Securing a dining reservation in New York City has become more difficult than ever, with the last three years marking a significant shift from challenging to nearly impossible for many aspiring diners.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, noted that certain restaurants have become nearly inaccessible. He mentioned in a recent interview that even restaurant owners themselves are at a loss for tips on how to secure a spot.
The competitive nature of dinner reservations led to recent legislative action by the New York state legislature, which voted to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader. These platforms were allowing users to sell their restaurant reservations for exorbitant prices, sometimes upwards of $200, similar to practices seen in concert ticket sales.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed this legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, stating that it would help decrease competition for reservations and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, demand for trendy, luxurious dining experiences continues to exceed availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India highlights how crowded everything has become post-COVID, with every flight, hotel, and restaurant often fully booked.
India, who has spent 16 years running Sienna Charles, a concierge service for the ultra-wealthy, emphasizes the importance of understanding customer preferences and fostering strong relationships with popular restaurants. She notes that the dining landscape has shifted dramatically, with clients showing less interest in fine dining and more in trendy spots that offer a sense of exclusivity and social bragging rights.
For those determined to secure a reservation at one of New York’s hardest-to-get restaurants, India outlines the need for persistence and insight into the dining scene.