Securing a restaurant reservation in New York has become remarkably difficult over the past three years. The challenge of obtaining a seat at the city’s most sought-after dining spots has escalated, leaving many food enthusiasts frustrated.
According to Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, some restaurants have become nearly impossible to access. Montaniel noted in a recent discussion with Bloomberg that even restaurateurs are at a loss for tips on how to secure reservations.
The situation has prompted the New York state legislature to take action, recently passing a law that bans third-party booking platforms like Appointment Trader, where users were reselling restaurant slots for as much as $200. This practice mirrors ticket scalping that occurs 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. It aims to decrease competition for reservations and safeguard restaurants from costly no-shows.
Despite these legislative efforts, the overall demand for trendy and upscale dining experiences still surpasses availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India pointed out that post-COVID, the trend is clear: restaurants, hotels, and planes are fully booked. India, who has been in the concierge and travel planning business for high-net-worth families for 16 years, emphasizes the importance of understanding client preferences and nurturing relationships with restaurants to enhance access to popular venues.
India noted a shift away from traditional fine dining, with clients increasingly seeking trendy spots that deliver more than just culinary excellence. The emphasis today is more about the experience and the cachet of securing a reservation at a fashionable location, rather than purely the food itself.
For those eager to secure their own coveted reservations in New York, industry insights from Sienna Charles can provide guidance on the most elusive dining spots in the city.