What to Wear to Our Favourite Restaurants

Tucked away in Montréal’s southeastern borough of Verdun, Restaurant Beba is a can’t-miss culinary experience when in town.

And no trip to La Belle Province is complete without indulging in some classic French cuisine, right? Not exactly...

Opened in 2019 by brothers Ari and Pablo Schor — formerly of Winnipeg with an Argentinian background — Beba’s menu draws from a mixture of Iberian and Italian influences. It’s based around seasonal, locally available ingredients and executed with traditional techniques rooted in simplicity.

Highlights include pappardelle with duck ragù and parmigiano reggiano, octopus with bacalao en ajoarriero, and radicchio and escarole with potatoes, ‘bean-aigrette,’ and pecorino — just to name a few.

Ahem — admittedly not-so-simple sounding, but approachably understated in presentation. And, if you need any further convincing, Beba is featured in the Michelin Guide, so you can trust that every bite is worth the booking.

What makes Beba even more appetizing? It’s Michelin-rated without the Michelin price tag — on average, diners spend around $38 per person, a far cry from some of the eye-watering bills often served up at similarly rated spots across the country.

Despite Beba’s elevated menu, most guests keep it casual with what they’re wearing. The atmosphere is intimate and welcoming — sophisticated, but far from stuffy.

Look around and you’ll see everything from first dates to family gatherings, which means the door is open to everyone, and almost every dress code.

While we relish any excuse to dress up for dinner, optimizing for comfort (without going the full sweatsuit route) is perfectly acceptable. Opt for dark-wash jeans, a simple sweater, leather sneakers, and if you’re inclined, an unconstructed navy blazer or overshirt to tie it all together.

Located about an hour and a half north of Toronto, the city of Peterborough is often referred to as “the gateway to cottage country,” more specifically the Kawartha Lakes, and not necessarily a foodie destination — apart from being the home of Kawartha Dairy ice cream, of course. For that exact reason, we couldn’t be more excited to highlight this hidden gem worth the trek or detour; though devoted locals might not be pleased if it results in a sudden uptick in bookings!

In Bar Vita’s own words, this neighbourhood favourite brings “country flare to Italian cuisine,” using fresh, local ingredients to offer a contemporary take on classic dishes.

So, what can you expect? Sea bass, linguine and meatballs, chicken parmigiana, and Wagyu steak are all standouts, though there truly is something for everyone.

Don’t miss out on live music and an even livelier atmosphere every Friday night from 7:30 to 10:30, as local bands and performers provide the entertainment for the perfect Peterborough date night or special event.

Small-town vibes don’t inherently mean casual, but you wouldn’t be alone rocking up to Bar Vita in a hoodie and jeans. However, you also wouldn’t be alone wearing relaxed tailoring or a sharp dress shirt either.

What would we recommend? Something in-between; start with a pair of denim or chinos and layer on a T-shirt and smart sweater — perhaps over the shoulders, à la Ralph Lauren — and finish with some sophisticated sneakers or suede loafers.

Whatever you feel most comfortable in, go for that, but keep in mind that this unique site has a sartorial heritage — once upon a time, the impressive building now home to Bar Vita was a furrier factory, so style is in its DNA.

No trip to coastal Canada is complete without a deep dive into the local seafood — and these days, we prefer Osetra Restaurant when we’re out west.

This downtown Vancouver gem (or should we say, oyster pearl?) may be relatively new, but it’s already made a notable splash on the city’s dining scene.

Taking its name from perhaps the most famous variety of caviar on the planet, it’s safe to say they have plenty of the good stuff on the menu, though don’t assume it’ll cost you an arm and a (crab) leg to dine there. Dishes range from $13 to $165 (depending on the day’s freshly caught market fish), though the plating style does encourage ordering multiple plates to share with the table.

Standouts include the scallop crudo, caviar waffle, and anything from the grill or plancha (dont overlook the squid with nduja and confit tomato sugo), though the caviar service is, unsurprisingly, the star of the show.

Also celebrated for its exceptional service, the staff (both front- and back-of-house) work tirelessly to ensure your experience is a 10/10. Tip: ask for Luigi and tell him we sent you.

A smart-casual, or as they put it, “casual elegant” dress code is suggested, with most guests typically turning up in elevated attire to reflect the elevated dining experience. Osetra is also a popular choice for special occasions, which naturally calls for a more considered approach to dressing.

What does that mean for you? Suits and tailored garments are common, but styled with a modern, relaxed edge. A refined knit — like a Merino wool turtleneck or cashmere crewneck — makes for the perfect underpinning in place of a shirt and tie.

Prefer something lighter? A Pima cotton knit T-shirt below your suit or sport jacket offers a more breathable option for warmer months.

Finish the look with laced leather dress boots in fall and winter, or polished calfskin loafers in spring and summer. For a more relaxed take, white-soled slip-ons feel equally at home.

Our team of expert Style Advisors are always on-hand to help ensure your dinner ’fit pairs as perfectly as the wine list — book a style consult in-store to start building your perfect look.