ILUVPARIS

I know there's always a zillion posts about what to wear but I have to ask...

Are suit and or jackets & ties expected for men at all high end restaurants in Europe during the summer months? I only ask because I'd be surprised that a restaurant would require a man to wear a jacket & tie when it's 90+ degrees outside. I know it gets cooler at night but still...that's got to be pretty uncomfortable whether you're eating inside or outside! Overall the A/C in Europe isn't that great. Seems a bit cruel given that most women can wear a nice sundress or skirt & blouse.

We stayed at Villa San Michelle several years and and had dinner in their outdoor restaurant and they waived the jacket & tie requirement during July & August so I'm wondering if other high end restaurants in Europe do the same? I'm thinking particularly in southern Europe because that's where is typically gets brutally hot. I know is my husband had his way we'd be eating in nothing but cafes if he HAD to wear a suit every night!

Margaretlb

Gee, ILUVPARIS, if you go to a high end restaurant in New York, Washington DC or Chicago and it's 98 degrees outside, what would he wear? A high end restaurant regardless of where it is would expect appropriate dress (and so would the other patrons who may just be celebrating a special occasion and selected a special place to do so). Part of the experience in these restaurants is the presentation and surroundings; lots of casual places have food that's just as good. If DH is that uncomfortable when it heats up, why not go to more casual places?

ILUVPARIS

Margaretlb,..

If we were going to a nice restaurant here in the States he'd be wearing a suit and we'd be eating inside. Most of the larger cities here in the states don't have loads of options for outdoor dining like the they in Europe.
Also, the A/C in Europe just doesn't compare to what we have in the USA.

Personally, I don't think you have to be dressed up to the nines to fully enjoy a wonderful meal and surroundings.
We do mostly go to more casual places because it's just too darn hot to eat but I was mostly wondering if a lot of restaurants let the jacket & tie requirement slide during the summer.

mikeyb

<If we were going to a nice restaurant here in the States he'd be wearing a suit>.

What city do you live in? We go to "nice" restaurants here in Calif. (LA) including Beverly Hills and suits are in the minority.

nytraveler

Suits and ties are required in very few places - esp in the summer. If the weather is not outrageously hot a jacket is appreciated - but a nice shirt and trousers is usually - but not always OK - check with the restaurant.

(Note: this does not mean you can wear a wrinkled polo shirt, crumpled khakis and big white sneakers.)

Underhill

Why not present your husband with a lightweight silk jacket? That will take him anywhere in hot weather--and there's always the option of slinging the jacket over a chair when dining outside.

Bette

I realize this is the Europe board, but I just want to share our experience a few weeks ago in Bermuda. We were dining at a high end outside restaurant overlooking the ocean and chatting with the maitre d' and he said, "thank you for wearing a jacket & tie to our restaurant. It seems a little humid tonight - please feel free to remove your jacket & place it over the back of your chair so you may enjoy your dinner in comfort." My husband did remove his jacket during dinner and he was very comfortable. I always pack a navy blue travel blazer & tie wherever we travel. I think the point is, arrive at the restaurant dressed appropriately and remove the jacket if it is too hot.

ILUVPARIS

We live in Boston and we typically don't eat out in restaurants that require a suit unless it's a special occasion. Most restaurants in Boston don't require a suit anyway but I've seen people in Europe wearing jackets & ties in the summer regardless of how hot it is. I don't want to give the impression that we're wearing torn jeans or shorts! We're certainly dressed what I consider to be appropriately ---just not in formal attire.


When I asked this question I'm mostly thinking about our upcoming trip in early September when we'll be in several different countries (Italy, France, Switzerland, just to name a few). For instance we'll be in Lake Como and we're staying at the Villa D'Este. On their website I saw they have a gorgeous outdoor garden restaurant but it didn't state whether jackets are mandatory. I know we'll have a suit with us it's just that the fewer times DH has to wear it, the happier he'll be.

Underhill...I'm wearing one of those lightweight silk jackets here at work today. I'm sorry, I think they're hot as h*ll when you're outside. Silk doesn't breathe.