For those seeking dining experiences in New York, securing a reservation has never been more challenging. Over the past three years, accessing seats at the city’s most sought-after restaurants has transitioned from difficult to nearly impossible for many eager diners.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, revealing that some restaurants have become so exclusive that even restaurateurs are at a loss for tips on how to secure a table.
The intense competition for dinner reservations prompted the New York state legislature to outlaw third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where users were reselling restaurant reservations for exorbitant prices. This practice, reminiscent of ticket scalping for concerts and sports events, has now been curtailed.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new legislation as a “major victory for the hospitality industry,” emphasizing that it will diminish reservation competition and safeguard restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the high demand for exciting and luxurious experiences has surged past their availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India pointed out that the post-COVID landscape shows hotel, flight, and restaurant bookings trending at full capacity.
Having spent 16 years managing Sienna Charles, a high-end concierge and travel planning service, India is well-versed in navigating the competitive reservation landscape for her affluent clients, often exceeding $100 million in net worth. Her notable past clients include former President George W. Bush and singer Mariah Carey.
India notes that securing spots at the most popular establishments relies on understanding customers’ desires and fostering relationships with restaurants. She observes a significant shift in preferences, stating, “People have really moved away from fine dining; we very rarely have a client that wants to sit through a tasting menu.” Instead, the trend has moved towards vibrant eateries where the experience is less about the food and more about the excitement of being part of the exclusive crowd.
For those eager to claim their own bragging rights and willing to persist in their reservation pursuits, Sienna Charles offers insights into which New York restaurants are the most sought-after tables in the city.