Reservations at New York’s dining hotspots have become increasingly elusive, with many food enthusiasts finding it challenging to secure a table at the city’s most sought-after restaurants. Over the past three years, the difficulty of obtaining these reservations has escalated to unprecedented levels.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the bookings platform Sevenrooms, noted that some restaurants have become nearly impossible to access. He mentioned that even restaurateurs he has spoken to have been unable to provide tips on how to get a reservation.
In a move to address this growing problem, the New York state legislature recently voted to prohibit third-party booking services like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to sell restaurant reservation slots for exorbitant prices. This practice resembled ticket scalping commonly seen at concerts and sporting events.
The President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, Melissa Fleischut, heralded the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, as it aims to reduce the competition for reservations and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the demand for exclusive and trendy dining experiences continues to exceed availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India pointed out that since the pandemic, nearly all hospitality sectors are experiencing high occupancy rates.
With 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a concierge service catering to the ultra-wealthy, India has insights into securing coveted reservations. She has worked with high-profile clients and knows that access to top dining spots hinges on understanding client preferences and nurturing relationships with restaurant owners.
India noted a shift away from fine dining, with fewer clients interested in lengthy tasting menus. Instead, there has been a trend toward trendy restaurants that prioritize the experience and the status of getting a reservation over the culinary aspect itself.
For those eager to claim their own bragging rights by securing a reservation, Sienna Charles offers insights into which New York restaurant tables are currently the most difficult to book.