Can I wear shorts to dinner?

In a casual trattoria during a heatwave, tailored shorts are often ignored. However, avoid cargo shorts or athletic shorts at all costs, especially in major cities like Rome or Milan.

Are jeans acceptable?

Yes, but stick to dark-wash, fitted jeans without rips or holes. Faded or distressed denim can make you look out of place in finer establishments.

Will I be turned away if I'm underdressed?

Only at high-end, Michelin-starred, or formal hotel restaurants. In most cases, you’ll just feel awkward being the most casually dressed person in the room.

How to handle dress codes at Italian restaurants

Most Italian restaurants favor 'smart casual' attire, meaning no gym clothes or beachwear. Aim to dress slightly more polished than you would for a casual lunch back home to ensure entry and comfort.

Assess the venue type. Look at the restaurant's website or Instagram. If you see white tablecloths, opt for 'business casual.' If it’s a trattoria or osteria with paper menus, 'smart casual' is perfectly acceptable.
Follow the 'no-beach' rule. Regardless of the heat, avoid flip-flops, tank tops, and beach shorts. Italians generally view these as items strictly for the seaside; wearing them in a city restaurant will make you stand out as a tourist.
Master the 'smart casual' layer. For men, a polo shirt or a crisp button-down with dark jeans or chinos works everywhere. For women, a summer dress, a skirt with a blouse, or tailored trousers with a nice top are standard.
Consider the evening shift. Dress codes become stricter as the sun goes down. A casual outfit that works for a 1:00 PM lunch might feel underdressed for a 9:00 PM dinner reservation.

Can I wear shorts to dinner?: In a casual trattoria during a heatwave, tailored shorts are often ignored. However, avoid cargo shorts or athletic shorts at all costs, especially in major cities like Rome or Milan.
Are jeans acceptable?: Yes, but stick to dark-wash, fitted jeans without rips or holes. Faded or distressed denim can make you look out of place in finer establishments.
Will I be turned away if I'm underdressed?: Only at high-end, Michelin-starred, or formal hotel restaurants. In most cases, you’ll just feel awkward being the most casually dressed person in the room.