Dining out in New York has become increasingly difficult, with securing a reservation at the city’s most sought-after restaurants now more challenging than ever. Over the past three years, the task of getting a table at trendy dining spots has escalated from tough to nearly impossible for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, recently noted that certain restaurants have become nearly inaccessible. Restaurateurs themselves often admit they don’t have tips on how to secure a reservation, highlighting the competitive nature of dining in the city.
In response to the growing issue of reservation scalping, the New York state legislature passed a ban on third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to sell restaurant slots for significant profits, akin to ticket scalping for concerts and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, praised this new legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector. She believes it will lessen competition for reservations and help protect restaurants from costly last-minute cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the strong demand for unique and upscale dining experiences continues to outpace their availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India has observed this trend, noting how difficult it is to find spots in restaurants, hotels, and other luxury experiences since the pandemic.
With over 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a concierge service for ultra-wealthy clients, India has cultivated insights into the reservation game. She has worked with high-profile clients but emphasizes that successfully booking these coveted experiences depends on understanding clients’ desires and fostering relationships with the establishments.
India has noted a shift in dining preferences: fewer clients are interested in traditional fine dining and tasting menus. Instead, there’s a movement toward trendy establishments where the focus often revolves around the experience rather than the food itself, driven by social motivations.
For those looking to secure a table at one of New York’s most exclusive restaurants, persistence and awareness of the dining landscape are essential.