Making a Restaurant Reservation
Use these phrases to call a restaurant, book a table, and handle questions when you arrive.
Key Phrases
C'è posto per due?
casualIs there room for two?
A quick, informal way to ask when walking into a casual place like a pizzeria.
Avete un tavolo per due stasera?
neutralDo you have a table for two tonight?
The standard way to ask for a table.
Posso prenotare un tavolo per domani?
neutralCan I book a table for tomorrow?
Use this when calling in advance.
Siamo in quattro, alle venti.
neutralThere are four of us, at 8 PM.
In Italy, the 24-hour clock is common for reservations.
Possiamo mangiare fuori?
neutralCan we eat outside?
Useful in summer or for restaurants with a patio.
Possiamo arrivare alle ventuno?
neutralCan we arrive at 9 PM?
Use if you need to push back your reservation.
Avete prenotato?
neutralDid you book?
Staff will often ask this simply using the plural 'you'.
Ha una prenotazione?
politeDo you have a reservation?
Staff using the polite 'Lei' form to an individual.
A che nome?
neutralUnder what name?
Staff will say this to record your reservation.
A nome di Marco, per favore.
neutralUnder the name Marco, please.
Respond with your name when asked.