Have you found that Reservations are needed in Italy, particularly in the city (Venice/Rome)?

It depends on the restaurant and the time you want to eat. Often if you show up just at opening time, there's no problem getting a table. However, if there's a place you really want to try, a reservation couldn't hurt. In my experience, unless it's a holiday, reserving earlier the same day or the day before is fine.

Depends entirely on the restaurant and your definition of "in advance". I certainly would make a call or drop in to the restaurant of my choice earlier in the day and ask for a reservation for your average eatery in Rome or Venice. For something very glam and/or high end, they will need more notice than a day.

I think they are, especially in Venezia, if you want to eat well. The handful of very good restaurants in Venezia are quite well known -- no more "hidden finds" --and people who've done their research stampede to them. Your hotel can make the reservation if you don't speak Italian, or Venice is so small, you can usually stop by. Now restaurants have websites, and I use them to make reservations.

Likewise, if you are headed for a place with a great reputation, there's a competition for seats.

However, if you aren't planning this trip around eating, are willing to risk a bad meal in Venezia or Roma (the latter less likely if you know to avoid a tourist trap when you see one) and would prefer to stay loose about meals, don't worry. There are thousands of places to eat.

Hi R,

Venice can be very crowded.

It's always a good idea to make a reservation, at least the morning of the night you want dinner.