Securing a dining reservation in New York has become increasingly challenging, with many food enthusiasts finding it nearly impossible to book a table at the city’s most sought-after restaurants. Over the past three years, the difficulty in obtaining these coveted spots has intensified.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the bookings platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, highlighting that even restaurateurs struggle to provide tips on how to secure reservations. “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into,” he stated.
The competition for dinner reservations escalated to the point where, last month, the New York state legislature moved to prohibit third-party booking services like Appointment Trader. These platforms had allowed users to sell restaurant reservations for up to $200, a practice more typically associated with concert and sporting event tickets.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, termed the new legislation a significant win for the hospitality sector, seeking to lessen reservation competition and safeguard restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these measures, the demand for trendy, engaging, and luxurious experiences continues to surpass supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India remarked on the post-COVID landscape, noting that everything from flights to hotel accommodations is at full capacity.
India, who has spent 16 years managing a luxury concierge and travel planning service, shared that catering to ultra-wealthy families often involves understanding their desires and nurturing relationships with restaurants. Her high-profile clientele has included notable figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
Offering insight into contemporary dining preferences, India pointed out a shift away from fine dining. “People have really moved away from fine dining; we very rarely have a client that wants to sit through a tasting menu,” she explained. The current trend favors trendy restaurants that emphasize the experience rather than just the food, driven by a sense of exclusivity and social status.
For those eager to secure a table at one of New York’s most elusive restaurants, India provides guidance on where to focus their reservation efforts.