Dining out in New York has become increasingly challenging, as securing a reservation at the city’s popular restaurants has reached new levels of difficulty in recent years. The process has transformed from challenging to nearly impossible for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, the CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, recently mentioned that some restaurants have become so exclusive that even restaurateurs are at a loss for advice on how to secure a table.
In response to the rising competition for dinner reservations, the New York state legislature took action last month, passing a bill to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader. These platforms had allowed users to sell their restaurant reservations for inflated prices, sometimes reaching $200, similar to the scalping seen at concerts and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant achievement for the hospitality sector, aimed at reducing reservation competition and protecting restaurants from costly no-shows.
Despite these legislative measures, the demand for trendy and luxurious dining experiences still exceeds their availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India highlights the surge in bookings across various sectors following the COVID-19 pandemic, saying, “Every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full.”
India, who has led Sienna Charles, a luxury concierge and travel planning service for over 16 years, emphasizes the importance of understanding client desires and cultivating relationships with restaurants. Her clientele includes ultra-wealthy families and notable figures.
She notes a shift in dining preferences, as fewer clients express interest in traditional fine dining experiences. Instead, the focus has moved towards trendy restaurants where the appeal often stems from social status rather than just the cuisine. For many, being able to say they’ve dined at a hard-to-book restaurant has become a status symbol.
For those determined to secure a reservation and gain bragging rights, insight from India can guide them toward the most sought-after tables in New York.