Ciao, just curious, I've made reservations for restaurants in Italy on previous trips -- relying on Google Translate and WhatsApp. My question concerns timing. In general, is it usually acceptable to make a reservation on the day of? I understand that if it's a particularly popular place this might not be advisable. I think I've been overly anxious in the past and may be calling too early. Thanks for your thoughts.
Posted by
Surrey, UK
868 posts
You can make a reservation whenever reservations are open. The downside of doing it on the day is that there may be nothing left.
Don't forget that many restaurants have a website that you can book through.
Posted by
Penzance
167 posts
It would be acceptable if there is a table free. If it is a popular place it may not be advisable
Posted by
OP
New Jersey
254 posts
Thanks, Lin C. Yes, I kind of prefer the online booking as I don't have to stress out about language barriers and can do it a week ahead. But on this particular trip I will be in Le Marche (some small towns) for a portion of our trip and it's not available for the osterias/trattorias that I am interested in.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
9524 posts
Hi, if you’re concerned about the language barrier, i have sent a message to my hotel weeks ahead of time to ask them if they will make a reservation for me. I’ve only done this a couple of times, but they have always nicely secured a reservation for me. Note - I was traveling solo & thought this might help my chances of getting a table.
Could I make a request? I will be in the Le Marche area next year as part of a 1-week art class, plus time afterwards. I’d love to read about your trip! : )
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
17654 posts
I nearly always reserve on the same day, sometimes just shortly before going, but it’s generally just me and my wife, and they generally don’t have much problem accommodating 2 people. For bigger parties you might be out of luck. Just remember that Saturday at dinner and Sunday (or holidays) at lunch are the busiest times. But if a particular restaurant can’t accommodate me, I just go somewhere else. You can get a great meal practically everywhere in Italy.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
9285 posts
For most trattoria/osterias, making a reservation during the day for the evening, or the day before works fine, and what we do most of the time if on passing earlier it looks like a busy place. Of course also, many times, well most, we simply walk up and get a table. Even if I have researched a place, I like to set eyes on it and see the current menu before I commit.
If you are an earlier diner (6 PM to 8PM) then you generally have no issues getting a table (if they open that early) unless it is in a tourist area.
For a fancier place, a few days ahead might be advised, up to a week or more if for a Friday or Saturday night. If you are into a Michelin starred type place, book well ahead by months.
Posted by
new york
1439 posts
HI!
Would you mind sharing the names of the restaurants you are interested in in Le Marche?
Are you hiding to Senegallia, by any chance?