Dining out in New York City has become increasingly difficult as securing a reservation at popular restaurants has reached new levels of challenge. Over the past three years, the process has transitioned from merely tough to nearly impossible for many prospective diners.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, noting that some restaurants have become completely inaccessible. He stated, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into,” mentioning that even restaurateurs lack strategies for granting access to these sought-after establishments.
The competitive landscape for dinner reservations prompted the New York state legislature to take action last month by banning third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where users were reselling restaurant reservations for $200 or more, a practice reminiscent of ticket scalping for events like concerts and sports games.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, asserting that it would lessen the competition for reservations and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the appetite for trendy and upscale dining experiences continues to exceed their availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted that after the pandemic, demand surged across the board for flights, restaurants, and hotels, leaving many fully booked.
With 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service for affluent clients, India helps individuals and families with substantial wealth navigate this high-demand dining landscape. Her roster has included high-profile clients like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
India points out that gaining access to the most in-demand restaurants hinges on understanding customer desires and cultivating relationships with restaurant staff. She observed a shift away from traditional fine dining, noting that clients are now more interested in trendy venues that provide social cachet rather than gourmet tasting menus. “It’s sort of about FOMO. It’s about saying that you got in, it’s a bragging right,” she explained.
For those eager to secure their own brag-worthy reservations, tips on the most elusive tables in New York, as identified by Sienna Charles, are forthcoming.