Dining out in New York has become increasingly challenging, with securing a reservation at the city’s most popular restaurants reaching an all-time high in difficulty. Over the past three years, the once tough task of getting a table has escalated, leaving many food enthusiasts feeling excluded.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He noted that even restaurant owners are left without strategies to navigate this issue.
The situation has led to significant legislative action, as last month the New York state legislature voted to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which had allowed users to resell their dining slots for prices exceeding $200, an approach typically associated with concert and sports tickets.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a “major victory for the hospitality industry,” aiming to decrease competition for reservations and protect restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative measures, the growing demand for unique and upscale experiences has consistently outpaced availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India commented on the trend, stating, “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.”
With 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service for affluent clients, India has aided those with over $100 million in wealth, including notable figures such as George W. Bush and Mariah Carey. She emphasizes that accessing exclusive dining experiences often hinges on understanding client desires and fostering connections with restaurant owners.
India noted a shift in preferences among clients, explaining, “People have really moved away from fine dining; we very rarely have a client that wants to sit through a tasting menu.” She highlighted that in recent years, the trend has gravitated towards restaurants where the emphasis lies on creating a memorable experience, often tied to a sense of exclusivity and social clout.
For those determined to secure a reservation at New York’s most coveted dining spots, continued effort and strategy are key, according to India’s insider perspectives on the hardest-to-get tables in the city.