Securing a reservation at one of New York City’s top restaurants has become increasingly difficult over the past three years, as the process has shifted from challenging to nearly impossible for many food enthusiasts.
Joel Montaniel, CEO of the booking platform Sevenrooms, shared insights with Bloomberg, stating that some restaurants are simply unattainable. Despite hosting restaurateurs on panels and asking for advice on securing a table, he noted that even these industry professionals often lack guidance.
The competition for dinner reservations has prompted action from lawmakers. Last month, New York’s legislature approved a ban on third-party booking websites, such as Appointment Trader, which allowed users to resell restaurant slots for exorbitant prices, sometimes reaching $200 or more—similar to practices typical for concerts and sporting events.
Melissa Fleischut, President & CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed this legislation as a “major victory for the hospitality industry.” She believes it will help mitigate reservation competition and protect restaurants from high cancellation fees.
Despite these legislative efforts, the demand for trendy and luxurious experiences has surged, often overwhelming availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India remarked on the shift post-COVID, noting that everything appears to be fully booked, from flights to hotels to restaurants.
With 16 years of experience running Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service for affluent clients, India is well-versed in securing coveted dining experiences. Her clientele, which includes families with fortunes exceeding $100 million, relies on her expertise. She explained that gaining access to popular restaurants often hinges on understanding patrons’ preferences and cultivating strong relationships with the establishments.
India observed a notable trend in dining preferences, stating that clients are increasingly moving away from fine dining and tasting menus. Instead, many seek out trendy spots, where the focus is less on the food and more on the experience, with a desire for status and exclusivity.
For those who are determined to secure a reservation and earn their own bragging rights, India has insights on which tables in New York are the hardest to book.