Securing a dinner reservation in New York City has become increasingly difficult, with many food enthusiasts finding the process nearly impossible. Over the past three years, getting a seat at the city’s most popular restaurants has transformed from a challenge to a seemingly insurmountable task.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, discussed this trend with Bloomberg, stating, “There are some restaurants that people can’t get into.” He noted that even restaurateurs, when asked for tips on securing reservations, often admit they don’t have any.
The competition for dining slots has become so fierce that the New York state legislature recently voted to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader. Such platforms have allowed users to resell restaurant reservations for inflated prices, sometimes reaching $200, akin to ticket scalping for concerts or sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aimed at decreasing competition for reservations and protecting restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative changes, the demand for trendy and upscale dining experiences continues to exceed their availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India noted the post-COVID landscape, stating, “Every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full.” With her 16 years of experience running a concierge and travel planning service for affluent clients, India offers insights into navigating the crowded arena of exclusive dining.
India, whose clientele includes individuals and families with over $100 million in wealth, emphasizes that access to desirable restaurants hinges on understanding customer preferences and fostering relationships with restaurant owners. She observed a shift away from fine dining, with clients increasingly opting for trendy establishments where the experience often prioritizes social status over culinary excellence. “It’s sort of about FOMO. It’s about saying that you got in, it’s a bragging right,” she explained.
For those determined to secure elusive reservations and share in the social prestige, India shares insights on which New York restaurants are currently the most challenging to book.