Dining out in New York has become increasingly challenging, with securing a reservation at the city’s popular restaurants reaching new levels of difficulty. Over the past three years, many food enthusiasts have found it nearly impossible to nab a seat at the trendiest eateries.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, highlighted the plight of diners, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” Even restaurateurs, when asked for strategies to get reservations, admit they have none to offer.
The competitiveness for dinner reservations has escalated to the point where the New York state legislature recently passed a law prohibiting third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader. These platforms had allowed users to resell reservation slots for exorbitant prices, mimicking practices seen in the concert and sports industries.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, viewed this legislation as a “major victory for the hospitality industry,” aiming to reduce reservation competition and minimize the impact of costly cancellations on restaurants.
Despite these legislative moves, the demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to surpass what is available. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted, “Post-COVID, everything is booked up. Every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full.” India, who has spent 16 years running Sienna Charles, a high-end concierge and travel planning service, emphasizes that understanding clients’ desires and fostering relationships with restaurants are critical for gaining access to exclusive dining experiences.
She pointed out a shift in dining preferences, asserting that clients are increasingly less interested in fine dining experiences, such as lengthy tasting menus. Instead, diners are drawn to trendy restaurants that embody a sense of “fear of missing out” (FOMO), where the experience becomes a form of social prestige.
For those eager to secure a reservation at some of New York’s hardest-to-get tables and willing to be persistent, Sienna Charles offers insights into the most coveted dining spots in the city.