Dining out in New York City has become more challenging than ever, as securing a reservation at the most popular restaurants has become nearly impossible for many food enthusiasts. Over the past three years, the process has evolved from difficult to seemingly unattainable.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, remarked on the intense competition for tables, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” Discussions with restaurateurs at industry panels have revealed a lack of strategies from them on securing reservations.
The increased competition culminated in recent legislation from the New York state legislature aimed at banning third-party booking services like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to resell restaurant reservations for exorbitant prices, mirroring practices typically seen in the concert and sports ticket markets.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the law as a significant win for the hospitality sector, asserting it would lessen reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly no-shows.
Despite this new legislation, the surge in demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to surpass availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted, “Post-COVID, I’m sure you’ve noticed that everything is booked up, right? Every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full.”
India, who has operated Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service for ultra-wealthy clients, shared insights that come from her extensive experience catering to affluent families. She emphasized the importance of understanding client desires and fostering relationships with restaurants to navigate the crowded dining landscape.
She observed a shift in dining preferences, saying, “People have really moved away from fine dining. We very rarely have a client that wants to sit through a tasting menu.” The focus now gravitates towards trendy venues, where the allure isn’t just about the food but rather the social status that comes with securing a reservation.
For those eager to score a hard-to-get table and willing to put in the effort, the article hints at some of the most in-demand restaurants in New York City, as identified by Sienna Charles.