From how to dress for a Michelin star restaurant to what the stars mean, many diners have questions before their first Michelin meal. With several Michelin restaurants on our luxury tours, including luxury train travel, we want you to know what to expect at a Michelin star restaurant and that all essential Michelin star restaurant dress code. 

See how Exceptional Dining takes centre stage on every Luxury Gold journey.

What Is A Michelin Star Restaurant?

Yes, it’s that Michelin. The Michelin food guide originated in the early 1900s when the founders of the Michelin tire company wanted to encourage motorists to take road trips—and buy tires. So, they created a guide for those in search of good food on road trips. The guide started by offering a single star and expanded up to three stars. Discerning diners began to refer to the guide in the 1960s and 70s. It has since evolved into a guide that gives a restaurant its highest honor. As a prestigious recognition, fewer than 3,000 restaurants have received Michelin notoriety. 

Image credit: @lemonzurestaurant on Instagram

Enjoy seasonal produce and sensational views as you dine at Michelin-starred Le Monzù restaurant on the Italian Isle of Capri, on Ultimate Italy. 

Michelin Star Restaurant Criteria

To be considered for a Michelin star, a Michelin inspector uses the following criteria: 

1. Quality of products 
2. Mastery of flavor and cooking techniques
3. Personality of chef in the cuisine 
4. “Wow” factor and harmony of flavors 
5. Consistency of food between inspectors’ visits 

You may also be interested to read further: How Do Restaurants Get Awarded a Michelin Star?

What Do The Michelin Stars Mean?

The Michelin star awards are issued yearly. A restaurant can both have a star added and taken away from year to year. Unlike other restaurant recognitions, Michelin stars are awarded for the food only. Restaurant style and degree of formality are not considered. An overview of the meaning of the stars: 

One star: high quality cooking 

Two stars: excellent cooking with the personality and talent of the chef evident in the dishes 

Three stars: exceptional cuisine of chefs at the peak of their profession where cooking is elevated to an art form  

You may also enjoy reading: 10 Best Fine Dining Restaurants Around The World

Preparing For Your Meal

Now that you know what you have to look forward to, there’s a lot you can do in advance to make the most of your dining experience. Be sure to inform the restaurant of any dietary requirements or intolerances in advance. Michelin-starred restaurants are accustomed to accommodating vegetarian, vegan and gluten–free as well as other specific dietary requirements. When traveling with Luxury Gold, your travel concierge is also a great point of contact to share any dietary restrictions with. Then, of course, its time to turn your attention to the Michelin star restaurant dress code. 

Image credit: @olivetreebath on Instagram

Taste the best of English cuisine at Michelin-starred restaurant The Olive Tree in Bath, on our British Royale journey.

What To Wear To A Michelin Star Restaurant

Dining at a Michelin Star restaurant is not just about enjoying exquisite cuisine; it’s also an experience that often calls for refined dress. While there is no official Michelin star restaurant dress code, and specific attire required depends on the restaurant and location, dressing smartly is generally the best approach.

For men, a tailored suit or dress pants paired with a crisp button-down collared shirt is a safe choice. A blazer adds sophistication, and a tie may be required at some establishments, so it’s wise to check the restaurant’s guidelines in advance. This can also apply for jeans. Opt for polished dress shoes to complete the look, avoiding overly casual footwear.

Women have a broader range of options but should aim for elegant attire, such as a sophisticated dress or a chic blouse paired with tailored pants or a skirt. Accessories like statement jewelry can always enhance any outfit, and this is the perfect reason to go bold. Heels or stylish flats are suitable for footwear, ensuring comfort without sacrificing style.

Regardless of your choice, keep it at least smart casual and avoid items like shorts, flip-flops or gym wear. Ultimately, the goal is to feel confident and comfortable while respecting the fine dining atmosphere of a Michelin Star restaurant.

Other top tips for a Michelin star restaurant dress code are:  

• When in doubt, dress a little nicer. Dining in a Michelin star restaurant is a special opportunity, so why not elevate your time with a bit dressier attire? 
• Consider the restaurant. Learning a bit about the style and décor or the restaurant will help you to select an outfit that matches the formality of the setting. 
• One strategy is align your dress to the star rating. This simple formula translates to more business casual for 1-star restaurants, while a 2 or 3-star restaurant might call for dressier attire. 
• Don’t be shy about contacting the restaurant. It’s perfectly common and acceptable to contact the restaurant to ask what type of attire patrons wear. Some restaurants even post their attire on their website. Or, ask your friendly travel concierge.

If you love fine dining you will enjoy reading: These Are Our 15 Favorite Michelin Star Restaurants in Italy 

Courses And Pairings

Now that you’ve found the right look for you and the restaurant, it’s time to focus on the meal. Many Michelin star restaurants will present you with a tasting menu and the choice of a drink pairing. A trained sommelier will have matched the beverages with each course to enhance the flavors of the dishes. Because of the multi-course menu, both the dishes and pours of these pairings will be less than a full main course dish and glass of wine. 

