Can I just sit down once an outside empty table becomes available at a cafe or do I need to be seated by someone?

<BR>Hi xxx, <BR> <BR>You can just sit down at a cafe. The waiters will notice you and take your order (unless it's a snooty cafe and then they may ignore you). If there are tables set with linens then these will be used for meals. If you're just having a drink choose a table without tablecloths, etc. Keep in mind that the cost will be higher at an outside table. But, you can stay as long as you like with your one coffee or drink. <BR>Have fun! <BR>Adrienne <BR> <BR>

Thanks, Adirenne!

Just thought I'd add this, although you may already be aware of it: it's considered very bad form (or perhaps even worse) to order something at the bar, where the prices are cheaper, and then sit down at a table, where the prices are more expensive.

Capo, <BR> <BR>Last year in Rome we ordered food and drinks at the bar in a self-service bar/cafe and didn't make it clear we were going to sit at an outside table, what with the confusion over pointing out our orders and paying. After the waiter realized we were sitting outside he approached us and explained, very nicely, that it cost more to sit outside and he would have to charge us the extra amount which we then paid. He just assumed we didn't know the rules and was very polite about it. I expect this would be the general assumption...that the customer didn't know an outdoor table was more expensive and they would just ask for more money. But it does help to remember and state where you're sitting, especially in self-service establishments. <BR>Adrienne <BR> <BR> <BR>

Interesting Adrienne, thanks. That *was* very nice of your waiter to treat you that way. <BR> <BR>A friend of mine who *did* know the difference between bar & seating prices told me that he once deliberately tried that in Paris -- buying at the bar and then taking a seat -- and said that he really got chewed out by a waiter. <BR> <BR>We had an interesting experience in Rome when we were there recently. Over the course of three mornings, we'd kind of gotten to know a very friendly, English-speaking barista at a pasticceria near our pensione. One day we stopped there for lunch, and sat at a table outside where he was the waiter. We were going to order from the menu, but he motioned for my girlfriend to come inside and pick out her food from the buffet. However, as she was carrying her tray outside, she was stopped by someone else. Our barista/waiter "friend" came over and he and the other guy got in a bit of an argument. We still don't know exactly what that was all about, but it seemed like perhaps he was trying to do a favor for us that he shouldn't have done.

Adrienne & Capo: That's just the sort of think I am trying to avoid, so that's why I asked the question (as silly as I felt while typing it). Much appreciate the help!