Obtaining a reservation at New York’s popular dining spots has become increasingly difficult, reaching an all-time high in recent years. What used to be a challenge has transformed into a seemingly unattainable goal for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg about the situation, stating that some restaurants have become so elusive that restaurateurs themselves are at a loss for tips on how to secure a seat.
In response to the growing competition for dining reservations, the New York state legislature recently passed a law prohibiting third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to sell reservations for inflated prices, similar to ticket scalping in the concert and sports worlds.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new legislation as a significant win for the restaurant industry, aimed at lessening reservation competition and protecting establishments from costly no-shows.
Despite these legislative efforts, the demand for trendy and upscale experiences continues to exceed the supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted the post-pandemic landscape, where restaurants, hotels, and flights are generally fully booked.
With 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a luxury concierge and travel service for high-net-worth families, which has included clients like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey, India understands the demands of accessing exclusive dining experiences. She stresses that success often hinges on knowing customer preferences and cultivating strong relationships with restaurants.
India explained a notable trend away from traditional fine dining, with clients increasingly preferring trendy spots where the experience is more about social status than the meal itself. “It’s about FOMO (fear of missing out) and the bragging rights that come with securing a reservation,” she said.
For those willing to persist in their pursuit of coveted reservations, India has offered insights into which New York restaurants are currently the hardest to book.