What is best time for Dinner reservations??
 

We know Italians eat late and we will also eat a lunch, when in your opinoin is the best time for dinner reservations after a day of travel? 20:00 or 21:00?? Trying to make reservations so need help. Thanks, Tina

Speaking only for Rome, restaurants now open as early as 7 or 7:30, though many not until 8. This is 60 - 90 minutes later than many years ago. Earlier than 8 and you'll find yourself somewhat alone, but no need to wait until 9 if you find that uncomfortable. <BR> <BR>I'd guess possibly even earlier up north, later in the south. <BR> <BR>Ed

Based on travel to Venice, Florence, and Siena, anytime I dined any earlier than <BR>20:30 I was surrounded only by fellow American tourists.

Most good Italian restaurants that accept dinner reservations use the policy of a single serving per table per night. If the restaurant you're interested in follows this policy, you don't need to specify a time at all. You may be asked at what time you intend to show up just as a reference (you'll have a table readdy for you if you show up earlier or later). There are restaurants that serve a table more than once, though ... More often than not, it doesn't pay to dine in these restaurants (at least on what concerns me, I try to avoid them). In case you decide to go for it nonetheless, to be sure not having to wait for a table, you should reserve for an earlier hour. <BR> <BR>Paulo <BR> <BR>

Good afternoon, TL <BR>Have had good luck in ristorantes with <BR>reservations in Rome, Firenze and Venice <BR>to make them for 0730PM, it seems that <BR>this when the ristorantes begin to fill <BR>and have not yet filled to not being <BR>able to get seated immediately or the <BR>biggest is the slowdown in the kitchen <BR>due to large number of orders being <BR>placed. This is my opinion. <BR>Richard of La Grange Park, IL

Does one need to make reservations for Trattoria's or just the fancier restaurants? We generally just stop by places that look good and go in but haven't been to Italy yet and aren't familiar with the customs there. Should we find a place on our daily travels and reserve for that same night?

Going to Tuscany - Castellini in Chianti? <BR>BOOK. Trattoria's opened at 7.00 pm. full by 7.10. Restaurants opened at 7.30pm - no vacancies. And this was in October! <BR> <BR>Denise