In New York, securing a restaurant reservation has become increasingly difficult. Over the past three years, obtaining a seat at the city’s most sought-after dining spots has transitioned from a challenge to a nearly impossible task for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, remarked on the situation, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He noted discussions with restaurant owners who admitted they lack strategies to help diners secure a reservation.
The competitive nature of dinner reservations prompted New York’s state legislature to pass a ban on third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where users were reselling their reservations for prices upwards of $200, a practice typically associated with concert and sports event scalpers.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a “major victory for the hospitality industry,” aimed at limiting the competition for reservations and protecting eateries from costly cancellations.
Despite legislative efforts, demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to exceed supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted the post-COVID surge in bookings across various sectors, making it increasingly challenging to secure spots in restaurants, hotels, and other luxury experiences.
India, who has spent 16 years leading Sienna Charles, a concierge service for affluent clients, highlighted the importance of understanding customer preferences and building relationships with restaurants. Her clientele typically includes families with fortunes exceeding $100 million, and she has worked with high-profile individuals such as George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
She explained that dining trends have shifted away from fine dining, with fewer clients expressing interest in tasting menus. Instead, there is a notable preference for trendy venues, where the experience is often more about social status and the thrill of securing a reservation than the actual food.
For those determined to secure bragging rights through hard-to-get reservations, Sienna Charles identifies the most elusive tables in New York.