Headed on European holiday in June/July and will be in Italy for several days. Are reservations required for all restaurants? Do you suggest we make them for special places, or will we be able to walk into places that are just as good? Locations: Venice, Rome, Milan and Cinque Terre.
Thanks!
Posted by
211 posts
For restaurants that are hugely popular, yes, I would make reservations. But seriously there are so many restaurants, especially in the large cities, that you should be able to find some place to eat without reservations.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16240 posts
Most restaurants don't require reservations, except for maybe the super expensive ones (where I never go to).
Some popular ones might have a line though. So you'll just have to wait your turn.
But you have so many restaurants in Italy that you shouldn't worry about it. Also restaurants in Italy open at around 7 or 7:30 pm for dinner, but not many Italians show up before 9pm. Therefore if you go when they open, it will likely be empty (except for some American tourists).
Same for lunch. Italians won't show up before 1:00 pm.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11852 posts
I always make reservations, especially during high tourist season, even though we seldom eat where tourists go and always dine after 8:30. I have been turned away one too many times. I like to reserve for 9:00 and arrive about 8:45, before the "real" 9:00 reservations show up. A reservation makes you appear tuned in to the culture and the retauranteir's challenges. Do everyone a favor and reserve if you care about your experience and want to avoid an ugly wait. Try Trattoria di Billy in Manarola!