Hi,

When eating out in restaurants in LA & San Diego (more than $25 for an entree) - what is minimum dress required?

Jacket? Tie? or will chinos and Friday shirt do?

Cheers

California is quite causal for the most part... esp Southern California.
Unless you want to, I think the tie is not necessary. Don't know exactly how the places are that you are going, but a shirt and trousers/ pants would be fine... the chinos and Friday shirt might be fine at some places.

Thanks,

I'll be going to Spago's and Asia de Cuba in LA - haven't booked anywhere in San Diego - any suggestions?

Cheers
Rod

Rod,

All of southern California is "California Casual", basically this means that almost anything goes. That said, though, the two places you have listed both attract an upper end clientele and while a jacket is not required, you will probably feel more in step if you're dressed up.

Davidcs

While I tend to get dressed up for Spago's, I've sat in there next to celebrities who show up in jeans and t-shirts. One night one of the couples had evidently been out gardening that afternoon and didn't even bother to shower before heading over.

I've eaten at both Asia de Cuba and Spago. While both are upscale, I'd suggest that a suit or sport coat would almost be out of place at Asia de Cuba -- it is very trendy, not businessman oriented. If wearing a blazer or sport coat there it would probably best be paired with a t-shirt (a nice one). On the other hand, a coat and even tie are much more appropriate at Spago with its older and more business oriented clientele.
At most other "trendy" restaurants you will feel appropriately dressed in nice shirt and slacks or even chinos. Be aware, the bigger the "star", the more casually they will be dressed.

I live in L.A., and I can't think of ANY place that still requires a tie or jacket. Okay, the Polo Lounge, but that was 15 years ago, and okay as a bar. Even stuffy "manly" places like the Pacific Dining Car and Morton's are casual.
Same for S.D.