In New York City, securing a restaurant reservation has become more challenging than ever, with the past three years seeing a significant rise in difficulty for diners hoping to enjoy the latest culinary hotspots.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the reservation platform Sevenrooms, shared insights into the issue, revealing that some popular restaurants have become virtually inaccessible. He noted, “I’ve even talked to restaurateurs, and they say, ‘I don’t have them’” when asked for tips on how to snag a reservation.
The competition for dinner seats has escalated to the point that last month, the New York state legislature enacted a ban on third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where users were reportedly reselling reservations for prices exceeding $200—an issue typically associated with concerts and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the new legislation as a “major victory for the hospitality industry,” aiming to lessen reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative measures, demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to surpass availability, as post-pandemic travel and dining habits have shifted. “Every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full,” noted travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India, underscoring the challenge of finding open spots in popular establishments.
India, who runs Sienna Charles, a concierge service catering to ultra-wealthy families, emphasizes that securing access to exclusive venues hinges on understanding client desires and nurturing relationships with restaurants. She observed that the trend is moving away from traditional fine dining, with clients increasingly seeking venues that offer a unique experience or status, saying, “It’s sort of about FOMO. It’s about saying that you got in, it’s a bragging right.”
For those determined to secure a reservation at the most sought-after New York restaurants, stay tuned to discover which venues are currently the hardest to book, according to insights from Sienna Charles.