Dining out in New York has become increasingly difficult as securing a reservation at the city’s most popular restaurants has reached new levels of challenge. Over the past three years, many food enthusiasts have found it nearly impossible to land a seat at trendy establishments.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the bookings platform Sevenrooms, acknowledged this trend, stating that some restaurants have become completely inaccessible. Even restaurateurs themselves have been unable to provide effective tips for getting reservations.
The situation has escalated to the point where New York state’s legislature recently voted to prohibit third-party booking sites, such as Appointment Trader, where individuals were reselling restaurant reservations for exorbitant fees, similar to the practice seen for concert and sporting event tickets.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, stating it would help alleviate reservation competition and shield restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative measures, the demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to surpass supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted the pervasive booking issue across various sectors, including restaurants, hotels, and travel experiences, especially in the post-pandemic landscape.
India runs Sienna Charles, a travel and concierge service catering to ultra-wealthy clients. She highlighted that her clients, who typically have fortunes exceeding $100 million, often desire access to the most sought-after restaurants. Her high-profile clientele includes figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
According to India, the success in securing reservations hinges on understanding clients’ desires and forming relationships with restaurant owners. She observed a shift away from traditional fine dining, with current preferences leaning towards trendy venues focused on the experience rather than the food itself. She described the current dining trend as driven by a desire for social status or “bragging rights.”
For those determined to secure a reservation at New York’s most exclusive dining spots, Sienna Charles provides insight into which restaurants are currently the hardest to book.