I'm packing for HKG now and need some quick advice!

Is NYC-casual-dressy (very dark jeans with no fading, sharp and/or colorful Paul Smith/Etro/Ted Baker/Prada type shirt, sport jacket, dark dress shoes) appropriate in better restaurants in HK such as Man Wah or Spring Moon?

Thanks! DR

That would be fine. There are very few places with a dress code in HK which is more strict that "no shorts or sandals for men" (they tend to be private members clubs). Don't feel obliged to wear the jacket either - it's getting up to 35 degrees (95F) here at the moment.

I think those restaurants that would require a jacket and/or tie would be able to provide one for you on the spot. Petrus did for me once for a spur-of-the-moment dinner one "casual Friday".

In fact I remember meeting a visiting friend in Vong at the Mandarin who rocked up wearing shorts. They provided him with a (hilariously ill-fitting) pair of black trousers for the occasion!

So you think there are jacket and tie requirements at a place like Man Wah or Spring Moon or just jacket?

I'm open to being corrected because I've only been to a few of the restaurants in the top hotels, but I would be very surprised if there are any that require a tie. Of the Peninsula restaurants only Gaddi's specifies a jacket for dinner; everywhere else is 'smart casual" - to me that doesn't require a jacket or a tie. ( http://hongkong.peninsula.com/phk/restaurants_01.html ).

The Mandarin Oriental specifies "smart casual" for all its outlets. ( http://www.mandarinoriental.com/hotel/514000005.asp )

Likewise in the Island Shang only Petrus requires a jacket for dinner. ( http://www.shangri-la.com/en/propert...staurantpetrus )

OK - I'm done with web surfing - I'm sure you get the idea.

Agreed, leave the tie at home. Take a jacket if you really want too (but it is hot and a little thundery at the moment), if you don't have one everywhere that requires one will happily provide a reasonably close fitting one.

Unless you're going to be in meetings; no tie required. During the way, I'd recommend linen shorts and a polo shirt for exploring during the day. In the evening, most westerners wear sport coats and open shirts; or suits...with no tie.

No jacket, no tie at these two places. Just wear a clean pair of pants and a dress shirt, and you're set to go. For about 6 months, I went to the Man Wah on a regular basis wearing shorts, until one day one of the managers discreetly took me aside and politely asked me to desist...

Got it. Thanks everyone. FT comes through again!

Most informative post....and thanks for the references christep!

Regards
747LWW

Pickles:

Great story...thanks for sharing. I had a somewhat similiar experience over a much briefer period of time a few years ago...

Regards
747LWW

I reckon that would depend on the shorts though - even today "dress" shorts with long socks and dress shoes would, I'm sure, be acceptable attire at these establishments. Beach shorts, bare legs and sandals obviously would not.

I seem to recall that since the re-opening they are stricter on the dress code? I know I got sent back to my room for something, either dress shoes or a jacket, when I dined there in December. Perhaps I had sneakers on.

If you plan to go to Petrus on the 56/F of the Island Shangri-la, Jackets are required at night. A shirt and long pants will do the trick during lunch. It is a super fine restaurant with mignificant view of the harbor. I would highly recommend it, and lunch only starts at HK338.

Anywhere else I have been to, shorts are specifically not welcomed in hotel restaurants in Hong Kong. If you go to the Ritz-Carlton, you have to be sure to be specfically more formal as well. Mandarin is usually ok with dress shirts and long pants. T'ang Court in the Langham specifies no shorts as well.

However, those are to the top restaruants of the respective hotels. It is obvious that in a cafe envrionment, it will be far more relaxed.

I think shorts on men in general are rather frowned upon anywhere in HK, unless on the beach... must be something to do with the majority of the the guys here having skinny pastel white legs...