Quick answer: Yes — for any group larger than 6 to 8 people, call ahead even at restaurants that don’t formally require reservations, especially during peak season.
Why it matters: A large group arriving without a reservation risks a long wait or being turned away entirely during busy periods.
The short answer: Always call ahead for groups above 6 to 8 people, regardless of whether the restaurant technically requires reservations.
What to check:
- Has someone in your group called ahead to confirm space for your specific group size?
- Are you traveling during peak season, when advance booking matters even more?
- Does the restaurant offer a private area for larger parties that’s worth requesting specifically?
The bottom line: A quick phone call ahead of time prevents the most common dining frustration for large groups traveling together.