Making Reservations In Italy: A Guide For Tourists

Making restaurant reservations in Italy can be tricky, especially if you don't speak Italian. However, it's definitely possible to secure a table at some of the country's most popular eateries with a little planning and flexibility. Here's a step-by-step guide to making restaurant reservations in Italy, so you can enjoy your dream Italian vacation without worrying about where your next meal will be.

Online reservation platforms

While some restaurants in Italy have websites, Facebook pages, or email addresses for booking, many are turning to online reservation platforms. These platforms are especially useful if you are in a different time zone or don't speak Italian.

The Fork

The Fork is a popular app and website for booking restaurants in Italy. It offers in-app discounts and a point system, as well as a Michelin Guide section. The app interface is organised by nearby restaurants, best-rated restaurants, good options for groups, and more.

Quandoo

Quandoo is another widely-used reservation platform in Italy. It has a "Quick Availability" feature for last-minute bookings, as well as sections for nearby restaurants, popular picks, and new restaurants. Quandoo also provides contact information for restaurants that don't use the app, allowing you to call and book.

Dish Cult (ResDiary)

Dish Cult is a customer-facing app that allows you to create a list of desired restaurants and keep track of where you want to go. Its interface is clean and simple, with fewer categories than other apps.

Opentable

Opentable is part of Booking.com and operates worldwide. It has a Delivery and Takeaway tab, so you can order food to your location.

Other Platforms

Other online reservation platforms used in Italy include ResDiary and Uber Eats.

Tips for Booking

It is recommended to book tables in Italy at least a week in advance, especially for larger groups. For well-known restaurants and during peak seasons, it is best to book at least two weeks ahead. For holidays such as Easter and Christmas, booking two to three months in advance is advised.

When booking, remember to use the European date format (DD/MM) and the 24-hour clock for specifying times. Additionally, Italians generally don't dine out before 8 pm, so booking an earlier reservation may be a good tactic to get into a popular restaurant.

Making reservations by phone

Making a reservation by phone is a great option for those who want to dine at a specific restaurant in Italy but don't speak Italian. Here are some detailed instructions on how to make a reservation by phone:

Firstly, obtain the restaurant's phone number. This can usually be found in guidebooks, on the restaurant's website, or through online search engines. When dialling from a cell phone, remember to include the international access code (011 from the US or Canada, 00 from Europe) followed by Italy's country code (39) and then the number.

When the call is answered, greet the person by saying "Buon Giorno" ("Good Morning") or "Buona Sera" ("Good Afternoon/Evening"). It is polite to ask if they speak English by saying "Parla Inglese?". If they do not, do not fret! You can use simple Italian phrases to make your reservation.

State that you would like to make a reservation by saying "Vorrei fare una prenotazione". Then, specify the number of people in your party. For example, "per due persone" ("for two people").

Next, specify the day and time of your reservation. Italians use the 24-hour clock, so be sure to state the time in this format. For example, "alle venti" ("at 8:00 pm").

Provide your name by saying "Mi Chiamo ____". You can also give them your phone number by saying "Il mio numero di telefono è ____".

If you have any special requests, such as outdoor seating or a table with a view, you can make these requests now. For example, "Vorremmo sederci fuori" ("We would like to sit outside").

Finally, when you arrive at the restaurant, let the host know you have a reservation by saying "Ho una prenotazione per due persone" ("I have a reservation for two people").

It is important to note that Italians generally do not make dinner reservations before 8:00 pm (20:00). If you want to dine at a popular restaurant without the crowd, consider making a reservation for 7:00-7:30 pm (19:00-19:30). Additionally, it is recommended to book your table at least a week in advance, especially for larger groups or well-known restaurants.

Making reservations by email

Making a reservation by email is a great option if you don't speak Italian or are uncomfortable speaking on the phone. Many restaurants in Italy have websites, Facebook pages, or email addresses that you can use to make a reservation. You can also use online platforms such as The Fork or Quandoo to make reservations at certain restaurants.

