Can I wear sneakers to restaurants in Italy?

Clean, leather or canvas sneakers work at casual restaurants and trattorias. Avoid athletic running shoes or anything with prominent logos. For upscale dining, stick to dress shoes.

Are shorts ever acceptable?

Shorts are generally not acceptable for dinner at any restaurant. At lunch in beach towns or very casual pizza places, knee-length shorts might pass, but long pants are always safer.

How formal should I get for Michelin restaurants?

Most Michelin-starred restaurants require business casual at minimum. Men should wear dress pants, button-down shirts, and closed-toe shoes. A blazer is recommended but not always required.

Do dress codes vary between lunch and dinner?

Yes. Lunch is generally more relaxed—smart casual works almost everywhere. Dinner requires stepping up your outfit, especially at nicer establishments.

How to dress for restaurants in Italy

Italians dress well for dining out, even at casual places. Smart casual is the minimum—think dark jeans or chinos with a nice shirt, closed-toe shoes, and avoid athletic wear. For upscale restaurants, dress as you would for a nice dinner at home: button-down shirts, dresses, or blazers.

Learn the baseline. The Italian dining dress code starts at smart casual, even for neighborhood trattorias. This means no flip-flops, shorts, tank tops, or athletic wear. Dark jeans are acceptable at most places if paired with a nice shirt.
Choose your footwear first. Closed-toe shoes are essential. Leather loafers, dress shoes, or clean sneakers work for casual places. Avoid flip-flops, Crocs, or hiking sandals—these immediately mark you as a tourist and may get you refused service.
Pick tops that show effort. Men should wear button-down shirts, polos, or nice sweaters. Women can wear blouses, dresses, or nice tops. Avoid t-shirts with logos, tank tops, or anything you'd wear to the gym.
Check the restaurant level. For Michelin-starred or high-end restaurants, dress up: blazers for men, dresses or elegant separates for women. For mid-range places, smart casual works. Even at pizza places, avoid beachwear or athletic clothes.
Consider the time and region. Dinner requires more formal dress than lunch. Northern cities like Milan tend to be more formal than southern regions. Beach towns are slightly more relaxed, but never wear swimwear to restaurants.

Can I wear sneakers to restaurants in Italy?: Clean, leather or canvas sneakers work at casual restaurants and trattorias. Avoid athletic running shoes or anything with prominent logos. For upscale dining, stick to dress shoes.
Are shorts ever acceptable?: Shorts are generally not acceptable for dinner at any restaurant. At lunch in beach towns or very casual pizza places, knee-length shorts might pass, but long pants are always safer.
How formal should I get for Michelin restaurants?: Most Michelin-starred restaurants require business casual at minimum. Men should wear dress pants, button-down shirts, and closed-toe shoes. A blazer is recommended but not always required.
Do dress codes vary between lunch and dinner?: Yes. Lunch is generally more relaxed—smart casual works almost everywhere. Dinner requires stepping up your outfit, especially at nicer establishments.