New York diners are facing unprecedented challenges when it comes to securing reservations at the city’s most sought-after restaurants. Over the past three years, securing a table at the trendiest eateries has evolved from a tough task to nearly impossible for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, recently highlighted the issue, stating that some restaurants are simply unreachable for customers. He noted that restaurateurs he speaks with are also stumped for solutions on how to snag a reservation.
The situation has become so serious that last month, New York state’s legislature voted to prohibit third-party booking services like Appointment Trader, where users were reportedly reselling restaurant reservations for high prices, akin to ticket scalping for concerts and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, called the legislation a significant win for the hospitality sector, explaining that it would help mitigate competition for reservations and safeguard restaurants from costly no-shows.
Despite legislative efforts to ease the process, demand for exclusive dining experiences continues to far exceed supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India notes that post-COVID, every sector—be it airlines, hotels, or restaurants—seems fully booked.
India, who has spent 16 years managing Sienna Charles, a luxury travel and concierge service catering to ultra-wealthy clients, emphasizes that the key to accessing coveted dining spots lies in understanding client desires and establishing solid relationships with restaurants. She recognizes a shift in consumer preferences away from traditional fine dining, pointing to a trend favoring trendy venues that offer social bragging rights rather than simple culinary experiences.
For those eager to secure reservations at New York’s most exclusive restaurants and willing to put in the effort, Sienna Charles has insights on which dining spots are currently the hardest to book.