What to Wear to London Restaurants: Dress Codes by Area

Walking into a restaurant in London and feeling out of place isn’t just awkward-it’s common. You’ve booked a table at a Michelin-starred spot in Mayfair, slipped on your favorite jeans, and realized everyone else is in tailored coats and polished shoes. Or you’ve shown up to a trendy East London bistro in a blazer, only to be the only one dressed up. London doesn’t have one dress code. It has dozens-and they change block by block.

Mayfair and Belgravia: The Quiet Rules of Wealth

If you’re heading to a restaurant in Mayfair or Belgravia, think refined, not formal. This isn’t about tuxedos or ball gowns. It’s about texture, fit, and subtlety. You don’t need to wear a tie, but your shirt should be clean, pressed, and tucked. A wool blazer over a turtleneck or a fine-knit sweater works better than a hoodie, even if it’s cold outside.

Restaurants like Sketch, Le Gavroche, or The Connaught expect guests to look put together. Women often wear midi dresses, tailored trousers with silk tops, or structured coats. Men skip jeans entirely-dark chinos or wool trousers are the baseline. Footwear matters: loafers, oxfords, or clean ankle boots. No sneakers, even the expensive ones.

Why? These areas are home to private members’ clubs, luxury boutiques, and multi-generational wealth. The dress code isn’t written down-it’s understood. Showing up in ripped denim or a baseball cap signals you’re not in the habit of dining here. You’ll still be seated, but you’ll feel the difference in service.

Covent Garden and Soho: The Creative Edge

Covent Garden and Soho are where London’s fashion rules get rewritten. This is the neighborhood where a leather jacket, vintage denim, and combat boots are perfectly acceptable-even stylish-at a high-end Italian trattoria. Restaurants like Padella, Trullo, or The Ivy Market Grill welcome individuality.

Women: Try a midi skirt with a chunky knit, or a tailored jumpsuit. A long coat over a simple dress is a safe bet. Men: A well-fitted denim shirt with dark jeans and clean white sneakers is fine. You can even wear a bomber jacket if it’s in good condition. The key is intentionality. Your outfit should look thought-out, not lazy.

Here, the dress code is less about status and more about personality. Londoners in Soho dress to express, not impress. But don’t mistake this for permission to show up in pajamas or flip-flops. Even in casual areas, there’s a line. If your outfit looks like you just rolled out of bed, you’ll stand out for the wrong reasons.

Shoreditch and Hackney: The New Normal

Shoreditch and Hackney are where London’s food scene went from trendy to transformative. Places like Hawksmoor Shoreditch, Brat, or St. John serve world-class food in spaces that feel more like art studios than dining rooms. The dress code? Almost nonexistent.

Wear what you want. That means hoodies, cargo pants, and trainers are all fine. But here’s the catch: you still need to look like you care. A hoodie with a logo you bought on Amazon? That’s risky. A well-fitted, muted hoodie from a brand like Uniqlo or C.P. Company? That’s fine. Dark jeans, a plain tee, and clean sneakers are the unofficial uniform.

Women: A wool coat over a slip dress, or wide-leg trousers with a tucked-in blouse. Men: A wool sweater over a button-down, layered under an overshirt. No logos, no slogans, no neon. The vibe is minimalist, quiet luxury. You’re not here to be seen-you’re here to eat.

Pro tip: If you’re unsure, check the restaurant’s Instagram. Look at the photos tagged at the venue. If you see people in jeans and boots, you’re safe. If you see suits and heels, dial it up.

Chelsea and Kensington: The Elegant Middle Ground

Chelsea and Kensington sit between the old-money formality of Mayfair and the creative chaos of Shoreditch. Restaurants here-like The Ledbury, Claridge’s, or Launceston Place-expect you to look polished, but not stiff.

