Aloha all from Kauai! My husband and I are going on a month long trip of a lifetime all over Italy, and a taste of Austria and Ireland (less than a week in each of those countries). I am a planner, and am really trying my best to not over schedule us, as I am learning and working on appreciating the beauty of going with the flow, especially when energy levels will be unpredictable after sightseeing each day. My question is, if I make no restaurant reservations at all, do you think we will very much regret it, or in general, have you found that you were able to stumble upon enough lovely places that could seat you in Europe when you have had no reservations? To give a bit more context, our dates are May 6-June 7, so hopefully beating some of the summer rush, but I am sure May is still a busy time. We are starting in southern Italy and working our way north to Austria from there and then flying to Ireland. I have spent hours upon hours on our itinerary, and so I suppose I am really just looking for some peace of mind in hearing it won't destroy our trip to just go with the flow when it comes to dinner time ;) If however you think we should make at least some reservations, and you have strong recommendations for specific restaurants, the places we are staying are: Sant Agnello (just outside Sorrento), Rome (Trastevere), Montepulciano, Siena, Florence, Ortisei, Saint Gilgen, Salzburg, Vienna, Dublin (Donnybrook).
Thanks so much in advance!
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7992 posts
In Italy last fall, not the absolute highest of tourist season, some places were full every night. In Rome (Trastevere and other sections), we still got a table, but had to look around a bit. Siena and Florence, too. Bologna was even harder to find a place at dinner time. If you absolutely want a table at a particular place, make a reservation. You can still get something to eat, elsewhere, but it could take some looking and searching.
In Rome, the real treat we discovered last year was in the Testaccio neighborhood - Lo Scopettaro, quality place, not very expensive … make a reservation.
Posted by
City of Seattle
1959 posts
A middle way between making reservations way ahead and not having any is to scout out places you might want to eat earlier in the day. My family often passes a place that looks good around lunch time, quick scan of reviews online, pop in to ask for a table at dinner time.
Posted by
415 posts
For Italy you should be able to make reservations for many restaurants the day-of. The Fork app makes it super convenient to do it on your phone
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thank you! all great suggestions! and I didn't know about the 'fork 'app, will look into that! Appreciate it!