Dressing (or not) for Bistro de Paris About This Page:

[oysuchaheadache]

It's nearly time to start packing, and I've got one puzzlement. I've got shorts (or jeans) and polos and short-sleeved shirts for the parks, and buttondowns and khakis for the "business casual" restaurants -- but what does one wear to Bistro de Paris? There's no consensus in the literature, so I'm not sure what to plan for that day at Epcot.

Therefore -- does anyone who's been there remember what people were actually wearing? I'm assuming neither evening gowns (with heels) nor cutoffs and tank tops (with flip-flops), but what's the correct in between alternative?

[minemoz1]

From my experience at WDW, I've seen every type of clothing at Epcot restaurants. Unless you are planning to return to your hotel to change, whatever you wear to the parks will be acceptable.

My friend and I went back to the house to change for a evening at Epcot and then on to Jellyrolls, but it's not necessary.

[Ceara's mawmaw]

I don't know for sure but I would guess that it is at least the 2 TS credit restaurant dress code but not as formal as V&A. So I would probably do polo shirt and pants for him and a nice blouse and capris or a sundress for her. It is not on the dining plan so we never think about going to it. That is my uninformed two cents......maybe a help...

[Danielle Harmon]

Originally Posted by Ceara's mawmaw

I don't know for sure but I would guess that it is at least the 2 TS credit restaurant dress code but not as formal as V&A. So I would probably do polo shirt and pants for him and a nice blouse and capris or a sundress for her. It is not on the dining plan so we never think about going to it. That is my uninformed two cents......maybe a help...

I think that sounds about right.

[yalibrarian]

I rooted out an older (2005) PassPorter, and found a cute photo of Jennifer & Dave eating at Chefs de France. They are wearing nice park clothes; longer shorts and tops without clever sayings printed all over them (Dave's in a Hawaiian style shirt). However, nothing is specifically listed in the way of a dress code for Bistro de Paris, which has a more formal atmosphere. Some of the eateries, like the California Grille, call for "smart casual" attire, which I would take to mean a nice golf or open neck collared shirt and slacks for men and nice slacks/skirt with appropriate blouse or summer dress for women.

So comfortable, casual, but "nice" attire -- nicer than rubber flip flops and muscle shirts -- that would also be comfy for park touring, should be just fine.

[DVCBird941]

I believe they are a bit more lax on the dress code there due to the fact that they are IN Epcot. Therefore they know that ppl will be comming in after touring the park. ie no torn clothing, offensive phrases on t-shirts...etc

[RoonieRooToo]

Bistro de Paris is not family/park casual as the rest of the Epcot restaurants. When we ate there it was a very nice, upscale restaurant. You should wear your business casual (khakis/polo) and a dress.

We dressed very nicely when we went and did not feel out of the place. Now the family with their teens that were not dressed nicely did stick out like sore thumbs among all the other patrons in suits and dresses and they did look like they felt out of place.

It is not the same at all as Chefs de France which is a casual, family restaurant. But that was 7 years ago and I suppose it might have changed and might be more casual now. I'm just going off our dining experience from 7 years ago. You might check with WDW dining and ask them about what the dress code is now.

[RoonieRooToo]

On WDW site they have the dress code. It looks like it is more casual than it used to be or maybe we were just there on a dressy night

Bistro de Paris | Walt Disney World Resort

[Caldercup]

Thanks for linking to the current WDW info on Bistro de Paris.

Here's what it says:

Dress Code Guidelines:
Men: Khakis, slacks, jeans, dress shorts, collared shirts. Sport coats are optional.
Ladies: Capris, skirts, dresses, jeans, dress shorts.

Not permitted in dining room: Tank tops, swimwear, hats for gentleman, cut offs, or torn clothing. While T-shirts are now allowed, the policy remains that T-shirts with offensive language or graphics are not acceptable.

So they are saying that "T-shirts are now allowed".... hmmm....
Eileen

[Dave Marx]

Bistro is the most expensive restaurant at Epcot and has the most formal atmosphere. Whenever we've been there, folks have dressed nicely - long slacks and shirts with open collars for the men, at least summer dresses for the women. I'd think, "dinner in the south of France," rather than "dinner in Paris." The dress code does leave some leeway on that, but regardless, folks are treating it as something a bit more than the typical park dining experience. Downstairs at Chefs de France things are definitely more casual. On the other hand, I wouldn't dress too formally, either. You're still in a park. I tend to wince when I see women walking long distances in spike heels, or men perspiring in sports jackets during the warmer months. T-shirts? I'd think in terms of French t-shirts, rather than American - the kind that look OK with a pair of linen trousers.

[jimmymac]

Business casual would be appropriate

[Bert & Sully]

Originally Posted by jimmymac

Business casual would be appropriate

I'm with jimmymac. We always go to Bistro and DH is business casual. Mostly you'll see others that way but you will see those who are less enthused and think the dress code does not apply to them as well as the opposite extreme of very formal.

People would like to think that because it is so upscale and not on the dining plan the dress code would be followed and only adults dining but unfortunately that isn't the case.