Women: A knee-length dress, a tailored coat, or a knit sweater with dark trousers. Heels aren’t required, but ankle boots or flats with structure are better than sneakers. Men: A button-down shirt with dark chinos or tailored trousers. A sweater or blazer adds polish. Jeans are tolerated only if they’re black, slim-fit, and without rips or fading.

This is where you’ll see bankers, artists, and expats all dining together. The dress code is flexible, but there’s a quiet standard: avoid anything that looks like sportswear. No gym shorts, no track pants, no visible logos. You’re not going to a football match-you’re going to dinner.

North London (Islington, Camden, Primrose Hill): Casual with Character

North London is where locals eat. Think St. John Bread and Wine in Islington, The Breakfast Club in Camden, or The Pig & Butcher in Primrose Hill. These places don’t care what you wear, as long as you’re not showing up in swimwear or pajamas.

Jeans? Yes. T-shirts? Yes. Sneakers? Absolutely. But make sure your clothes are clean, not stained, and fit properly. A wrinkled shirt or a faded band tee might be okay at a pub, but not at a place that sources its own lamb from the Cotswolds.

Women: A long cardigan over a turtleneck, dark jeans, and ankle boots. Men: A flannel shirt with jeans and a leather jacket. You can wear a beanie in winter. No one will judge you.

Camden is the exception. If you’re eating at St. John in Camden, you’ll see more people in coats than hoodies. But if you’re at Barrafina or El Pastor, you’ll see people in hoodies, yoga pants, and even flip-flops in summer. It’s the only place in London where you can wear flip-flops to a Michelin-starred restaurant and not raise an eyebrow.

The Golden Rule: When in Doubt, Layer

London weather changes fast. One minute it’s drizzling, the next it’s sunny. Your outfit should reflect that. Layers are your best friend.

Here’s a simple formula:

• Base layer: A clean, neutral tee, button-down, or turtleneck
• Mid layer: A sweater, vest, or lightweight jacket
• Outer layer: A long coat, trench, or wool blazer
• Bottoms: Dark jeans, trousers, or a skirt
• Footwear: Clean, non-sporty shoes

Take off your outer layer when you walk in. That’s your signal that you’re ready to dine. You’ll look put together without looking overdressed.

What Not to Wear (Even If It’s Trendy)

Some things never fly in London restaurants, no matter the neighborhood:

• Sports jerseys or team merch
• Flip-flops or beach sandals
• Baggy gym shorts or sweatpants
• Visible underwear or overly tight clothing
• Logo-heavy streetwear (unless it’s a luxury brand like Gucci or Balenciaga)
• Dirty or stained shoes

Even in Shoreditch, a stained hoodie or muddy boots will get you side-eyed. Londoners notice details. They notice if your shoes are scuffed. They notice if your shirt is wrinkled. They notice if you’re trying too hard-or not trying at all.

Restaurant Chains and Chains of Thought

Don’t assume a chain restaurant has a relaxed dress code. Yard, Wagamama, or Carluccio’s might be casual, but they’re still restaurants. You’ll still see people in smart-casual attire. If you’re dining with someone who’s dressed up, match their energy.

And don’t let the name fool you. A place called The Kitchen in Notting Hill might serve burgers, but it’s owned by a Michelin chef. Check the website. Look at the photos. Read the reviews. If people mention "elegant," "chic," or "smart-casual," dress accordingly.

Final Tip: When in Doubt, Call Ahead

There’s no shame in asking. Call the restaurant and say: "I’m planning to dine tonight-what’s the dress code?" Most will say something like, "Smart casual is fine," or "We don’t have a strict policy, but guests tend to dress nicely."

That’s your answer. You don’t need to know every rule. You just need to know enough to feel comfortable-and not stand out for the wrong reasons.

If you’re visiting London and want to blend in, remember this: it’s not about expensive clothes. It’s about care. Clean lines. Good fit. Thoughtful layers. You don’t need to spend hundreds of pounds. You just need to show up ready to eat-not to impress.