In New York, the challenge of securing a reservation at popular restaurants has reached new extremes. Over the past three years, obtaining a seat at the city’s most sought-after dining spots has shifted from simply difficult to nearly impossible for many eager patrons.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, highlighted the issue, noting that some restaurants have become so exclusive that even restaurateurs themselves struggle to offer advice on how to secure a spot. “I don’t have them,” he remarked when asked for tips.
The competition for dinner reservations intensified to the point where New York’s state legislature recently voted to prohibit third-party booking sites, like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to sell their coveted reservation slots for upwards of $200 – a practice typically seen with concert tickets.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed the legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, asserting that it would lessen competition for reservations and safeguard restaurants from costly no-shows.
Despite these regulatory changes, the reality is that the allure of trendy and upscale dining continues to outpace availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India pointed out, “Post-COVID, everything is booked up. Every plane, every restaurant, every hotel is full.” She emphasized the challenge of getting reservations in an ever-crowded market.
With 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a luxury concierge and travel planning service for high-net-worth individuals, India understands the dynamics of dining access. Her clients often exceed $100 million in wealth, with a clientele list that includes notable figures like George W. Bush and Mariah Carey.
India noted that while her expertise can open doors, the key to accessing exclusive dining experiences lies in understanding clients’ preferences and cultivating relationships with restaurants. She observed a shift away from traditional fine dining; most clients now prefer trendy spots where the experience is often more about the social cachet than the cuisine itself. “It’s about FOMO. It’s about saying that you got in; it’s a bragging right,” she explained.
For those determined to secure a seat at exclusive restaurants in New York, persistence is crucial. As the landscape continues to evolve, the quest for a table at the city’s hardest-to-book establishments persists.