Dining out in New York has become increasingly challenging, with securing a reservation at the city’s most sought-after restaurants becoming nearly impossible for many food enthusiasts over the past three years.
Joel Montaniel, the CEO of the bookings platform Sevenrooms, noted that numerous restaurants remain inaccessible, and even seasoned restaurateurs lack tips for securing a table. “I don’t have them,” they often admit in discussions.
The situation has escalated to the point that last month, the New York state legislature voted to prohibit third-party booking sites like Appointment Trader, which allowed users to sell restaurant reservations for exorbitant prices, similar to tickets for concerts and sports events.
Melissa Fleischut, President and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association, hailed this legislation as a significant win for the hospitality sector, aimed at reducing reservation competition and shielding restaurants from costly cancellations.
Despite these legislative efforts, the demand for unique, trendy, and luxurious dining experiences continues to surpass availability. Travel advisor Jaclyn Sienna India highlighted this challenge, stating, “Post-COVID, everything is booked up. Every plane is full, every restaurant is full, every hotel is full.”
With 16 years of experience managing Sienna Charles, a concierge and travel planning service for affluent clients, India emphasizes that accessing the most popular dining spots hinges on understanding client preferences and fostering strong relationships with the restaurants.
She notes a shift in consumer preferences away from traditional fine dining, with a growing inclination towards trendy eateries that prioritize social experiences over food quality. “It’s about FOMO. It’s about saying that you got in; it’s a bragging right,” she explains.
For those determined to secure a coveted reservation, India provides insights into which New York restaurants are the hardest to book.