In New York City, securing a restaurant reservation has become increasingly difficult, reaching new levels of challenge for diners. Over the past three years, the competition for seats at the city’s most fashionable establishments has intensified dramatically.
Joel Montaniel, the CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, highlighted the alarming trend, noting that some restaurants have become nearly impossible to access. Despite discussions with restaurant owners about tips for securing a reservation, many admit they have no advice to offer.
The competitiveness of dinner reservations prompted the New York state legislature to vote last month in favor of banning third-party booking platforms like Appointment Trader, where users were reportedly selling restaurant reservations for exorbitant prices, similar to practices seen in the concert and sports arenas.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant victory for the hospitality sector, aimed at reducing reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the demand for unique and luxurious dining experiences continues to surpass availability in the post-COVID era. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted that reservations for restaurants, as well as hotels and other experiences, have become harder to secure, as demand surges.
With 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a concierge service for wealthy clients, India understands the intricacies of navigating this competitive dining landscape. Her clientele often includes ultra-wealthy families, and she has previously served high-profile clients like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
India points out that accessing popular restaurants hinges on a few key elements: grasping what customers seek and fostering connections with the restaurants capable of meeting those desires. She observes a noticeable shift away from traditional fine dining, with clients now favoring trendy spots where the experience is more about exclusivity rather than the meal itself. Dining out has become less about the cuisine and more about the prestige of being able to secure a reservation.
For those eager to claim their own bragging rights and willing to persist in their quest for a booking, India provides insights into which New York restaurants have become the hardest to reserve a table at.