Securing a reservation at a restaurant in New York has become increasingly difficult, with the process reaching record levels of competition. Over the past three years, gaining access to the city’s most sought-after dining spots has transitioned from merely challenging to virtually impossible for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, shared insights on this trend, indicating that some restaurants are simply unreachable. “I’ve spoken to restaurateurs, and when we ask them for tips on how to get in, they often say, ‘I don’t have them,’” he explained.
The situation led to action from the New York state legislature, which passed a law last month banning third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader. These platforms allowed users to resell restaurant reservations for prices exceeding $200, similar to practices seen in concert ticket sales.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new legislation as a significant boon for the hospitality sector. She noted that it aims to diminish reservation competition and safeguard restaurants against costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the reality remains that in recent times, the demand for unique and upscale experiences continues to outpace their availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India pointed out the post-COVID surge, noting that virtually every plane, restaurant, and hotel is fully booked. “How do you navigate getting people into these already full venues?” she questioned.
India, who runs Sienna Charles, a luxury concierge and travel planning service, emphasizes the importance of understanding client preferences and nurturing relationships with the restaurants that can meet those needs. Her clientele often includes ultra-wealthy families, and she has worked with high-profile figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
Interestingly, she noted a shift away from traditional fine dining over the past three years. “People are moving toward trendy restaurants where the experience is less about the food and more about the atmosphere and exclusivity,” India explained. “It’s not just about dining; it’s about the appeal of making it in.”
For those eager to secure a reservation and willing to persist in the effort, India provides insights into which New York restaurants are currently the most difficult to book.