We'll be visiting Italy for the first time next month, and were wondering how important reservations are for dinner. When we were in Paris, it seemed like reservations were essential for nicer restaurants. What is it generally like in Italy, especially in major cities like Rome, Venice, Milan? If you do need reservations, do you need to book well in advance, or same-day?
Posted by
91 posts
It depends-in tourist areas, same day or prior day has worked for us, however, our favorite one in Rome, if we were going in September, I would book this week and take whatever day they had open.
Also, if you have a carnivore in the household, I would book Joseph's in Rome for the best steak south of Florence this week-it's outside of Central Rome, however, 5 minutes from a Metro stop(Google it on maps, and you will see the Metro stop).
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23562 posts
Our experience is that reservations are expected. It may be a false perception but I think we get better service than when we just walk in. Timing doesn't seem to matter. Often we will walk by and make the reservation for that evening with no problems.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15874 posts
It depends on where, which restaurant, amd how many people in the party.
If it’s just a party of two, you can reserve the same day in most places. Actually two people can easily be accommodated without reservations when you walk in, at least in most places except the most popular on busy nights.
If it’s a party of over 4 people then you may want to reserve earlier than the same day, especially at popular spots.
Posted by
Abruzzo Mountains
1075 posts
In smaller towns, reservations are required so the owners know how much food to stock - or even whether to open. A reservation is not just about service, but about what you get to eat. Daily specials will be limited. They can always make you a pasta, but you may not be able to order that great dish you saw headed for the next table.
Posted by
Los Angeles
4764 posts
This doesn't seem to occur to folks but you can always ask the front desk person at your hotel to call a restaurant and make you a reservation, either earlier the day of or the day before.
I did this in Paris recently and it worked out just fine, obviously their French is much better than mine (and they often knew the people they were calling).
Posted by
Idaho, USA
7658 posts
Phred, I did that, also, figuring between their excellent Italian and since I was traveling solo, I might have a better chance of securing a reservation. Otherwise, I walk around, see something I like, and I request a reservation for the next evening.