Securing a dining reservation in New York has become increasingly difficult, reaching new levels of challenge in the past three years. Many aspiring diners now find it nearly impossible to secure a seat at the city’s most sought-after restaurants.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of bookings platform Sevenrooms, highlighted the issue, stating that some restaurants are particularly inaccessible. He noted that even restaurateurs struggle to provide tips on how to get a reservation.
The situation has led to the New York state legislature taking action last month by banning third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader. These platforms were allowing individuals to resell restaurant reservations for prices upwards of $200, a practice reminiscent of scalping concert tickets.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aimed at decreasing competition for reservations and protecting restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to surpass availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India pointed out that post-COVID, the high demand extends beyond restaurants to all forms of travel, making it increasingly challenging to secure bookings.
With 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service for affluent clients, India understands the dynamics of obtaining reservations better than most, having served high-profile clients including George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
India notes that gaining access to popular dining establishments hinges on understanding customers’ preferences and fostering relationships with restaurant staff. She observed a shift in client preferences away from fine dining toward trendy spots, suggesting that the motivation often stems from a desire for social bragging rights rather than a focus on food quality.
For those determined to secure a coveted reservation in New York, India provides insights into which restaurants are the hardest to access.