Being seated in restaurants

There is usually someone watching for you as you come in- we try to catch their eye and gesture that we are "2" and point to a table we like.
Often they will just wave you in and indicate "take any table you want".

Wait until you are seated. You may find many tables (sometimes all) are reserved. They rarely put little signs indicating that as is common in the states. If you have a place that you really have your eye on reserving is smart. Stop earlier in the day, call, or have your hotel call.

I always look for a staff person if no one immediately acknowledges my presence.

At restaurants with waiters, it's traditional to ask to be seated. If the restaurant isn't busy they may tell you to sit wherever you please, but don't assume that's the norm. If you're at a tavola calda or a cafeteria style restaurant, then you'll most likely be able to select your own seats either before or after making your purchase.

South,

As an example, in Rome, I frequented a neighborhood restaurant. I generally went about the same time (unless I had other plans.)

When I walked in, after being greeted warmly and waved in, I was seated by the waiter at one of the two-seater tables I normally sat at. No reservations. (I don't know about larger parties.) A couple of times, they sat me at a table for four since the other tables were taken. On my first trip to Rome, I once ate at an outside table - my choice.

In Campo de' Fiori, I walked in, and the restaurant waiter seated me in a nice area.

Check restaurant websites if they have one. See if reservations are required or recommended depending on the popularity, the area, night of week or time of year. A lot of factors can play a part.

Wait for someone to seat you unless otherwise instructed. And if it's around the dinner hour and you don't have reservations, don't be put out if they tell you that they have no availability yet you can clearly see open tables. Those tables are reserved for customers whom have not yet arrived. Some of those customers will be occupying their tables for most of the evening. :O)

And if it's around the dinner hour

Be aware that their interpretation of the dinner hour may be later than your interpretation. That can sometimes work to your favor. We did show up at a charming restaurant just before 7:00 and it was so empty I thought they might be closed. They assured me they were open, but wondered if we really wanted to eat that early.

It seems after 8:00, usually 8:30 - 9:00 is when they start to get busy.

While I admire your diligence, don't sweat the details. If in doubt, just ask. They will cheerfully help you.

Wow, 5 weeks sounds like heaven! Have a great time and be sure to report back when you get home!

And I've learned that if there is a place where I'd really like to go, even if it is simply the neighborhood trattoria down the street from my b&b, that if I make a reservation - even if just going by in the mid-afternoon for a reservation for dinner several hours later - that I not only get a table (usually) but am often given what appears to be a "better" table. I also sometimes call ahead, even the same day, to make a reservation (first apologizing in broken Italian for not speaking Italian, and asking if someone speaks English. Somehow, someone always does!).

We always wait until we are seated by some restaurant employee. Also, we generally do not sit outside because that's where the smokers are located.

Buon viaggio,

we generally do not sit outside because that's where the smokers are located.

Yep, and that is why I ate outside only one time, lol. It was December, and I thought the cooler air would be okay. Two men came after awhile and lit up cigarettes. I was pretty much finished eating anyway.