Securing a reservation at New York’s popular dining spots has become increasingly difficult. In just three years, the process has transitioned from challenging to nearly impossible for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, recently commented on the situation, stating that some restaurants are simply inaccessible. “I’ve spoken with restaurateurs who, when asked for tips on how to secure a reservation, admit they don’t have any,” he shared with Bloomberg.
The intense competition for dinner reservations prompted a legislative response last month when the New York state legislature voted to outlaw third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to resell restaurant slots for $200 or more. This practice drew parallels to ticket scalping for concerts and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new law as a significant achievement for the hospitality sector. She noted that it would help lessen competition for reservations and provide protection for restaurants against costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative measures, the demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to outstrip supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India observed that since the pandemic, “everything is booked up—every plane, every restaurant, every hotel.” She questioned how to effectively navigate reservations when many venues are completely full.
Having run Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service for affluent clients, for 16 years, India has extensive experience in this arena. Her clientele typically includes families with wealth exceeding $100 million, with notable past clients such as George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
India indicated that access to exclusive restaurants hinges on key elements: understanding customer desires and establishing relationships with the restaurants that can meet those needs. She noted, “People have really moved away from fine dining,” suggesting that client preferences have shifted towards trendy spots focused less on food and more on the experience and social status that comes with being able to say they dined there.
For those persistent enough to fight for a coveted reservation, India will soon reveal which New York restaurant tables are the most elusive.