Dining out in New York has become increasingly difficult as securing a reservation at the city’s most popular restaurants has reached a new level of challenge. Over the past three years, many food enthusiasts have found it nearly impossible to snag a seat at the trendiest dining spots.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into. Even restaurateurs I’ve spoken with don’t have tips for getting reservations.”
The situation has grown so dire that New York’s state legislature voted last month to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to resell restaurant reservations for exorbitant prices, similar to what happens with concert tickets.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, called the new legislation a significant win for the hospitality sector, asserting it will lessen reservation competition and protect restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative changes, the demand for unique, fashionable, and high-end dining experiences continues to exceed available options. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted, “Post-COVID, everything is booked solid—every flight, every restaurant, every hotel.”
India, who runs Sienna Charles, a concierge service catering to the ultra-rich, highlights the importance of understanding client desires and fostering relationships with sought-after restaurants. With a clientele that includes notable figures, she noted a shift away from traditional fine dining. “Clients very rarely ask for tasting menus anymore. The trend now leans towards lively restaurants where the experience is more about social status than merely the meal,” she explained.
For those determined to join the ranks of diners at New York’s most exclusive restaurants, persistence and awareness of the evolving dining landscape are key.