Navigating the dining scene in New York has become increasingly difficult as obtaining a reservation at popular restaurants has reached new levels of competitiveness. Over the past three years, what was once a challenging task has now become nearly impossible for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, the CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, recently revealed to Bloomberg the gravity of the situation, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” Montaniel further noted that even restaurateurs are at a loss for tips on securing tables at their establishments.
The competitive nature of dinner reservations triggered a reaction from the New York state legislature, which voted last month to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader. These platforms had allowed users to resell reservations at exorbitant prices, with some going for $200 or more, reminiscent of practices seen in concert and sporting event ticket sales.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, as it aims to lessen the competition for reservations and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Even with these new laws in place, the demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to surpass their availability. Jaclyn Sienna India, a travel advisor with over 16 years of experience at her concierge service, Sienna Charles, pointed out, “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, whose client roster includes ultra-wealthy individuals and celebrities, suggests that successfully securing reservations comes down to understanding clients’ desires and fostering relationships with restaurants that can meet those needs. She notes a shift in preference away from traditional fine dining, stating, “People have really moved away from fine dining. The entire shift in the last three years has been towards trendy restaurants where the focus is not necessarily on food. It’s about the experience and the status that comes with it.”
For those eager to secure their own reservations and willing to navigate the challenges, readers can look for insights on which New York restaurants are considered the most difficult to book, according to Sienna Charles.