When writing your email, be sure to use the European date format (DD/MM) and the 24-hour clock for the time. For example, if you want to make a reservation for 7 pm, you would write 19:00. It is also a good idea to include any special requests you may have, such as seating preferences. If you are part of a large group, you may want to ask the restaurant if they have a special area that can accommodate your party.

Keep in mind that not all restaurants in Italy are firmly in the 21st century, so you may need to call some restaurants to make a reservation. Additionally, it is always a good idea to cancel your reservation if you are unable to make it, as this will allow the restaurant to offer your table to another customer.

Making reservations in person

Making a reservation in person is a great option if you're already in Italy and want to secure a table at a restaurant. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make restaurant reservations in Italy in person:

Finding Restaurants

First, you'll want to find restaurants that interest you. You can do this by walking around the city and taking note of restaurants that catch your eye, or by using online resources such as local blogs, tourist websites, or food platforms. Some popular reservation platforms in Italy include TheFork, Quandoo, and Opentable. These platforms often provide information about the restaurant, such as location, contact details, opening hours, and sometimes even menus.

Timing Your Visit

It's important to keep in mind that restaurants in Italy typically have specific opening hours. Most restaurants close after lunch service and reopen for dinner around 7:30 pm to 8 pm. Therefore, it's best to plan your visit during these hours.

Communicating Your Request

When you arrive at the restaurant, you can simply ask if they accept walk-in guests or if a reservation is required. If a reservation is needed, you can request a table for the number of people in your party. It's helpful to know some basic Italian phrases, such as "Vorrei prenotare un tavolo per [number of people]" ("I would like to book a table for [number of people]"). If you don't speak Italian, you can also ask if they speak English ("Parla inglese?"). Most restaurants in popular tourist destinations will have staff members who can communicate in English.

Providing Details

Once they confirm availability, you will be asked to provide additional details. This includes the date and time of your desired reservation, as well as your contact information. Remember to use the European date format of DD/MM when stating the date. For example, if you want to reserve a table for June 20th, you would say "venti giugno." It's also customary to use the 24-hour clock for stating the time. So, if you want a table at 8 pm, you would say "alle venti."

Special Requests

If you have any special requests, such as outdoor seating or accommodation for a large group, it's best to mention this during your reservation. This will help the restaurant prepare and ensure that they can meet your needs.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to securing a wonderful dining experience during your stay in Italy!

Using a concierge service

If you're staying in a hotel, you can use the concierge service to make restaurant reservations for you. However, this is not always an option for those staying in Airbnbs or other types of accommodation.

If you're going down the route of using a concierge service, it's important to note that tipping is expected. According to one source, it is appropriate to offer $100 per week of your stay if you have made use of their services. Another source suggests that you should prepare an envelope with a tip for those who have performed a concierge-type job for you.

If you're staying in a smaller hotel, B&B, or family-run business, tipping the owner or their family members will likely be seen as an embarrassment. Instead, you could bring a small gift, such as a bottle of wine, or some flowers.

If you're not staying in a hotel with a concierge service, or would prefer to make your own reservations, there are several other options.

One option is to use a restaurant reservation app or website. TheFork and Quandoo are popular options, and there is also Opentable, which operates worldwide. However, it's worth noting that not all restaurants use these platforms, and some may prefer phone calls, emails, or Facebook messages.

If you need to call the restaurant, it may be helpful to use an internet-based phone service like Skype to avoid long-distance fees. When calling, you will need to provide your name, the date and time of your desired booking, the number of people in your party, and a phone number. It can be helpful to use a translation app like Google Translate to prepare a script of the phrases you're likely to need.

If you're texting or emailing the restaurant, you'll need to use the phrase: "Vorrei fare una prenotazione per [number of people] persone, [date] alle [time] per favore."

Frequently asked questions