Dining out in New York City has become increasingly challenging, with securing a reservation at popular restaurants reaching an all-time high. In the past three years, many food enthusiasts have found it nearly impossible to dine at the city’s most sought-after venues.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservations platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, highlighting the hurdles faced by diners. He noted that even restaurateurs admit they lack strategies to help guests secure a spot at their restaurants.
The New York state legislature took action last month by voting to outlaw third-party booking platforms, like Appointment Trader, where individuals were reselling restaurant reservations for exorbitant prices, sometimes exceeding $200. This practice mirrored the scalping seen in the concert and sports event industries.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the restaurant sector, positing that it would lessen reservation competition and shield eateries from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative measures, the demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to outpace availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted, “Post-COVID, it’s evident everything is fully booked – from planes to restaurants to hotels.”
India, who has spent 16 years managing Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel service for affluent clients, emphasizes the importance of understanding client needs and fostering relationships with restaurants. Her clientele typically includes families with wealth exceeding $100 million, boasting a roster that includes notable figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
India points out a noticeable shift away from fine dining, with many clients favoring trendy spots that offer a sense of exclusivity over traditional tasting menus. “It’s not about the food anymore; it’s about the experience and the bragging rights that come from getting a reservation,” she explained.
For those eager to secure their own coveted reservations at New York’s hardest-to-book tables, Sienna India has offered insights on which restaurants to target.