Securing a reservation at New York’s hottest restaurants has become increasingly difficult over the past three years. What was once a challenging task is now almost impossible for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into. I’ve even spoken to restaurateurs, and when we ask them for tips to secure a spot, they respond, ‘I don’t have them.’”
The competition for dinner reservations has intensified so much that the New York state legislature recently voted to ban third-party booking platforms like Appointment Trader, where users were reselling restaurant reservations for prices exceeding $200, an issue traditionally found in the concert and sports industries.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector. She believes it will lessen competition for reservations and shield restaurants from costly no-shows.
Despite these new regulations, the reality remains that the appetite for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to surpass their availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted, “Post-COVID, every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full.” She emphasized the challenge of helping people secure reservations during this busy time.
India has extensive experience in this field, having operated Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning company for high-net-worth individuals, for 16 years. Her clients have included prominent figures such as George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
Even with her impressive background, India insists that gaining access to the most sought-after dining experiences relies heavily on understanding what customers seek and establishing solid relationships with restaurants.
She observed a shifting trend, saying, “People have really moved away from fine dining; we rarely have a client wanting a tasting menu. The focus is now on trendy restaurants where it’s not just about the food. It’s about the fear of missing out; it’s about bragging rights.”
For those eager to claim their own bragging rights and willing to put in the effort to secure a reservation, the Sienna Charles team highlights which New York restaurant tables are the most elusive.