In New York, securing a restaurant reservation has become increasingly difficult, with the process evolving into a challenge that many food enthusiasts find nearly impossible to navigate. In the past three years, the competition for seats at the city’s most popular dining spots has intensified significantly.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, stating, “Some restaurants are simply inaccessible.” He noted that discussions with restaurant owners reveal their own challenges in providing tips for securing reservations.
The situation has escalated to the point where the New York state legislature recently voted to prohibit third-party booking services like Appointment Trader, where some users were reselling restaurant reservations for exorbitant prices, reflecting trends typically associated with concert and sports ticket sales.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new legislation as a significant achievement for the hospitality industry, aiming to lessen the competitive pressure for reservations and protect restaurants from costly no-shows.
Despite these legislative changes, the high demand for unique, trendy, and upscale dining experiences continues to outpace supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India commented on the overarching trend, pointing out, “It’s evident that everything is fully booked post-COVID, from flights to restaurants to hotels.”
India, who has spent 16 years operating Sienna Charles, a concierge service for the ultra-wealthy, understands the intricacies of securing reservations. Her client list includes notable figures with substantial wealth, such as George W. Bush and Mariah Carey. She emphasizes that gaining access to sought-after dining experiences hinges on knowing customer preferences and fostering relationships with the restaurants.
“People are moving away from traditional fine dining; very few clients express interest in tasting menus,” India noted. She observed a significant shift towards trendy dining establishments, where the emphasis often lies not solely on the food but on the perception and social status that comes with securing a reservation.
For those eager to gain their own bragging rights and willing to persistently pursue elusive reservations, the article offers insights into which New York restaurants are currently the most difficult to book.