In New York City, securing a reservation at popular restaurants has become increasingly difficult, reaching new levels of competition. Over the past three years, the challenge of obtaining a table at the city’s most sought-after dining spots has escalated, leaving many food enthusiasts frustrated.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, shared with Bloomberg that some restaurants have become virtually inaccessible. “I’ve talked to restaurateurs and asked them for tips to get in, and they say, ‘I don’t have them,’” he noted.
The situation has become so dire that the New York state legislature recently voted to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where users were reportedly reselling their restaurant reservations for exorbitant fees—some as high as $200—similar to practices seen in concert and sporting event ticket scalping.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector. She believes it will level the playing field regarding reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these regulatory changes, the appetite for trendy, luxurious dining experiences continues to outstrip supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India observed that since the pandemic, demand has surged across the board, with every flight, hotel, and dining establishment fully booked. She emphasized the challenge of navigating the crowded landscape of reservations.
For over 16 years, India has operated Sienna Charles, a luxury concierge and travel service catering to affluent clients. Her clientele includes notable figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey. Drawing on her wealth of experience, India points out that gaining access to exclusive eateries often hinges on understanding client preferences and fostering strong relationships with restaurant owners.
She noted a notable shift in dining trends: “People have really moved away from fine dining; we rarely have a client that wants to sit through a tasting menu.” She explained that the current focus has shifted towards trendy spots, where dining is less about food and more about the experience and social prestige of being able to say you’ve dined there.
For those determined to secure a reservation at one of New York’s hardest-to-get tables, persistence is key, and understanding current dining trends will be essential.