Dining out in New York has become increasingly difficult as securing a reservation at the city’s most sought-after restaurants has reached an all-time high. Over the past three years, gaining access to these popular dining spots has transformed from a tough task to an almost impossible feat for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg about the situation, noting, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into. We’ve even held panels with restaurateurs, and when asked for tips on getting a reservation, they admit they don’t have any.”
The intense competition for dinner reservations prompted New York’s state legislature last month to vote to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where users were reselling restaurant slots for amounts exceeding $200, a practice typically associated with concerts and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a “major victory for the hospitality industry,” emphasizing that it would lessen competition for reservations and safeguard restaurants from costly last-minute cancellations.
Yet, despite these legislative efforts, the reality remains that the demand for exciting and high-end dining experiences continues to surpass their availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India remarked on this trend, stating, “Post-COVID, everything is booked. Every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full.”
India, who has spent 16 years running Sienna Charles, a luxury concierge and travel planning service, highlights the importance of understanding client preferences and establishing relationships with restaurants to secure coveted reservations. Her clientele includes ultra-high-net-worth individuals and notable figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
She observes a significant shift in dining preferences among her clients, noting, “People have really moved away from fine dining; few want to endure a tasting menu. The focus has shifted toward trendy restaurants, where it’s not just about the food but rather about the experience and social status associated with getting a reservation.”
For those eager to secure a table at one of New York’s hardest restaurants, persistence in the quest for reservations is essential.