Dining reservations

I very rarely made reservations in Italy, anywhere, and only on special occasions (like New Year, Easter, etc.)

I travel with two friends for the first two weeks in June, we never make reservations in advance unless our hotel staff suggests it. Sometimes we pop in during the lunch service to reserve for dinner, but not often. Only twice in seven trips have we not been able to get in for dinner, but that was because the whole place was reserved for a party.

This is a hard one to call. In our experience we have concluded that reservations are expected. Sure, you can drop in and generally get a table and we have done it many times. Maybe it is selective perception but we believe that we get better tables when we make a reservation. Or we can request a table when we make the reservation. We often will make the reservation when we walk by around lunch or in the afternoon or the day before.

I only make reservations in the larger cities. Smaller towns don't seem to be a problem.

I read a reservation is required to get a table. Is that true?

I agree with Frank. I always reserve for Friday and Saturday nights if they take reservations, and there are places we go and love that if I do not call by Thursday, we know we will not get in on Saturday. I think it shows a level of interest and respect to reserve, and those who reserve get better tables. With more than 4 people, reserving becomes more important,

If there are places you really want to eat, do call to reserve. Most places have someone who speaks enough English to take your reservation. Even calling at 18:00 the same day yields results. If you do not particularly care where you eat, then no reservation is necessary.

Laurel and Frank make good points.

When traveling solo, where I eat doesn't matter as much, and as a compulsive over-planner, I treasure any spontaneity I can have.

I read a reservation is required to get a table. Is that true

I sorry but I don't understand the question?? Not sure what you are asking? If you have another question it is best to start your own question rather than hijacking someone else' question.

Frank, I read if you don't make a reservation, you have to eat standing up. Sorry if that seems to be off topic here.

We have found that if you go to a restaurant when it first opens in the evening, you can usually get in since most Italians go out to dinner at 8:00 or after. We have been able to go to many popular restaurants this way. It is not as lively, but you often get good service, because the waiters aren't too rushed to explain the menu. At times, we've had to promise the restaurant we'll be gone by 8:30 or 9:00.

Thanks everyone for their great responses. I think I will make reservations when I am sure of our plans, otherwise, not bother and (gulp) wing it.

This is tricky. Your probably better safe than sorry when possible making a reservation but remember a few key things:
-Italians generally eat later than those of us from the Anglosphere; shown up at 6:00PM and it likely won't be too busy. Show up at 5:00PM and they'll be dead if their opened at all!
-Most places outside of major cities and on weekdays "shouldn't" need a reservation but be careful of trendy foodie Meccas. We got turned away at a little neighborhood joint in Sorrento one night and had to make a reservation for the next day!

Restaurants do not serve meals to patrons standing up. You may stand while enjoying a coffee, wine, pastry, or sandwich at a bar, which would not take reservations anyway, but you do it because you're in a hurry or because it's cheaper than table service; look for a posted price list.

.......I read if you don't make a reservation, you have to eat
standing up......

Where are you getting your information? That is a new one to me regarding dinners. Never heard of it. No, if don't make a reservation they will allow you to sit down. However, there are situations where sitting at a table will cost more. Coffee bars and gelato places often have two different prices. Stand and/or take away is less but sitting at a table with a waiter is more expensive. Perhaps that is what you have read.