Vorrei prenotare un tavolo al ristorante dell'hotel.

I would like to book a table at the hotel restaurant.

Pronunciation

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

When to use it

Call reception or go to the restaurant directly to book a table, especially for dinner in peak season.

What it means

'Prenotare un tavolo' = to book a table. 'Al ristorante dell'hotel' = at the hotel restaurant ('al' = 'a + il' contracted; 'dell'hotel' = 'di + il + hotel'). Restaurant reservations ('prenotazioni') are important in Italy — walk-ins are often not possible.

Variations

Per quante persone?

For how many people?

The standard first question from the restaurant when you call to book

Per stasera alle venti e trenta.

For tonight at eight thirty.

Specify date and time precisely

Abbiamo allergie alimentari. È possibile adattare il menu?

We have food allergies. Is it possible to adapt the menu?

Italian restaurants take allergies seriously — always declare them at booking

Mini Dialogue

— Vorrei prenotare un tavolo al ristorante per stasera. — Per quante persone? — Siamo in due, per le venti e trenta. — Benissimo. A che nome metto la prenotazione? — Ferrari.

— I would like to book a table at the restaurant for tonight. — For how many people? — We are two, for eight thirty. — Very good. What name shall I put the booking under? — Ferrari.

Cultural Note

Italian dinner starts late — the earliest acceptable restaurant time is 7:30pm, with 8–9pm being the norm. Booking before 7:30pm at an Italian hotel restaurant will often be met with gentle surprise. Dining with Italians means dining on their schedule.

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