denisea

We are wanting our September vacation to the Amalfi Coast to be relaxed and far less structured than usual. What are your experiences on the AC as far as dinner reservations? Can we play it by ear or do we need reservations everywhere? I am sure we will spend our first and last nights at our hotel as it has a great reputation.

packed

It really depends on the type of restaurants that you like. Just like the US, if a restaurant is popular or has a small seating area, you need to make a reservation. Most of the time you can get a reservation the day before or in the morning. The later you go in September, the less crowded it usually is. In the main square in Amalfi, you can often walk up to a restaurant and get seated, especially if you go earlier.

nytraveler

Not mandatory - but will limit the places available to you.

jelopez33

Hi Denise!

Last september, we( four couples) were at the AC, based in Positano. We did perfectly well without reservations in the restaurants on the waterfront, but not always get the best table.

We did made reservations at the restaurant in Palazzo Murat....excellent food, portions were really small, expensive....nice garden in the center of Positano.

A few years ago we were based in Amalfi, also in september and did perfectly well without reservations.

I know you will enjoy your trip!

denisea

Thanks-- we want this trip to be more relaxed and prefer to take things as they come every day. We have not been to the AC before, so we want see what appeals to us once we get there.

NYCFoodSnob

Ever since the switch to the Euro, the better restaurants in Italy have a new respect for <i>prenotazioni</i>, and the customers who make them. There was a time when you had your table for the entire evening. In popular locations, at least two seatings are now the norm.

If really good food matters to you, especially at 8PM, "relaxed and far less structured" should never mean ignoring the need for restaurant reservations and/or dining research. September is a popular month for high-end tourists, and thousands of those tend to be foodies from around the world who enjoy planning every meal. If you play it by ear and don't reserve during a busy time, you risk sitting at and enduring a very disappointing meal.

The days of strolling the streets of Italy and following your nose are almost a fantasy, unless you travel in low season or visit less touristed locations. There might be more flexibility if you don't mind eating at 9:30 PM. I often don't mind the later time slot, but I do find it disappointing when the chef's specials are sold-out.

WWK

Unless you don't really care where you eat and at what time, make reservations.

Blueeyedcod

Places that give you a free shuttle you'll need a reservation - for example La Tagliata as its up in Montepertusso. Otherwise I wouldn't bother. Just pass by on the day and make a reservation especially if its a table at the front for example, at Chez Black or Tre Sorelle. Positano is not overrun by 'foodies' who plan every meal - I am thinking people like that - if they are indeed genuine 'foodies' would most likely be in Naples.

WWK

I hate to disagree with Blueeyedcod who is usually so spot on about everything on the AC, but we got shut out of quite a few restaurants in Positano when we tried to just show up on the day we wanted reservations. If you decide you don't want to go, call and cancel. In the meantime, if you care about certain restaurants in town or Montepertuso, arrange ahead.

Blueeyedcod

WWK - Depends on the time of year - I am usually there mid September to end October. If you're there in June/July/August then reservations are probably necessary in the more popular places when the town is bursting at the seams.
Then again, I don't usually go to places that have 'two seatings' or are on the 'foodie' map so have never had a problem. They say at Da Adolfo these days a reservations is pretty mandatory (not just because of the boat transfer) and they never used to be. Anyway, as you say, if the OP changes their mind they can just cancel.

NYCFoodSnob

<i><font color=#555555>"I don't usually go to places that have 'two seatings' or are on the 'foodie' map"</font></i>

LOL

letsgeaux

The only reservation we made in advance of our trip was at the restaurant in your hotel. This got us a prime table next to the window where the views of the Mediterranean and the Positano hill were outstanding.

Sassafrass

Need it or not, I find service is nicer and more welcoming at nearly all restaurants in Italy, if you have a dinner reservation, even if it is only a call ahead or stopping by sometime earlier in the day and making it. It is a courtesy thing. Having your name on their list when you arrive makes you a planned for guest.

Blueeyedcod

@ NYCFoodSnop - yes I am the one having the last 'LOL' thankfully as I choose places that are not on some guru's food app or raved about on the Chowhound boards - making them inundated with Americans and jacking up prices.

NYCFoodSnob

Yo pinkeye, I'm laughing at you and your fake snobbery. Here you are on a famous American board, writing in English, and belittling other food-loving Americans, as if that somehow makes your opinion special. Give us a break with your delusional self-important self.

If there is a restaurant on the Amalfi Coast that has not yet been discovered by tourists, it has opened yesterday and the chef is probably not Italian. But by all means keep us laughing with your utter nonsense.

Blueeyedcod

Lol - at you and your judgment - I've clearly hit a nerve, Mr or Mrs Very Special Person.

dgunbug

We are on the amalfi coast right now in the heart of the season. Very few restaurants have needed reservations, with the exception of la tagliata, which we ate at and can highly recommend. A reservation one day in advance was all that was required. Their menu is price fixed at 35 euro per person and is whatever mamma wants to cook. Included is wine and water/soda, more food than you can imagine, a fabulous view and a ride that makes it all worthwhile, even if you weren't going to eat. We ate one night at chez black and were given a table without a reservation, however the prime tables along the seaside were reserved. I recommend trying the stuffed peppers - filled with ricotta cheese, eggplant and zucchini.

denisea

Thanks for the info and advice. I will put the hotel concierge to work as I am just that lazy for this trip! Have heard many good things about La Tagliata.

Weekender

Denise:

Don't get too exercised over this. Just staying in and having dinner at Le Sirenuse isn't too shabby..... The dining room is stunning.

You probably won't want to leave the pool anyway.

ekc

I have vacationed in Positano for the first week of July (high season) for the last 4 years and rarely do I make a reservation and if I do it is usually only the morning of. For Da Adolfo, reservations are now a must, but I simply call to reserve my sunbed and lunch while I am having my morning iced coffee down at the dock - around 10;00.

The other place I tend to make a reservation is Le Tre Sorelle (right on the beach), but even then I just wander in some time in the morning and request a table.

Otherwise, I just wander into whatever restaurant is on my list and 9 times out of 10 I am seated then, or offered a glass of wine during my 10-minute wait.