Image credit: @borkonyha on Instagram

On our Harmony of Central Europe luxury tour, enjoy Hungarian/French fusion Michelin-starred dining in Budapest at Borkonyha Winekitchen

The Service

Be prepared for attentive service. You should expect your waitstaff to often be close by, enhancing your experience.  Your waiter will fill your glass, replace your napkin should you step away, and probably clean the crumbs from the table at the end of the meal. 

How long do Michelin Star Meals Take?

A meal at a Michelin restaurant is an experience to remember. And part of that experience is taking your time and savoring each course. Most meals last at least two hours, and often three to four hours. Rest assured that the chef has your experience in mind and has thoughtfully paced the courses and wine pairings for your benefit. In short, settle in and relax into a decadent, memorable evening. 

Where will Michelin dining take you? Browse our collection of luxury small group journeys, many of which include Michelin starred dining.

As a lifelong Londoner, one of the things I love most about the city is that – truly – you can wear what you like. This is the city of diversity, self-expression and creativity – be who you are and feel good doing it. So, why does it feel so easy to get it wrong? Possibly because it’s also the city of the poorly ventilated London Underground, relentless drizzle, and long, uneven walks. And because it’s English. Which means you never know when a unexpected Anglicism is going to catch you unawares. Let’s get into some of the nuances that dictate precisely what to wear to dinner in London. We’ll finish with some dos and don’ts.

How to Dress For Dinner in London:

Dress codes

 If we start by turning our attention to some of the older, classic restaurants, what do we learn? At Claridge’s, “we do not operate any dress code, however we find most of our guests choose smart casual dress”. At The Ritz, “gentlemen are required to wear a jacket and tie” in the main restaurant, while “shorts, trainers and sportswear are not permitted in any of the hotel’s restaurants or bars”. At Rules, “whilst jacket or tie are not required, we prefer smart dress”.

In a lot of ways, these are the easy ones. You probably wouldn’t even consult the dress code before taking afternoon tea at the Ritz, you’d just know you were embarking on something luxe, and you’d want to dress accordingly. The direction that luxury takes you in is really up to you.

Buttoned up pockets:

 There are some pockets of the city that take dress codes more seriously. For instance, there was a “tightening up” of the dress code at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in Chelsea recently. It now reads:

“We would like all of our guests to feel free to express their own individual style however, we do ask guests to avoid shorts, tracksuits, hoodies and hats. Smart trainers are fine. We know lots of our guests like to dress smartly which we appreciate. Ultimately we want every guest to feel at home.”

I appreciate the distinction between “smart trainers” and the ones you wear to the gym, or “sportswear”. I think it’s important to know that comfort counts for a lot in London, and you know the difference between one sneaker and another.

Even restaurants frequented by royalty have a smart-casual policy these days, though in these corners of London (Mayfair, Kensington), they can have their own ideas about what that actually means – some state that they prefer a jacket over a shirt, some specify “tailored shorts” – but these are few and far between.

Feeling fancy

In fact the reality is that most high end restaurants in London are so relaxed about clothes, you might want to seek out some addressed that are special enough to flex your fanciest looks. If you’re looking for restaurants with stunning surrounds, consider Berners Tavern for glamorous chandeliers and cornicing to befit a stately home, Bob Bob Ricard for pie and champagne in sumptuous booths, The Dover for seventies Sophia Loren-style splendour or Booking Office 1869 for vast interiors and indoor palm trees.

Dining in London: Dos and Don’ts

Dos:

Black

There is no need to wear black if you usually don’t. But if you own a chic black jacket, dress or pair of pants that makes you feel fabulous, consider it the key to your capsule wardrobe. You can go in any direction you please from there.

 A good coat (or jacket, or indeed shacket)

If your restaurant manager is kind enough to help you slip your coat from your shoulders on to a hanger, you want to feel really good watching it disappear into the closet. In London, for obvious reasons, you cannot underestimate the power of a good coat – it almost doesn’t matter what’s underneath.

Comfy shoes

As we’ve established, even Claridge’s wants you to feel at home. Nothing mars an unforgettable meal like a pair of blisters. Wear the good trainers, or the boots you know like the back of your … foot.

 A woollen jumper

When autumn arrives, knitwear is practically a sport in London. Whether it’s a classic navy cashmere number, or a bright, oversize piece, wearing a jumper you love is the cosiest way to express yourself, and to feel fully ensconced at the table.

Don’ts:

Grey

I’m sure Stanley Tucci could pull it off, but we don’t need to try. If there’s one thing we have enough of here, it’s grey – in the sky and in the hue of people’s sun-deprived skin as winter prattles on. Please consider Londoners by leaving your grey suits at home. 

Tiny umbrellas

I’ve lost more of those soggy minis under restaurant tables than I can bear to think about, but I have a big, gold leopard print (hard to miss) one that’s been with me for almost 10 years.

Worry

You will not “look like a tourist” – there is no such thing here. Even the classic look (cycling shorts, baggy souvenir t-shirt, socks and trainers) looks great in the right establishment (not one that hates sportswear). And everyone is using Google Maps to navigate Soho (although when in Rome – or London – Citymapper is the preferred app of choice).

Overthink

Londoners can smell outfit insecurity a mile off. You just pulled this old thing out of the suitcase and threw it on – right? 

What about Crocs and flops?

One has to operate some discretion when it comes to open toes and so forth. It’s a no to your old Havaianas, a yes to your key lime platform Crocs. But that’s just common sense.

Kept alive by captivating museum exhibitions, movies, artworks and documentaries, the ancient and unique appeal of Egypt as a travel destination has never waned. From the pyramids to the Nile, the bustle of Cairo with its new Egyptian Museum – millions in the making – to the mellow coastline of the Red Sea resorts, tourist season in Egypt means ample sunshine, storytelling and a rich, ancient history to capture imaginations of all ages. But when should you plan to go?

The best time to take a luxury holiday to Egypt will vary depending on whether you’re visiting inland, riverside sights or the coast, and how active you want your trip to be. This North African nation has hot, dry summers in its desert landscapes and mild winters by the sea, with steady temperatures around the fertile Nile Delta. Whatever your wish list for digging into this culture-packed country, here are the best times to visit Egypt.

What is the best month for weather in Egypt?

Egypt is typically thought of as a winter sun destination – that is, it has the most comfortable temperatures for exploring and sightseeing over winter. Broadly, that means the best time to visit Egypt is in the months from October to April, with many choosing to fly to the Red Sea Coast (reached by airports in Sharm-el-Sheikh and Hurghada) in the deepest months of winter, November to January. This tourist season sees average daily temperatures of around 70-82 Fahrenheit maximum, pleasant for beachgoing and sightseeing, while in the summer months average heat can rise to as high as 88-90 F – far too hot for moving about comfortably in the daytime. 

Egypt’s Red Sea coast has beach resorts and coral reefs

What is the hottest month in Egypt?

July and August are the joint hottest months in Egypt, with high temperatures of 99 Fahrenheit and lows of just 79-81 F. This time of year, outside the usual tourist season, is not the best time to visit Egypt, whether you’re exploring inland or staying by the coast. Most locals and tour guides would urge you to avoid the hottest summer months. Instead, wait for cooler October or November, or go earlier than summer in March or April, to enjoy active days out such as visiting the pyramids at Giza, taking a cruise along the Nile River or seeing the majestic temples at Karnak or Luxor. 

We also think you’ll like: Riches of the Nile: Why Egypt’s icon is the grandest river in the world

Egypt’s desert sights are best explored outside of summer

What is the cheapest month to go to Egypt?

While the central summer months are too hot to visit Egypt, the “shoulder seasons” of April-May and September-October are bearable weather wise, with some of the cheapest flights, hotel room rates and best availability for tours. This is a popular time to visit the Red Sea resorts of Sharm-el-Sheikh, Hurghada and El Gouna, when flight and hotel package deals dip in price and the middle of the day can feel very hot – but you have the sea to cool you, and the area’s incredible coral reefs to snorkel or dive. Winter in Egypt is more expensive, as tourists from Europe escape their colder climates for its balmy winter weather. Cruises along the enchanting River Nile operate all year round, so those who don’t mind braving the heat will save money on tours from June to August. Between March and May, a phenomenon called the Khamsin Wind can bring thick dust and sandstorms to the sightseeing areas around Giza and Luxor, which is less than ideal for visitors.

Bright coral found off Egypt’s coast

Does it get cold in Egypt?

Winter in Egypt is still a mild affair – Egypt’s weather in December sees warm, dry and sunny days with high temperatures of around 73 F, while Egypt’s weather in January is similar with highs of 72 F around the Red Sea coast. Winter is one of the best times to visit Egypt, with the milder heat meaning you can explore freely without worrying about overheating; though you may want the balmier evenings of November or February-March. Things are slightly cooler in Cairo in the heart of winter, with December and January seeing lows of 48 F in the city, while highs reach around 64 F. You’ll need to pack jackets and cardigans for meals out here, or for a Nile Cruise in December or January, when evenings cool off (though the weather is still mild by day). 

We also think you’ll like: Egypt, a Country of Contrast

Visit Egypt on Luxury Gold’s 11-day Elegance of the Nile tour or browse our collection of luxury vacation packages to Egypt.