Dressing up for dinner question.

[Hills4diz]

Hi again,
Thank you so much for everyone's comments on my questions. Some say it's best to be self-sufficient, but in my case it really does take a village to get me on the right path. I was wondering if there are nice to very nice restaurants that adhere to the dress code for fine dining besides the Victoria and Albert's one? We like to dress well for dining out and while I understand most folk on holiday prefer to dress down, we enjoy dressing for dining. As always thank you in advance for your advice and kind patience with my questions.

 

[OneinThree]

Complicated -here's why:

You're speaking a different language. Aside from the fact that we've (Americans) largely become a bunch of slobs, you're likely to be told to just do whatever you want and it will be "great!". This is because we've lost any sense of decorum. Sadly, you will find people in "signature" restaurants dressed in the same flip-flops and sweaty t-shirts they wore all day in the parks. So yes, it could be a bit awkward if one shows up in a cocktail dress, despite the fact many of us will tell you to go ahead and do so if you want (cuz, they just don't get it, sadly). Best bet for an upscale experience is probably Capa at The Four Seasons at Disney or Bull & Bear at the Waldorf.

 

[iona]

I can’t think of anywhere other then V&A that enforces the dress code (although I’m not familiar with all of the Disney Springs options). We’ve certainly never felt out of place dressed up at any of the signature restaurants at the resorts though (I’m thinking specifically of Citricos, Narcossees, California Grill, Flying Fish, Yachtsman’s Steakhouse and a number of the options at the Swan and Dolphin).

 

[3 Hobbits 2 Disney]

IMHO you can never overdress for a dinner at a signature restaurant. However, we are those people who pack clothes in a backpack, stow it in a locker, and change/clean up before going to dinner (last week’s quick change was for Narcoose’s after a day at MK). And while we weren’t wearing diamonds and pearls, we were refreshed and respectably dressed in business casual.

 

[Jennasis]

California Grill is a place you wouldn't feel out of place getting dressed up. The couple next to us were in a suit and a cocktail dress (think wedding guest attire) and looked great!

 

[OneinThree]

California Grill is a place you wouldn't feel out of place getting dressed up.

There's this 1-star review from a month ago, for example:

"Terry Billings
a month ago-

Despite signs everywhere that say "No cut offs, flip flops..." they were everywhere. When I asked a manager about that, he gave me some garbled answer. I suggested that they just remove the sign!

But, the food was great and the table service was exemplary. I believe for over $145/ person, there should be some clothing requirement. Victoria and Albert's has. Dress code!"

 

[GAN]

You should dress how you prefer. No matter where you go, almost guaranteed there will be like-minded people dressed "appropriately." That said, there will also be some extremely casual. I don't find it a problem as long as they aren't disrupting my dinner. The problem has been compounded by the Dining Plan unfortunately, but just roll with it. I've had people well-dressed be more of a problem.

 

[Hills4diz]

Thank you everyone for your replies. I've just completed reservations for Capa and the Bull and Bear. While we never begrudge what other folk do on holiday we do tend to like to dine in the evenings with like-minded people as it sets the mood for the dining experience. As for us dining is experience in both the cuisine and the atmosphere. You are all so helpful and gracious. Thank you again!

 

[Farro]

Complicated -here's why:

You're speaking a difference language. Aside from the fact that we've (Americans) largely become a bunch of slobs, you're likely to be told to just do whatever you want and it will be "great!". This is because we've lost any sense of decorum. Sadly, you will find people in "signature" restaurants dressed in the same flip-flops and sweaty t-shirts they wore all day in the parks. So yes, it could be a bit awkward if one shows up in a cocktail dress, despite the fact many of us will tell you to go ahead and do so if you want (cuz, they just don't get it, sadly). Best bet for an upscale experience is probably Capa at The Four Seasons at Disney or Bull & Bear at the Waldorf.

Come on now.

American's aren't slobs when it comes to dining out. Come to Chicago and go out for dinner at a good to great restaurant any night of the week and you'll see how nice people still dress.

Theme parks are another animal. People feel they can go anywhere in their park clothes because it's vacation. No matter where the restaurant is located, it feels as if some people still classify the restaurant in the Olive Garden category simply for the fact it's located in Disney World.
I would also venture a guess it's not just Americans showing up to CG in flip flops.

 

[sleepydog25]

Agree with the others that short of V&A's, there is no place that enforces the dress code, unfortunately. Again, as most have said, you would not feel out of place dressing up at most of the Signatures, though my caveat for that statement would be the ones in the parks. In fact, other than pricing, I don't know why Disney calls Signatures in the parks by that name. One to keep in mind on property is Jiko--we've found them to generally be a step above the other Signatures in terms of ambiance (before the crass money grab of the new character meal, I would have also highly recommended Artist Point, but that's another story). Off property, I suggest BiCE at the Portofino Hotel at Universal Studios. It's upscale without being stuffy, has marvelous food and a superior wine list, and you won't feel out of place dressing up there. Bon appetit!

