Dining in New York City has become increasingly challenging, with securing reservations at popular restaurants now more difficult than ever. Over the past three years, gaining a seat at the city’s fashionable dining spots has transformed from a challenge to a nearly unattainable feat for many eager diners.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of bookings platform Sevenrooms, noted in a recent discussion that certain restaurants have become so exclusive that even restaurateurs themselves struggle to provide guidance on how to secure a table.
The New York state legislature took action last month to address the competitive nature of dinner reservations by voting to outlaw third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, where users had previously been reselling reservations at inflated prices of $200 or more, similar to practices seen in concert and sports ticket sales.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a substantial win for the hospitality sector, highlighting that it would decrease the competition for reservations and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative measures, the demand for trendy and upscale dining experiences continues to outpace supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India remarked on the current state of bookings, stating that everything from flights to hotels and restaurants is fully booked.
With 16 years of experience operating Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service catering to the ultra-wealthy, India emphasizes the importance of understanding customer desires and cultivating relationships with restaurants to secure access to the most sought-after dining experiences.
India observed a shift away from traditional fine dining, noting that her clients rarely seek multi-course tasting menus anymore. Instead, there has been a move towards trendy venues where the experience is more about status and exclusivity than the food itself.
For those determined to secure their own coveted reservations in New York, India’s insights offer guidance on which restaurants are currently the hardest to book.