For those looking to eat out in New York, securing a reservation has become increasingly difficult. Over the past three years, securing a seat at the city’s most popular restaurants has evolved from challenging to almost unattainable for many diners.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, shared with Bloomberg that some establishments have become virtually inaccessible. He noted that even restaurant owners themselves can’t offer guidance on how to secure a table.
Reservations have become so sought after that the New York state legislature recently passed a ban on third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where users were selling reservation slots for over $200, mimicking practices typically seen in concert or sports event ticketing.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, celebrated the new legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector. She believes it will lessen competition for bookings and protect restaurants from costly no-shows.
Nonetheless, the strong demand for trendy, upscale dining experiences continues to exceed the supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India pointed out that post-COVID, the market is saturated: all flights, hotels, and restaurants are fully booked.
India, who has spent 16 years managing Sienna Charles, a high-end concierge and travel service for wealthy clients, emphasizes the importance of understanding customer desires and fostering relationships with sought-after restaurants.
She observed a shift in preferences, stating that fewer clients are interested in traditional fine dining experiences, preferring instead trendy spots where the emphasis is often more about the experience itself rather than the food. The focus has shifted to the fear of missing out (FOMO), with dining at popular venues becoming a source of status.
For those eager to earn their own bragging rights and willing to navigate the competitive reservation landscape, India suggests looking into which New York restaurants are currently the hardest to book.