Dining out in New York has become increasingly difficult, with securing a reservation at the city’s most popular restaurants now more challenging than ever. Over the past three years, the competition for seats at trendy dining spots has escalated, leaving many food enthusiasts frustrated.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, shared with Bloomberg that some restaurants are nearly impossible to access. In discussions with restaurant owners, he noted their admission of being unable to provide advice on securing a table.
The competitiveness of dinner reservations led the New York state legislature to enact a ban on third-party booking platforms such as Appointment Trader. These sites were enabling users to sell their restaurant slots for $200 or more, a practice reminiscent of ticket scalping for concerts and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector. It aims to lessen competition for reservations and shield restaurants from costly last-minute cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to outpace availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted the post-COVID landscape, where everything from flights to restaurant seats is booked solid.
India, who has spent 16 years running a concierge service for ultra-wealthy clients, emphasizes that accessing sought-after restaurants involves understanding customer preferences and forming relationships with the establishments.
She pointed out a shift away from fine dining in recent years, with clients now favoring trendy venues that prioritize the experience over the food itself. According to her, the allure of these restaurants often lies in the prestige of being able to say one has dined there.
For those determined to land a coveted reservation, Sienna India offers insight into which New York eateries are currently the most difficult to book.