By Camryn Wilneff By Camryn Wilneff | May 1, 2024 | Food & Drink, Lifestyle, Style & Beauty, Feature,
This world-famous city is home to celebrities, luxurious hotels and restaurants, and of course, the Rodeo Drive shopping district. Here's our guide to Beverly Hills.
Where To Eat
The 24- seat dining room. PHOTO BY: RAY KACHATORIAN
212 S Beverly Dr., mauderestaurant.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: Dining at this 24-seat Michelin-starred restaurant is like stepping into celebrity chef Curtis Stone’s home. Maude pays homage to his late grandmother’s influence on his cooking style, featuring an open-concept kitchen that immerses guests in the gastronomic experience. Stone’s culinary creations also take after his travels, and the menu constantly evolves to incorporate seasonal ingredients.
176 N Canon Dr., wolfgangpuck.com/dining/spago
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: After nearly 40 years, Wolfgang Puck’s iconic Beverly Hills restaurant remains a hot spot with a chic new outdoor area. Classic California-inspired favorites include the spicy tuna tartare cones and smoked salmon pizza topped with caviar. For special occasions, Spago also offers an elevated tasting menu with an option of fine wine pairings recommended by the sommelier.
9433 Brighton Way, croftalley.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: This casual and cozy eatery has two locations—one in Beverly Hills and a smaller spot in West Hollywood. Both serve up simple yet delicious brunch dishes, including a waffle with homemade syrup and fresh berries, as well as a soft French scramble served with avocado. Whether you’re on a Rodeo or Melrose shopping spree, Croft Alley is the perfect place to stop for a quick, relaxed bite.
122 S Beverly Dr., honorbar.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: Best known for perfecting the crispy fried chicken sandwich, Hillstone Restaurant Group’s Honor Bar is an L.A. staple. The casual restaurant is attached to the elegant S. Beverly Grill, and the menu focuses on New American appetizers, sandwiches and freshly prepared sushi. Indulge in the Hillstone Negroni with dinner or try the refreshing basil cucumber martini.
9641 Sunset Blvd., dorchestercollection.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: With decor reminiscent of Old Hollywood, the Polo Lounge makes guests feel as if they are dining during the glamorous era. For brunch, savor decadent lemon ricotta pancakes under swaying palm trees on the pretty patio. Request a private booth for dinner and order the legendary McCarthy Salad, named for polo player Neil McCarthy, who frequented the restaurant during the 1940s.
347 N Rodeo Dr., gucciosteria.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: Sitting atop the Gucci store on Rodeo, this exclusive restaurant by acclaimed chef Massimo Bottura centers around high-end Italian cuisine. The Michelin-starred culinary journey plays on authentic dishes like the “Risotto Camouflaged as Pizza,” which mimics the textures and flavors of a homemade pie. Gucci Osteria’s gorgeous space is adorned with crimson banquettes and includes an intimate outdoor terrace.
212 N Canon Dr., nozawabar.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: A chair at this tiny 10-seat sushi bar is one of the most coveted reservations in all of L.A. Executive chef Osamu Fujita heads to fish markets every day to pick out the freshest catches for his traditional omakase menu. The adventurous 20-course offering includes a premium selection of sashimi, sushi and handrolls. Nozawa Bar’s minimalist yet elegant ambiance matches the simplicity of each dish and makes it a great place to celebrate a special occasion.
Where To Stay
9641 Sunset Blvd., dorchestercollection.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: Escape to the dreamy “Pink Palace” for the true Hollywood experience. The Beverly Hills Hotel is an L.A. landmark, known for providing Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor luxurious refuge from the spotlight. Accommodations include swanky suites and hidden bungalows, and guests can sip cocktails at the famous pool tucked into the hills. The hotel also houses the Polo Lounge, which is the best spot for a secluded dinner.
225 N Canon Dr., maybournebeverlyhills.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: Surrounding the tranquil Beverly Canon Gardens, The Maybourne is the ideal locale for a sophisticated getaway. Warm furnishings and streams of natural light make the spacious guestrooms the epitome of SoCal style. Spend the day lounging by the idyllic rooftop pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean and enjoying Mediterranean-inspired appetizers at The Terrace restaurant.
9850 Wilshire Blvd., waldorfastoriabeverlyhills.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: Nestled in the center of Beverly Hills, this upscale hotel is the perfect destination to unwind and explore L.A. Join a rooftop wellness workout class for some exercise in the sun, head out on a sunset hike and sip on a glass of wine at the Lobby Lounge. If you’re attending a black-tie event or are just in the mood for a little pampering, the KEVIN B Salon at the hotel offers an array of hair and make-up services.
Where To Relax
141 S. Beverly Dr., tomokospa.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: The ultra-relaxing massages at this Japanese-style spa aim to relieve stress and promote recovery. Start off your treatment with a soothing cup of tea and Ashiyu, which is a traditional foot bath. Choose from the unique Bigan facial massage that wakes up your muscles or a couples experience featuring signature massages and sushi for two.
300 Doheny Dr., fourseasons.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: After a long week, treat yourself to a day of R&R at the Four Seasons’s award-winning spa. Luxuriate in a revitalizing body scrub, deep tissue massage or stone therapy. Guests can also indulge in rejuvenating facials that exfoliate and brighten your skin. To end the day, make an appointment at the nail suite for a blissful mani-pedi.
