sf7307

For the most part, we will not eat in fancy restaurants, but we have made note of some of the better restaurants people have recommended in Hanoi, HoiAn and Saigon (why not Hue?). My question - especially to dgunbug, barefootbeach, and rkkmk's wife Kathy - what is the appropriate dress for nicer restaurants like Temple Club? I assume for all the others (Mango Mango, Secret Garden and the like), capris and a tank top will be fine). Do I have to bring something "nicer" with me for the better restaurants? What about my husband (not whether I have to bring him - that's a given )

kmkrnn

Any where here in Vietnam they don't dress for dinner. I have worn my capris all the time and not felt under dressed. I would say in some of the rest. the AC is strong and something with sleeves may be more comfortable. Bob has been going to dinner in his long shorts and a polo or short sleeved shirt. Sandles for both. Everyone wears flip flops here.

kmkrnn

Do go to secret garden...Make a reservation if you can. Also if you want to do a cooking school that is the place. They have a lovely set up for it.

sf7307

Kathy, thank you -- that's great help! (Sounds like you're feeling better, too, which is good news....)

Hanuman

Just a minor correction but it's "Karen" not Kathy.

sf7307

Sorry about that, Karen!

dgunbug

I agree with Karen - very casual. Wear what you are comfortable in. As an aside, I see that Kathy & Bob missed Brothers which is at the far end of town. We thought the food and atmosphere were wonderful. It was one of our favorite meals.

sf7307

So very casual even in the "nicer" restaurants in the cities? What do business people wear? (not that I'll be frequenting those restaurants, just curious)

Smeagol

It's Karen and Bob!

dgunbug

lol. I knew that!

Hanuman

I recall the French restaurant at the Metropolitan hotel requiring suit and tie.

sf7307

Well then we certainly won't be eating there!

Hanuman

Oops - not the Metropolitan but the Metropole hotel.

kmkrnn

Thanks every one for remembering who I am...KAREN

Karen246

Try the Green Tangerine in Hanoi which is set in a lovely old building with an outdoor courtyard. Food is French but wonderful service. It is more of an adult restaurant but it was my birthday when I was there and my young son wanted to take me somewhere nice and the lovely manager at the Hotel Elegance told us about this place. We ate early and sat outdoors which was rather warm but added to the ambience of the evening. I wore a long pair of shorts and a nice top and sandals - certainly did not look out of place.

dgunbug

I concur on the Green Tangerine - excellent food. And I wouldn't worry about dressing up in Hanoi.