Nope, a jacket doesn't make a man a gentlemen - nor a dress (and underwear) a woman a "lady"...
But they do set a "mood"...dining in a fine restaurant can be made an experience...even fore-play! It is simply not fueling the body with sustenance; that can be done anywhere.
Anyone remember the movies Soylent Green? eeewwweee...

<Gentlemen wear jackets when dining out, unless the occasion calls for less formal attire - eg - a pool party.>

Not true in the 21st Century -- Maybe in the 20th, or if you are a Neiman Marcus preppie and/or over 70.

Let's face it, a man who wears an ill-fitting cheap nylon jacket is going to look MUCH WORSE in whatever he thinks is more casualwear.

A jacket is an easy way to make even the worst dressed culprits look vaguely presentable.

Wear what you like, simple tasteful outfits. Everywhere is casual these days.

I guess it depends on the image one has of oneself. If you are going to treat yourself to such a fine evening, why wouldn't you also dress appropriately. Would you go to a top restaurant in San Franscisco or NYC without a jacket?

Let's face it--there are people who believe in dressing up and those who prefer dressing down. Never the twain shall meet.

Nice (((((((spin))))))), but that dog won't hunt.

Why not? Maybe it's better in French (chacun à son goût)?

Anyone who is "on call" 24 hour per day should set their phone to vibrate when they are at dinner - this is what MDs do. If they get a call, it is proper to excuse themselves to a private place to take it - then return to dinner.

Billy Crystal told a story about idiots in a Broadway theater who let their cell phones ring (since they were too embarassed to answer them and apparently too stupid to put them on silent ring). It got so disturbing that he finally broke character, told them graphically where they should put their phones and had the miscreants removed from the theater.

I agree that there are very few gentlemen - or ladies - anymore - mostly just a bunch of selfish, inconsiderate boobs - who are so interested in their own "rights" - to dress, talk and behave as they like - that they have no consideration at all for the rest of the human race.

I'm not offended by a man eating dinner without a jacket and tie if he's well-dressed - but I do object to the sweaty slobs in dirty jeans, wrinkled shirts and worn out giant white running shoes - who are ruinng my dinner, and that of many other diners.

Really - questions about what to wear are too ridiculous. If you can't figure out what to wear you shouldn;t be allowed to eat anywhere but McDonalds.

I can't imagine traveling anywhere and not bringing at least a sports coat. If you are traveling with your wife or girlfriend you put your jacket and decent pants in her hangar bag. Simple as that.

Nor will that suit or jacket ever identify you as a tourist, as someone above suggested, particularly in Paris. Your loud voice or behavior might, but not your coat.

If it's a matter of being uncomfortable in a jacket, buy one that fits, for god's sake, and grow up! When in doubt, wear a jacket to a decent restaurant unless you are positive it is extremely casual.

To Ira and Gretchen: I live in Manhattan and yes, many of the well-dressed men that I know, dine at top restaurants without jackets. I am not saying this is right or wrong but I certainly think that a guy in a well-fitting shirt or cashmere sweater and well-tailored slacks has just as much chance of being, and looking like, a gentleman than does a guy in an off-the-rack brown or tan suit and cheesy shoes. Please, that comment that gentlemen "always" wear jackets at dinner is too ridiculous to even comment on. Maybe this is true in small towns in the south or midwest, but I doubt it.

>...I do object to the sweaty slobs in dirty jeans, wrinkled shirts and worn out giant white running shoes ...<

Hey now, that casual, studied, Euro-Trash look cost at least $1000, not to mention the hours in front of a mirror practicing the sullen/arrogant expression.

And do you realize what it costs to have to trade your cell phone in every week for the latest model?

(Hearty chuckles)...

Ira, what would we do without you ?
(and all your postings on this thread, and RobJame's and Intrepid's !)

Aw shucks, M.

What grade are all of you in? Third? Just answer the persons question. Do you need a jacket was the question, not what is your opinion on the wearing of a jacket.

Dear DP,

The question has no answer, other than "it depends".

Also, it is much more fun to express opinions.

If one does decide to wear a tie, should it be blue with red dots or red with blue dots?

If striped, should the stripes be upper left to lower right or upper right to lower left?

Are Paisley ties acceptable?

How about plaid ties?

I'm biting my nails over this.

NO! you don't.

chichi06 asked about Les Pres d'Eugenie.

My partner and I ate there a few years ago in early June. The service is extremely formal (hovering waiters in black tie who pull the silver domes from plates simultaneously). The weather was fairly warm though, which was reflected in the apparel around us. I think warm weather gives you some latitude on the dress code front. You can skip the tie, but I would keep the jacket. Once you're seated, take it off.

There's another, less formal, restaurant in the complex called Les Firmes Aux Grives. The food is heartier but still quite good. I remember the man at the table next to us wearing sandles. He turned out to be German though...

Our stay at Michel Guerard's in Eugenie, followed by a few days at Huchet, remains one of the culinary highlights of my life thus far. It changed the way I view asparagus. Don't fret too much about the sartorial...enjoy the food!

Nonesense! Males need dress to please their mates. Females want to be seen with attractive males. No one in any restaurant is concerned with anyone elses appearance except each others.