Emma Sharp, Gleaner Writer

Deputy managing director of The Gleaner Company Limited, Christopher Barnes, addresses the audience at the launch of Kingston Restaurant Week. The event is the brainchild of Stephanie Scott (looking on). The launch took place at The Marketplace, Constant Spring Road, St Andrew, on October 2. - Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

What exactly should one wear when dining out? Do restaurants set the dress code, or is it left up to the individual to decide?

I recently phoned all those participating in The Gleaner-sponsored Kingston Restaurant Week. Whoever answered would hear from me, "Good evening. I am calling to find out what your dress code is for dining." I was tickled pink by the responses I got from Jewel of India, Cuddy'z and Guilt Trip, and the person who I spoke with at Bamboo Village got my imagination going for a second or two!

Mac's Chop House: We try not to tell patrons how to dress. No shorts, flip flops or tank tops for men. Women are welcome in cute shorts if they wish.

Regency Room - Terra Nova: Elegantly casual, dinner jacket for men, no jeans or shorts.

Café Aubergine: We don't really have one.

Columbus Restaurant - Jamaica Pegasus: Semi-formal.

East Japanese Restaurant: No sleeveless shirts, short shorts, spaghetti straps or flip flops.

Jewel of India: Covered and nothing too revealing.

Norma's on the Terrace: Semi-formal.

Palm Court - Hilton: Casually elegant.

Red Bones Blues Café: Casually elegant.

Strawberry Hill: Casual

Susie's Bakery & Coffee Bar: Nicely dressed and no shorts for KRW.

Carlos' Café: No shorts or slippers.

China Express: Nothing too short or sleeveless. Cuddy'z: No dress code as such, but no skimpy clothes like cute shorts!

Dragon City Restaurant: No dress code

Gimbilyn Restaurant - Alhambra Inn: Semi-formal.

Guilt Trip: Look nice - not naked.

Habibi Latino: No shorts, sleeveless or flip flops.

Hotel Four Seasons: No sleeveless.

Kabana Restaurant & Garden Bar: We don't really have one. Something suitable.

Melting Pot - Knutsford Court Hotel: No sleeveless, and be decent.

Restaurant Cocoro: No special dress code.

Rib Kage Bar & Grill: Semi-formal at Braemar Avenue, casual at Constant Spring Road.

Whitebones Seafood Restaurant: We don't have one for women, but no sleeveless for men inside.

Bamboo Village: None - wear anything you like.

Shang Hai Restaurant: No dress code.

Unfortunately, the restaurants listed below were not available for a response, but my guess would be that their dress code is casual but not too revealing:

Starapples, The Bird's Nest Restaurant and Bar, Grog Shoppe, Acropolis Gaming and Entertainment Centre, Morgan's Harbour Hotel and Marina, TGIFriday's, Waterfalls, Prendy's on the Beach and Gloria's - Port Royal.

The bottom line is, if a restaurant does not have hard and fast regulations about what to wear when dining at its premises, you might want to set your own style according to your mood and what you deem to be appropriate attire for dining out.