Dress code at top Budapest restaurant

Not sure. Maybe check their website. But Budapest is not very formal in general. It seems like a slightly poor country.

Dress Code
We do not have a dress code as we would like our guests to be able to express their own individual style. However, we find the majority of our guests like to dress smartly and we appreciate it too.
https://standrestaurant.hu/en/reservation

I read that to indicate that coat & tie is not necessary

RailRider, if you go someplace nice in town and you compare how the "slightly poor" locals dress and behave to how the wealthy tourists dress and behave you will understand that class, dignity, self respect and respect for others has little to do with wealth.

"Dressing smartly" typically refers to wearing clothes that are neat, well-coordinated, and appropriate for a particular setting or occasion.

For a social gathering: Depending on the level of formality, this could mean anything from a button-up shirt and slacks to a cocktail dress or sport coat. The key is to look put-together and dressed up relative to everyday casual wear.

The main idea is to convey a sense of care, respect, and attention to detail through one's clothing choices. Dressing smartly helps create a professional, mature, and polished appearance.

Mr. E, I love your explanation. Dress expectations have changed so rapidly in the US that I don't want to create offense dining out in Budapest, where, I think, there is still a greater respect for formality. Usually I prefer casual places, and I've been trained to pack light by Rick Steves, but this opportunity seems too special to disregard. I was hoping that somebody on the forum has been to Stand or another high-end spot recently and could report what they saw.

I go to nice places from time to time. Slacks and a button down shirt is sort of a minimum for me. It's not uncommon to see some, mostly locals, dressed better and some, mostly tourists, dressed worse. Sometimes you can get a clue from a google search: https://images.ctfassets.net/314o13npeir2/6Qg43N7XF0N4W7SSUb9rSV/e2b1a285f772ce694c2e5a98eb7f2f40/stand-restaurant-budapest-10.jpg?w=876&h=657&fl=progressive&q=80&fm=jpg

As for income, things like the Opera and especially live theater are still very much a locals activity and I have seen elderly couples in the classiest 1970's era suits and dresses for their big night out once a year. Yes, they don't have a lot of money so they bring out the best of what they have. Never an excuse for disrespecting them or the moment.

I've got an Orvis travel blazer. Never wrinkles and has a lot of inside pockets for tickets, passports and the like. If I'm going some place nice on a trip, I use it as my travel vest. So no extra packing. And it's great coat on a cool evening.

Orvis no longer sells a travel blazer. Now we know the world is changing! But that's a great idea and I'm looking for an alternative.

Another sign of cultural decline.

Just back from Stand! Incredible meal. I did wear a suit and open collar. I was the only man in a jacket so now I know, in warm weather at least shirtsleeves would have sufficed.

I spent so much time researching travel suits! I did finally find a good one, from a new-to-me company called Twillery.

This--?
https://twillory.com/collections/suitsnblazers

Yes. Endured a week in a packing cube without wrinkling.

mama always said, its impossible to be over dressed, but the opposite isnt true.

You won’t need the jacket or tie, but a dress shirt and pants are the right choice.
Dress sneakers are just fine.