In New York, securing a dinner reservation has become increasingly difficult, reaching unprecedented levels. Over the past three years, the quest for a seat at the city’s popular restaurants has evolved from merely challenging to virtually unattainable for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, the CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, noted that some restaurants are simply inaccessible. In discussions with restaurateurs during industry panels, he reported that many do not have solutions for the growing reservation issue.
The competition for dinner reservations has led the New York state legislature to take action. Recently, lawmakers voted to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where users were reportedly reselling restaurant reservations for upwards of $200, a practice more common in concert and sporting event ticketing.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector. She stated that it would lessen the competition for reservations and help restaurants avoid costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the demand for unique, trendy, and upscale dining experiences remains high, often outpacing availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India remarked on this trend, noting that the post-COVID environment has resulted in fully booked planes, restaurants, and hotels.
With 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service catering to ultra-wealthy clients, India is well-versed in the nuances of gaining access to coveted dining experiences. Her clientele typically includes individuals with fortunes exceeding $100 million, and she has served notable figures such as George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
India emphasizes that accessing hot new restaurants and luxurious experiences relies heavily on understanding client desires and cultivating relationships with the establishments that can cater to those needs. She observed a notable shift from traditional fine dining toward trendy venues, where the emphasis is often more about the experience and social validation than the food itself.
For those determined to secure a reservation at one of New York’s most sought-after restaurants, a willingness to be persistent and strategic is essential.