Vorrei prenotare un tavolo per sabato sera.

I would like to book a table for Saturday evening.

Pronunciation

pre-no-TA-re — four syllables, stress on the third.

When to use it

When calling or visiting a restaurant in advance to secure a table for a future date.

What it means

'Vorrei' is the conditional of 'volere' — the most polite way to express a wish or request. 'Prenotare' means 'to book/reserve'. 'Per sabato sera' specifies the day and time of day.

Variations

È possibile prenotare per domenica a pranzo?

Is it possible to book for Sunday lunch?

'A pranzo' = at lunch, 'a cena' = at dinner

Avete posto per sabato sera in quattro?

Do you have space for four on Saturday evening?

Less formal — 'posto' (space/room) used colloquially

Posso fare una prenotazione online?

Can I make a reservation online?

Ask about digital booking options — TheFork is widely used in Italy

Mini Dialogue

— Ristorante Da Mario, buonasera. — Buonasera, vorrei prenotare un tavolo per sabato sera. — Per quante persone? — Siamo in sei. Alle nove va bene? — Sì, confermato. A nome suo?

— Restaurant Da Mario, good evening. — Good evening, I would like to book a table for Saturday evening. — For how many people? — There are six of us. Is nine o'clock alright? — Yes, confirmed. Under your name?

Cultural Note

Sunday lunch is the most important weekly meal for Italian families — many restaurants are fully booked a week in advance. Saturday dinner in city centres also fills quickly. Booking on TheFork (called 'ElTenedor' internationally) often gives a discount.

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Possiamo pagare separatamente?

Mi dispiace, questo non è quello che ho ordinato.

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