Securing a reservation at New York City’s popular restaurants has become increasingly difficult in recent years, with many food enthusiasts finding it nearly impossible to snag a table. According to Joel Montaniel, CEO of the restaurant booking platform Sevenrooms, the situation has only worsened. Montaniel noted that even restaurateurs struggle to offer tips on how to get a reservation due to the intense competition.
Recently, the New York state legislature responded to the issue by voting to ban third-party reservation booking sites like Appointment Trader, where users were re-selling restaurant spots for prices exceeding $200. This practice, reminiscent of ticket scalping for concerts, has raised concerns within the dining community.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, stating that it would enhance fairness in reservation access and protect restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the demand for unique and trendy dining experiences continues to outstrip availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India pointed out the challenges of booking in a post-pandemic world, with high demand making reservations for restaurants, hotels, and luxury experiences hard to come by.
India, who has been running the concierge service Sienna Charles for wealthy clients for 16 years, asserts that gaining entry to sought-after dining establishments often relies on understanding what patrons desire and cultivating relationships with the restaurants that can meet those needs.
She noted a shift away from fine dining, with clients less interested in lengthy tasting menus and more inclined towards trendy venues. This trend seems to reflect a desire for the experience itself, which is often about exclusivity and social status rather than just food.
For those determined to secure a table and earn some bragging rights, there are still certain restaurants in New York that stand out for their difficulty in getting reservations.