I have a few dresses packed for nice dinners but are they a must? Can we get away with shorts and nice shirts? Do flip flops work for dinner? I am refering to the nice places like CoCoa Bistro.
Please let me know since we leave soon!
Thanks!

Coco Bistro is a bit nicer than other places. My wife always wears a dress but, I'm sure they will not turn you away in shorts. I always wear shorts and a nice shirt and leather flip flops almost everywhere.

Places like Coco bistro, Coyaba, O'soleil, Anacaona, Magnolia's, maybe Bay Bistro I personally would do sundresses, unless the shorts are "dressy." Flip flops, No! unless they are sandals, leather, dressy kind.

Hemingways, Mango Reef, and most others, will have a mixture, but nice top with shorts is probably fine.

Overall feel of T&C is a little more upscale than some islands, such as DR, Bahamas. There are some casual places you can find though, especially if you have a car to get around.

Not specific to your island or these restaurants, but why not take a dress... but just 1 of them, I don't think you need "a few". It's OK to wear the same thing a few times. I would want to have some other shoes besides just flip flops with me anyway, a nice looking pair of comfortable sandals.

When we went to T & C, I wore capris, with coordinating tops and nice sandals (flats). DH wore khaki shorts, button front shirt with collar and short sleeves and leather sandals. I don't wear any type of dresses, but if you do one or 2 would be fine.