We are leaving for Italy next week (Varenna, Bolzano, Bologna, and Rome) and made all the reservations we thought we needed (plane, trains, tours, city walks etc.). BUT, looking at some Forum comments, we are concerned that we have not made any meal reservations. Are they needed? We don't have any particular place we NEED to eat at, just good food, not directly close to the tourist places. Thoughts?
Posted by
Bend, OR
1112 posts
We were in Varenna in May. If you want to eat at the nicer restaurants such as Il Cavatappi and Hotel Du Lac you will need reservations.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16168 posts
Most times you don't need reservations. There are plenty of restaurants (the vast majority) where you can just walk in and find a seat. That is especially true for a small party. But it also depends on the place and the time you plan to go. Some restaurants are so popular that you won't be able to sit without a reservation. If you should be able to find a table nearly everywhere if you go very early (most restaurants open for dinner at 7 or 7:30pm, although Italians rarely show up before 8:30pm or 9pm in Rome) or if you go late (at 9:30-10pm or even later in Rome where they eat later). Also if you make reservations it is often sufficient to call the same day or the day before.
Posted by
Raleigh, NC
144 posts
Check out Elizabeth Minchilli’s website for reviews of authentic restaurants across Italy. I like to make reservations because I hate just walking around not knowing if a place is a tourist trap. It’s one less decision we have to make at the last minute.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11817 posts
Making a reservation show respect and usually ensures a better table than if you walk-in, especially at nicer restaurants. Sometimes you need to be a couple of days in advance, sometimes it is fine if you call at 6 PM for an 8 PM reservation. Anecdotal evidence is that it is very busy in Italy right now and if you want to avoid having to settle for "tourist traps" it would be wise to plan ahead. Make a short list of restaurants you might like that are close to where you are staying and perhaps have your hotel make reservations for the first night in each location. Then, as you are walking around, if you see a place you might want to dine another evening, ask about reservations.