 

[Hills4diz]

Agree with the others that short of V&A's, there is no place that enforces the dress code, unfortunately. Again, as most have said, you would not feel out of place dressing up at most of the Signatures, though my caveat for that statement would be the ones in the parks. In fact, other than pricing, I don't know why Disney calls Signatures in the parks by that name. One to keep in mind on property is Jiko--we've found them to generally be a step above the other Signatures in terms of ambiance (before the crass money grab of the new character meal, I would have also highly recommended Artist Point, but that's another story). Off property, I suggest BiCE at the Portofino Hotel at Universal Studios. It's upscale without being stuffy, has marvelous food and a superior wine list, and you won't feel out of place dressing up there. Bon appetit!

Nevermind I found my answer. Thank you for your reply.

 

[2xcited2sleep]

We all need a village. I see you’ve made reservations for Capa and Bull & Bear. I think you will LOVE Capa... we sure did. If you can, sunset from their rooftop bar is amazing. And allow some time to explore the resort... it is stunning. I’ve not yet tried B&B but it is on my list and consistently gets rave reviews.

On property, while no guarantee as to your fellow diners and what management will allow, I’ve found Bluezoo (at the Dolphin) clientele tends to trend business casual as it is largely a convention audience. And the food is delicious!!

Hope you have a great trip!!

 

[Chuck S]

I rarely dress up for dinner, but then I rarely dine at the really nice restaurants. I do dress up in at least a nice polo and slacks for a signature restaurant in the resorts. Not so much for in park dining, like Brown Derby. I did always enjoy dressing in coat and tie for the Broadway at the Top dinner show, where California Grill is now located.

Bottom line is, if you are comfortable dressing up...then feel free to do so, it will add to your personal enjoyment of the venue.

 

[Summer2018]

Many people on DISBoards warned me that people don't dress up anymore at the Signature Restaurants before we went on our trip in July. We were celebrating our 25th Anniversary, and chose Narcoossee's for our dinner. I wore a flowing periwinkle blue dress and my DH wore linen pants and a linen dress shirt. We were greeted enthusiastically and complimented on our appearance. Out of all of those dining, we only saw one table where a mother and two teenagers were dressed casually. When we ate at Cali Grill, I wore a sundress and my DH wore a button down short-sleeved shirt and khakis. Again, we only saw one table where the diners stood out like a sore thumb in t-shirts and shorts. Everyone else looked appropriate for evening Signature dining.

At 'Ohana, people were much more casual, but I still wore a Hawaiian sundress while DH wore a Hawaiian button down short-sleeved shirt and pants. We are all casual in the parks, but at night, we dress nicely for dinner wherever we go, even Chef Mickeys.

 

[monorailmom]

You know, I've seen this topic come up on the DIS many times, and here's the thing...DH and I dress "up" when on a "date night" because we want to. . We don't frequent places at home that require dressing up, so when we do this on our vacations, it makes it something special. I've honestly never noticed what other people are wearing when dining at Jiko, Tiffins, the Boathouse, or sitting at the bar at Narcoosee's,or having a drink at Mizner's, or enjoying dinner at Yachtsman Steak House. While I do kind of wish these places had more of a dress-up vibe, I am totally okay with DH and I just doing our own thing and enjoying a night out by ourselves in our favorite place. Granted,we prefer dining in the lounges in the evening over making a dining reservation, but to us the time spent means the same. Do what makes you happy.. .

 

[B-Ride]

If you enjoy dressing up then do it. Just be aware that everyone around you will be dressing down.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Ending our current trip tomorrow and from December 20th to date only encountered one Signature restaurant where some guests were very underdressed to my way of thinking: dinner at bluezoo on Christmas Day.

 

[DisneyHardin]

You know, I've seen this topic come up on the DIS many times, and here's the thing...DH and I dress "up" when on a "date night" because we want to. . We don't frequent places at home that require dressing up, so when we do this on our vacations, it makes it something special. I've honestly never noticed what other people are wearing when dining at Jiko, Tiffins, the Boathouse, or sitting at the bar at Narcoosee's,or having a drink at Mizner's, or enjoying dinner at Yachtsman Steak House. While I do kind of wish these places had more of a dress-up vibe, I am totally okay with DH and I just doing our own thing and enjoying a night out by ourselves in our favorite place. Granted,we prefer dining in the lounges in the evening over making a dining reservation, but to us the time spent means the same. Do what makes you happy.. .

I know what you mean. We have eaten at lots of signatures over the years and I can't remember any specifics of what anyone was wearing during any of our dinners. People on these boards are very passionate about their opinions on what the people around them should be wearing in Disney restaurants. Unless someone's flip flop flies off and lands in my soup bowl, I really don't care what they are wearing.

 

[JenSop]

We do a lot of Signature dinners on our trips, and we definitely dress up a little bit. I usually wear a cute cocktail dress, and hubby wears a button down shirt and blazer.

 

[Louis morrell]

If you enjoy dressing properly for diner just do it and own it. Don't worry about what others do just enjoy how dressing well makes you feel.
We leave for Disney in 12 days and I will be traveling with my sportcoats, slacks, long sleeve dress shirts and at least one evening rocking my Mickey cufflinks.
That is how I roll at home and when we travel.