In New York, securing a restaurant reservation has become increasingly challenging, reaching new levels of difficulty. Over the past three years, the ability to snag a seat at the city’s most sought-after dining spots has shifted from being tough to nearly impossible for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, highlighted this issue, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” Even restaurateurs, when consulted for tips on getting reservations, admit they have no solutions.
The growing competition for dinner reservations prompted the New York state legislature to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where users were reselling restaurant slots for $200 or more. This practice had previously been common only for concert and sports tickets.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, called the new legislation a significant win for the hospitality sector, suggesting it will lessen reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the post-COVID landscape shows an ongoing demand for trendy and exclusive experiences that surpasses availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted that nearly all services, including restaurants, hotels, and flights, are fully booked.
India, who operates Sienna Charles, a luxury concierge service, explained that for those seeking to access the most popular dining venues, understanding clients’ desires and fostering relationships with restaurants is essential. She described a notable shift away from fine dining, with fewer clients interested in lengthy tasting menus. Instead, the focus has shifted towards trendy locations that offer an element of exclusivity and bragging rights.
For those determined to secure a reservation at New York’s hardest-to-reach restaurants, persistence is key.