Securing a reservation at New York City’s most sought-after restaurants has become increasingly difficult, with many food enthusiasts finding it nearly impossible to snag a table. Over the past three years, the challenge of booking a seat at the city’s top dining spots has escalated.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, shared his insights on the issue during a recent conversation with Bloomberg. He revealed that even restaurant owners are at a loss for tips on how to obtain a reservation at their own establishments.
The situation has prompted the New York state legislature to take action, passing a law last month that prohibits third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader. These platforms had been enabling users to sell their restaurant reservations for inflated prices, sometimes reaching $200 or more, a practice usually seen in the concert and sporting event sectors.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aimed at reducing reservation competition and shielding restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legal measures, the surge in interest for trendy and luxurious dining experiences still outweighs availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted that the post-pandemic demand for reservations has soared, with fully booked restaurants, hotels, and flights becoming the norm.
India, who leads Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service catering to wealthy clients, highlighted the importance of understanding customer desires and fostering relationships with restaurant owners to secure desired reservations. She observed a notable shift among patrons, moving away from traditional fine dining to trendy spots that cater more to the experience and status they bring.
For those eager to claim their own bragging rights and willing to navigate the competitive reservation landscape, Sienna Charles has identified some of the hardest tables to secure in New York City.