Reservations at New York restaurants have become increasingly difficult to secure, with the process evolving from challenging to nearly impossible over the past three years.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, noting that some diners simply cannot access certain restaurants and even industry insiders lack advice on how to book a table.
Last month, in response to the growing competition for reservations, the New York state legislature voted to outlaw third-party booking platforms like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to resell restaurant reservations for inflated prices of $200 or more, a practice more commonly seen in concert and sports ticketing.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, welcomed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aiming to lessen the competition for reservations and safeguard restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative changes, the demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences continues to exceed supply. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted that the post-COVID landscape has resulted in fully booked flights, hotels, and restaurants.
India, who operates Sienna Charles, a concierge service catering to high-net-worth clients, has extensive experience in securing reservations at exclusive dining establishments. She highlighted the importance of capturing what clients desire and cultivating relationships with restaurant owners to gain access to these sought-after experiences.
She also pointed out a shift in consumer preferences, stating that many people have moved away from traditional fine dining and instead seek out trendy venues driven more by social status and novelty than food alone.
For those determined to secure a coveted reservation, India suggests focusing on the most exclusive and difficult-to-book restaurants in New York.