-to-get tables, persistence and a strategic approach, along with an understanding of current dining trends, are essential.