Securing a reservation at a restaurant in New York City has become more challenging than ever, with the last three years seeing a significant increase in competition for seats at popular dining spots. Many food enthusiasts are finding it nearly impossible to snag a table at the city’s hottest venues.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservations platform Sevenrooms, recently remarked to Bloomberg that certain restaurants seem inaccessible. Despite discussing strategies with restaurateurs, he noted that many of them admit they have no tips to offer for getting a reservation.
The situation has escalated to the point where the New York state legislature voted last month to prohibit third-party reservation apps like Appointment Trader, which had allowed users to sell their restaurant slots for prices exceeding $200, akin to concert ticket scalping.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, called the new legislation a significant triumph for the hospitality sector, asserting that it would lessen reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly no-shows.
Nevertheless, the ongoing demand for unique and trendy dining experiences continues to exceed supply in the post-COVID landscape. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India confirmed the increased difficulty of securing reservations, noting the busyness of flights, restaurants, and hotels.
Having operated Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service for affluent clients for 16 years, India is familiar with the strategies needed to access exclusive dining. She focuses on understanding her clients’ preferences and cultivating relationships with the desired restaurants.
India observed a shift away from fine dining among her wealthy clientele, with fewer clients interested in traditional tasting menus. The past few years have seen a trend toward trendy restaurants, with a greater emphasis on the experience and social validation of securing a table rather than just the food.
For those eager to join the ranks of successful diners in New York, persistence and strategy are key. Stay tuned to discover which restaurants are currently the hardest to book in the city, according to insights from Sienna Charles.