Securing a table at New York City’s premier restaurants has become increasingly difficult, with the last three years seeing a dramatic rise in competition for reservations. For many food enthusiasts, accessing the city’s trendiest dining spots now feels nearly impossible.
Joel Montaniel, the CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, recently shared insights on this trend with Bloomberg. He mentioned that some restaurants have become so exclusive that even restaurateurs are at a loss for advice on how to obtain a reservation.
In response to the growing competition, the New York state legislature passed legislation last month to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to resell restaurant reservations for hefty sums, sometimes exceeding $200. This practice, once limited to events like concerts and sports, sparked significant concern within the culinary community.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new law as a “major victory for the hospitality industry,” aiming to lessen competition for reservations and safeguard eateries from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the demand for trendy and luxurious dining options remains unfulfilled after the pandemic, with travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noting that many venues are operating at full capacity. “Post-COVID, everything is booked up. Every plane, every restaurant, every hotel,” she remarked, highlighting the challenges faced in securing reservations.
With 16 years of experience managing a concierge and travel planning service for affluent clients, including high-profile figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey, India emphasizes the importance of understanding client preferences and cultivating relationships with restaurants to unlock access to exclusive dining experiences.
She pointed out a noteworthy shift in consumer behavior, stating, “People have really moved away from fine dining; very few clients express a desire for tasting menus. The trend leans more towards restaurants that promise social cachet rather than culinary excellence. It’s about the fear of missing out and the prestige of being able to say you dined there.”
For those eager for a chance to claim their own bragging rights and who are ready to persist in the reservation battle, there’s a list of New York restaurants known for their challenging bookings, as shared by Sienna Charles.