London restaurants with a smart dress code

[Richie]

I need to arrange a meal with some visiting friends who really don’t like casual places, any suggestions appreciated. TIA.

[StanTheMan]

Go to the restaurant at the Ritz – Jacket and ties required for the men…..

[jj]

Maybe I’m getting old, but I find it sad that so few places have a smart dress code – it’s largely restricted to private functions these days. Casual dress will always be the norm, but sometimes it would be good to have an option where you know the next table won’t be occupied by a slob wearing a t-shirt with a cheesy slogan.

[Rob]

Yes, I was going to say the Ritz – about the only place I know.

Elsewhere its a lot more subtle. My wife was thrown out of somewhere last year for wearing open toed sandles, in a place where smart unripped jeans are listed as acceptable.

[JDB]

@Richie – there’s unfortunately often something of a trade off between the quality of the food and ambience vs formality. A hotel, as suggested above is good for more formal surroundings. I would prefer the Goring over the Ritz.

[Richie]

Thanks all. The Goring is a great suggestion.