Dining out in New York City has become increasingly challenging as securing reservations has reached unprecedented levels of difficulty. Over the past three years, many food enthusiasts have found the process of booking a table at the city’s most fashionable restaurants to be nearly impossible.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, noted in a recent interview that certain restaurants have become so exclusive that even restaurateurs admit they have no tips for securing a spot.
In response to this growing reservation competition, the New York state legislature recently voted to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where users were reselling restaurant reservations for inflated prices, sometimes exceeding $200. This practice echoes that of ticket scalping for concerts and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aiming to minimize reservation competition and protect restaurants from costly no-shows.
Even with these legislative efforts, the demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to exceed availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India observed that since the pandemic, there is heightened competition for reservations across the board, from restaurants to hotels and other exclusive experiences.
Having run Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service catering to ultra-wealthy clients for 16 years, India has extensive knowledge of how to navigate the restaurant booking landscape. Her clientele includes high-profile figures, yet she emphasizes that securing access to top restaurants hinges on understanding client preferences and fostering relationships with the establishments.
She points out that dining habits have shifted in recent years, with fewer clients interested in traditional fine dining and tasting menus. Instead, the focus has transitioned to trendy venues where social standing and exclusivity take precedence over the dining experience itself.
For those eager to secure a coveted reservation at a New York restaurant, persistence and strategic planning may be key, as certain tables remain highly sought after.