9850 Wilshire Blvd., waldorfastoriabeverlyhills.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: Incorporating caviar-infused products from high-end skincare brand La Prairie, the Waldorf Astoria’s wellness center has six serene suites for a heavenly spa getaway. Specialty treatments include “Swiss Luxury” that features a detoxifying mud wrap and the customized Waldorf Astoria massage complete with aromatherapy to relieve any underlying tension.
9641 Sunset Blvd., dorchestercollection.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: Decompress at the newly renovated spa at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel. With a posh welcome area and lounge situated away from the busy lobby, the space provides a divine escape from the hustle and bustle of L.A. Treatments embrace nature-derived products, like the pink Himalayan salt stone massage and superfood facial with a spirulina mask.
Where To Shop
rodeodrive-bh.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: As one of the most premier shopping and window shopping destinations in the world, Rodeo Drive is a haven for avant-garde fashion. Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent and Prada, among other designer boutiques, fill the strip. The Beverly Hills street is also known for its glitzy jewelry storefronts, including Harry Winston and Van Cleef & Arpels.
sita1910.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: The appointment-only fashion and home decor showroom redefines luxury by supporting a select group of gifted artists and designers. Browsing through the one-of-a-kind pieces at Sita 1910 is not the typical day of retail therapy—it focuses on curating an individualized shopping experience to help customers find unique clothing that matches their style.
9970 S. Santa Monica Blvd., mameg.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: Concealed behind the Maison Martin Margiela store on Little Santa Monica, this Beverly Hills boutique is a hidden gem for fashion lovers. The store’s collection includes eclectic clothing from top designers like Jil Sander, as well as stunning jewelry and home accessories.
For Pre-Dinner Drinks
447 N Canon Dr., wallywine.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: Sample delicious, handcrafted cocktails at this wine and cheese shop that doubles as a laid-back restaurant. Wally’s agave-infused proper paloma and decadent espresso martini are just some of the signature refreshments on the menu. Accompany an early evening drink with a light cheese and charcuterie plate.
9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd., peninsula.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: This dimly-lit lounge filled with dark California birch accents is a cozy yet chic setting to enjoy a classic cocktail while snacking on bar bites. The Club Bar at The Peninsula is also known for its extensive wine list sourced from vineyards along the coast of Napa Valley, Argentina and France.
9850 Wilshire Blvd., waldorfastoriabeverlyhills.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: Take in the golden sunset coating the sky with a summer-inspired beverage in hand at this picturesque rooftop bar. Choose from a zesty ginger margarita, bright watermelon mojito or bold passion fruit whiskey fizz to sip on before heading out to a late dinner down the road in Beverly Hills.
Where To Hit The Town
421 N Rodeo Dr., thehideawaybeverlyhills.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: Toast to a fun night at this brand-new Mexican steakhouse, which combines elements of vintage Baja culture with a modern SoCal twist. Tables scattered throughout the expansive dining room are equipped with “Push for Tequila” buttons that automatically reorder your favorite tequila-based cocktail without the attention of a server. Diners can also request tableside preparation of certain entrees like a marbled wagyu steak served with chimichurri.
9360 Wilshire Blvd., sixtyhotels.com
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: The cosmopolitan SIXTY Beverly Hills rooftop lounge is a lively social scene for a full day and night out. After taking a dip in the pool, head to Ella restaurant for Italian-fusion fare and quirky takes on old-fashioned cocktails like the kimchi bloody mary. Saunter back up to the rooftop when the sun sets over the city to hang out with friends near the blazing fireplace.
Cultural Experiences
9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., thewallis.org
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: What was once the original 1933 Beverly Hills Post Office building now stands as a sanctuary for theater and community. The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts has put on almost 300 theatrical productions since its inception in 2013, including delightful opera and dance performances. The sprawling property houses two magnificent theaters, an outdoor sculpture garden and a fashionable VIP lounge.
265 N Carolwood Dr., weismanfoundation.org
Why it’s Essential to the Neighborhood: Named for philanthropist and art collector Frederick R. Weisman, his namesake foundation aims to preserve and share hundreds of contemporary pieces of art with L.A. Through appointment-only tours, art enthusiasts can explore his Mediterranean-style mansion that houses his personal collection of invaluable Picasso and Andy Warhol paintings.
Hidden Gems
225 N Canon Dr., maybournebeverlyhills.com
With exquisite preserves lining the wall of this sleek lounge and over 1,000 cigars to choose from, The Cigar and Whiskey Bar is a cool, lowkey setting to unwind after dinner. The finest whiskey from Scotland all the way to Japan adorns the drinks menu in addition to bourbon-based cocktails and wine by the glass. Look out over the lush courtyard while enjoying the outdoor patio area.
9641 Sunset Blvd., dorchestercollection.com
Designed to feel like and mimic a 1950s-style diner, the Fountain Coffee Room serves up rich milkshakes, a classic eggs benedict and hot pastrami sandwich. For hotel guests on the go, sit at the counter and order a quick cold-pressed juice or cup of hot coffee to start the day. Homemade cakes can also be prepared to pick up for parties and celebrations.
Photography by: