We"ll be arriving in Venice on a Saturday in early September do I need to make dinner reservations ahead of time? I'm still trying to narrow down my choices.

In early September, it would be a very good idea to make dinner reservations. The Venice Film Festival is on from September 1 to 11, and the film crowd tends to fill restaurants. Also, the Regata Storica is on September 5, which also draws crowds, but many of them are day-trippers.

I always find that reservations guarantee a warm reception. I'm usually in Venice in November and find that reservations are necessary even then.
Many places are small...La Zucca for instance. I've watched many people come in without reservations and leave disappointed.

I make reservations in my home town too when I want to eat at a certain recommended restaurant. I find it is no different when traveling. Most recommended restaurants in Europe in general are smallish and fill up fast with loyal locals and tourists.

If you don't mind where you eat then you can wing it. Hopefully you are lucky and can eat at some of your places on your "list".

Hi P,

If you don't make reservations at least the evening before, you will have to take pot luck.

Enjoy your visit.

We plan on making our reservations for La Zucca a month out. Make at least your first night res in advance.

We ate at Bistrot de Venise last year.... it was wonderful. http://www.bistrotdevenise.com

Even if you stop by or call for a reservation a little while before time, you will be better received when you arrive.

jabez....don't you just crave the pumpkin flan with the pine nuts and olive oil drizzle?

jnjfranz....It's going on my list....thanks!

We always make dinner reservations when in Italy as we dine at the most popular times and generally in smaller, more local establishments that are popular throughout the year. And I agree that you are indeed received differently.

Yummm...pumpkin flan.

We loved Alle Testiere. Wonderful fish. It's a tiny place, so would definitely need a reservation.