Reservation Roulette: The Hunt for NYC’s Elusive Dining Experiences

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Dining out in New York has become increasingly challenging, with securing reservations at popular restaurants now more difficult than ever. Over the last three years, many food enthusiasts have found it nearly impossible to land a seat at the city’s trendiest venues.

Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, noted that some restaurants have become so exclusive that even restaurateurs are at a loss for tips on how to get in. “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into,” he stated in a recent interview.

The competitiveness of dinner reservations has prompted the New York state legislature to vote against third-party booking sites, such as Appointment Trader, where users were reselling restaurant slots for inflated prices, similar to ticket scalping for concerts and sporting events.

Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new legislation as a significant win for the hospitality industry, emphasizing its potential to lessen competition for reservations and shield restaurants from high cancellation costs.

Despite these legislative efforts, the trend of seeking out trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to exceed the available options post-COVID. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India remarked on the widespread bookings across the travel and hospitality sectors, stating, “Everything is booked up; every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full.”

India, who has been managing Sienna Charles, a concierge service for high-net-worth individuals, for 16 years, explained that accessing exclusive dining experiences often hinges on understanding what clients desire and fostering relationships with restaurants. With clients that include high-profile individuals from various sectors, she noted a noticeable shift in preferences away from traditional fine dining.

“People have really moved away from fine dining; we very rarely have a client that wants to sit through a tasting menu,” she said. India pointed out that the current trend leans towards vibrant restaurants focused on the experience, often driven by a desire for social media bragging rights rather than just the food.

For those determined to secure coveted reservations in New York, India suggests persistence and relationship-building with the establishments that interest them.

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