Reserving a table in Italy can range from effortless in major cities to a little tricky in smaller towns. Understanding the local expectations, language considerations, and reservation methods will save time and avoid misunderstandings. Read this guide for tips and suggestions.
👉 For more on Italian customs, see our guide: Italian Etiquette Guide.
Reservations in Big Cities
In larger cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, and Bologna, most restaurants are accustomed to tourists and business travelers. You can usually reserve using:
- Restaurant apps such as TheFork or OpenTable
- Restaurant websites with online booking forms
- Phone calls in English
Modern restaurants often encourage online reservations, which allows them to manage busy periods more efficiently and confirm availability immediately.
Challenges in Rural Areas and Small Towns
In smaller towns or rural regions like parts of Le Marche, relying solely on English may not be enough. Many family-run restaurants or older establishments still operate in a more traditional way. Situations you may encounter include:
- Staff not picking up the phone due to high volume
- Limited or no online booking system
- Language barriers that make explaining dietary restrictions or special requests harder
In extreme cases, you may need to visit the restaurant in person to confirm your table. This is rare but can happen in old-school restaurants that are very busy during local festivals or tourist season.
Tips for Booking Successfully
- Learn a few Italian phrases such as “Vorrei prenotare un tavolo” (I would like to book a table) and “per due persone” (for two people).
- Specify date and time clearly using numbers to avoid confusion.
- Mention allergies or dietary restrictions when booking, especially if Italian staff may not understand English fluently.
- Confirm your reservation a day in advance if possible, particularly in smaller towns.
- Be flexible; if the staff is overwhelmed, showing up a little early can help secure a table.
Booking Apps and Websites
Online booking platforms have revolutionized reservations in Italy. Popular options include:
- TheFork (LaFourchette) – widely used and available in English
- OpenTable – mainly in tourist-heavy cities
- Direct restaurant websites – often the most reliable for popular or upscale restaurants
Apps usually provide instant confirmation, maps, and even customer reviews. They are especially helpful in urban areas where demand is high.
Cultural Considerations
Italians value punctuality, but the concept of “fashionably late” still applies. Arriving a few minutes early shows respect, but don’t expect to be seated immediately if the restaurant is busy. Also:
- In rural areas, restaurants may rely on personal relationships with customers, so calling or visiting can be seen as polite.
- Group bookings often require advance notice, particularly for local events or holiday periods.
Practical Example from Le Marche
To celebrate my birthday in Le Marche, I recently tried booking a popular trattoria in a small town. The restaurant did not pick up the phone, and had no online booking options. By visiting in person the day before, I managed to secure a table. This illustrates that even in modern Italy, some traditional restaurants maintain old-school booking habits.
Key Takeaways
- In big cities, online booking or phone reservations in English are usually sufficient.
- In smaller towns, knowing basic Italian phrases and being flexible can make a big difference.
- Apps like TheFork or OpenTable are very helpful, but not all restaurants use them.
- Confirming reservations and, in rare cases, visiting in person ensures you won’t miss out at popular local spots.
- Respect cultural norms around timing, communication, and polite behavior to make your dining experience smooth.
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