Resy's new report takes a closer look at the past year's food and dining trends, as well as the Big Apple's best-loved cake restaurants.
Analyzing reservation data and diner research to compile the report, the booking platform lists the top New York City spots with the most rebookings, with Balthazar, Café Chelsea, L'Artusi, Pastis, and Thai Diner leading the way. There is.
“Between the personal greeting from the restaurant staff, the 'extras' appearing at your table, and knowing how to read the menu, there is no greater joy for a restaurant lover than becoming a regular.” And restaurants rely on regulars to stay in business. ” says the report.
It's nearly impossible to get a table at one of Gotham's many trendy and delicious joints, but Resy is seeing a spike in interest in Sunday reservations.
The company's data shows that “notifications” (alerts about meal availability times) are converted into actual reservations at a higher rate on Sundays, and patrons are more likely to get a slot that day compared to Saturdays. It was 19% higher.
And across the five boroughs, patrons are most likely to convert reservation alerts into a table seat at a Williamsburg restaurant. bird of a feather.
When choosing which restaurant to book, those who like to “talk” or are good at covering their ears have outlined the ideal atmosphere for chatting with friends.
Of the 81% of respondents who self-identified as “Yappers,” 66% said they needed a “good staff” to set the mood for dinner, and 64% said they needed a “good happy hour deal.” , 61% said they needed “. 60% preferred booth seating as an option.
In general, the 'overall ambience' plays an important role when dining out, with 38% of patrons admitting it is one of the main reasons they decide where to eat.
In fact, 23% of people say they visit a wine bar or cocktail bar “just for the atmosphere” even though they're not big drinkers, and 46% of people take interior design inspiration from restaurant décor. I'm getting it.
Additionally, 88% of people say they're more likely to book a table if the staff makes them feel good, and more than half of diners say they're more likely to book a table based on a restaurant's photo.
Resy says that despite the sharp rise in solo dining over the past year (6% increase in New York City alone), restaurants remain “primary places to connect. Almost half of regular customers say they talk to strangers at kaiseki. Restaurant.
Needless to say, restaurants, especially those trending on social media, are tourist hotspots.
According to Resy, 67% of those surveyed said they would travel to another city domestically just to try a new restaurant.
And when it comes to online sensations, the Resy editorial team takes a look at the hottest trends for the new year, with cabbage taking the spot as most popular vegetable from cauliflower alongside the return of the pub burger in 2025. So, I expected Omakase and Rover to reign supreme. .
The Resy team also notes that as “snacktails” (a cocktail-snack hybrid that refers to alcoholic beverages with elaborate garnishes) become a new popular activity, and more and more restaurants are bringing back old menus, nostalgic dining is no exception. I expected it to be the same. item.
