In premium steakhouses in Amsterdam, you don’t need to worry about a strict dress code, but smart casual attire is appreciated. Most top restaurants maintain a relaxed but well-groomed clothing style where you feel comfortable without being underdressed. For men, this means, for example, nice jeans with a shirt or polo shirt, while women can choose a beautiful dress, skirt, or trousers with a blouse. The most important thing is that your clothing is clean, intact, and well-maintained, so you fit the atmosphere of a premium dining establishment.
What Is the Typical Dress Code in Premium Steakhouses?
Premium steakhouses in Amsterdam usually maintain a smart casual to business casual dress code. This means you’re dressed nicely without it becoming too formal. For men, a combination of dark jeans or chinos with a shirt, polo, or nice sweater is perfect. Women can choose a dress, skirt with blouse, or nice trousers with a stylish top.
The difference between lunch and dinner service is noticeable in clothing expectations. During lunch, you often see businesspeople in office attire, but also guests in somewhat casual outfits. At dinner, usually a bit more attention is paid to clothing, especially on weekends when people dine out for special occasions.
The atmosphere of premium steakhouses calls for a certain level of dress because it’s part of the total experience. You’re not only paying for excellent meat, but also for the ambiance and service. By dressing nicely, you show respect for the restaurant, the staff, and your fellow guests. This contributes to a pleasant atmosphere for everyone.
What Clothing Is Not Recommended in Upscale Restaurants?
In premium dining establishments, you should leave certain clothing items at home. Sportswear such as sweatpants, sports shirts, and gym shoes don’t fit the elegant atmosphere. Beach clothing like shorts, flip-flops, and tank tops are also not appreciated. You preferably don’t wear caps and other headwear inside, unless for religious reasons.
These clothing guidelines don’t exist to be difficult, but to preserve the ambiance. If you sit at a table in sportswear next to guests who have dressed specially for their evening out, it can be disruptive. It’s about mutual respect and creating a pleasant atmosphere for everyone present.
Other items you should avoid include:
- Torn or worn clothing
- T-shirts with offensive texts or images
- Overly casual items like jogging pants
- Beach sandals or flip-flops
- Work clothes or overalls
How Does the Dress Code Differ Between Lunch and Dinner?
The dress code during lunchtime is often somewhat more relaxed than during dinner. During the day, many guests come directly from the office or have appointments before or after lunch. Nice jeans with a blazer or business attire is fine then. Women can choose a casual dress or trousers with a blouse.
At dinner, traditionally a bit more effort is made. Men more often wear trousers instead of jeans, combined with a shirt or nice sweater. Women often choose a more elegant dress or chic trousers with a stylish top. Accessories like beautiful shoes, a watch, or jewelry complete the outfit.
Practical examples for appropriate outfits:
- Business lunch: Trousers with shirt (men), skirt with blouse (women)
- Casual lunch: Dark jeans with polo, casual dress with vest
- Romantic dinner: Chinos with shirt and blazer, cocktail dress or elegant jumpsuit
- Business dinner: Suit without tie, pantsuit or elegant trousers with blazer
Should You Dress Differently for Special Occasions?
For special moments like anniversaries, birthdays, or important business dinners, you may certainly step it up a notch. This doesn’t mean you need to appear in gala attire, but a festive touch is appreciated. Men can, for example, choose a nice blazer for their outfit, while women can go for a cocktail dress or elegant trousers with a festive top.
Finding the right balance between festive and appropriate is important. You want to look special without being overdressed. A good guideline is to go one level higher than what you would normally wear. If you usually wear a polo, then choose a shirt. If you normally go for a casual dress, then choose something more elegant.
Tips for accessories and footwear for special occasions:
- Choose leather shoes instead of sneakers
- Add a nice watch or jewelry to your outfit
- A pocket square or tie can complete a masculine outfit
- Women can choose heels or elegant flat shoes
- A beautiful bag or clutch finishes a feminine outfit
How Does Vlees & Co Handle Dress Code?
At our location in Amsterdam, hospitality comes first. We maintain a smart casual dress code where we want you to feel comfortable above all. Whether you come for a business lunch or a romantic dinner, we welcome you gladly as long as your clothing is well-groomed. Our philosophy is that good taste doesn’t only lie on your plate, but also in how you present yourself.
Practical examples of appropriate outfits at our restaurant are nice jeans with a shirt, a beautiful dress, or trousers with a stylish top. We only ask you to leave sportswear, beachwear, and caps at home. For the rest, it’s about a relaxed but stylish atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable.
Want to know more about what we have to offer? Check out our menu online and reserve your table for an unforgettable steakhouse experience. Whether you come for lunch or dinner, dressed casually or somewhat more chic, we ensure you feel welcome and enjoy the best meat Amsterdam has to offer.