Dining out in New York has become increasingly challenging, with securing reservations at the city’s trendiest restaurants reaching unprecedented levels of difficulty. Over the past three years, it has become nearly impossible for many food enthusiasts to land a seat at popular venues.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, remarked that numerous restaurants are now completely booked, adding that even restaurateurs lack strategies to help patrons secure a table.
The issue of reservation scarcity led the New York state legislature to pass a law banning third-party booking platforms like Appointment Trader, which previously allowed users to sell restaurant reservations for exorbitant prices, echoing practices found in concert and sporting event ticket scalping.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed this legislation as a significant advancement for the hospitality sector, aimed at lessening reservation competition and safeguarding restaurants from costly cancellations.
Nevertheless, the high demand for trendy, luxurious experiences continues to exceed availability, as noted by travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India. She observed that post-pandemic, everything seems to be fully booked, from flights and hotel rooms to restaurant tables.
With 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service for the ultra-wealthy, India understands the dynamics of securing reservations better than most. Her clients often have impressive financial backgrounds, including names like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
India points out that access to in-demand restaurants depends on several crucial factors, including understanding customer needs and establishing relationships with the restaurateurs. She highlights a noticeable shift away from traditional fine dining, with clients now more interested in trendy spots that serve as status symbols rather than culinary experiences.
For those determined to secure a reservation at some of New York’s most sought-after restaurants, persistence is key, and it helps to know which venues are now considered the hardest to book, according to Sienna Charles.