Foodie lovers can’t pass up some of the more decadent offerings in the greater Los Angeles area so we thought we’d put together a Beverly Hills Food Guide (and beyond) for those wishing to go for all things luxe on their next trip.
Local Halibut at Citizen in Beverly Hills
Truth be told, there’s no shortage of great choices in Los Angeles. Between all things fun in Santa Monica, the more eclectic and millennial scene at Venice Beach and the trendy hot spots in West Hollywood to funky bars and bistros in down Los Angeles, upscale restaurants in the oh so chic 4 and 5 star properties throughout the area and naturally, all things decadent and luxe in Beverly Hills.
I used to get to Los Angeles several times of year over a couple of decades, so I certainly miss my fun wine and dine escapes.
Although my trips were largely to see friends, they were almost always centered around a conference or business meeting. While I used to hang my hat more often than not in Santa Monica and occasionally, Malibu (fun for seafood, drinks and sunset photos), this trip was mostly focused on “fun-in-the-sun” and a whole lotta luxury R&R in Beverly Hills.
Beverly Hills Food Guide
(and Beyond…)
Let’s take a look at our some of favorites, from lunch and brunch to cafe and dinner. From romantic and trendy to more classic, historical and just plain yummy. Let’s start at the Montage, shall we?
Romantic Ambiance @ Georgie
One of our favorite dining experiences in Beverly Hills was the romantic outdoor patio of Georgie, an upscale restaurant attached to the Montage Beverly Hills, the five star property just a stone’s throw from Rodeo Drive and where we stayed for a few days of our trip.
This place has so much charm, you’ll feel transported to somewhere in southern Europe just for an hour or two. The patio is oh so romantic for dinner and once you check in with Sommelier Oscar Chinchilla, fabulous wine will be pouring and you’ll be in pure heaven.
Behind the culinary magic is Food Network Chef Geoffrey Zakarian and Executive Chef Wilfrid Hocquet, so the dishes will keep you in heaven while you sip and taste all night long.
Corn Soup, which they serve with corn waffles and a goat cheese mousse @Georgie
Pate en Croute with Peach Compote, Pickles and Jus Vinaigrette which pairs well with the Pascal Jolivet Sancerre from Loire Valley
Details: Georgie Restaurant website @ the Montage
History & Culture @ the Polo Lounge (Beverly Hills Hotel)
We LOVE this classic and traditional spot which has been around for so long, my earliest memory of the Polo Lounge was as a child when we visited my grandparent’s friends in the 1970’s. Yes, really!
This is a must for our Beverly Hills Food Guide. The Polo Lounge is nestled in a lovely courtyard at the renowned and historical Beverly Hills Hotel.
The outdoor veranda is not just romantic and chic but it’s one of the best spots for people watching if you want to catch a glimpse of some oldies but goodies.
While there are certainly more modern hot spots for millennial celeb spotting in Beverly Hills, the Polo Lounge is one of those gems where you may just run into some of the earlier classics of our time, from actors and musicians to sports figures and everyone in between.
The Lobster Nicoise salad at the Polo Lounge
Details: Its website has a ton of information on its past with photos.
French & Romantic @ Estérel
Located in the Sofitel, this oh so trendy chic restaurant has both outdoor dining (we love their romantic patio) and indoor, with live jazz music playing some nights of the week. French at its core, the dishes at Estérel are influenced by French cuisine as is the wine and ambiance.
Le Jardin at Estérel, designed as a French garden patio, has fabulous lighting and fountains throughout, a Provençal inspired herb garden, colorful seating ideal for alfresco afternoon and evening dining, and an expansive driftwood bar. They also have a flowered trellis that sits over a table for two within the Le Jardin.
We loved our experience, and the food was scrumptious, from their lovely Mussels Cataplana (below) and Tuna Tartar to their roasted baby beet salad, Salmon Poke and their Seared Salmon entree. Two thumbs up! Be sure to read our review on Estérel, which we did during their Sofitel Wine Days in early October.
Details: Head on over to their website for the latest and their menu.
Local & Chic @ A.O.C
This trendy local spot came highly recommended from our concierge at The Montage who says it’s a favorite brunch hangout for locals , especially on the weekends. With all the high fives we got, we decided to put A.O.C on our Beverly Hills Food Guide.
After opening critically acclaimed Lucques in 1998, the duo of 3 time James Beard Award winning chef Suzanne Goin (Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America 2017, Outstanding Chef 2016, Best Chefs in America 2006, Cooking from a Professional point of view 2006) and award winning, James Beard nominee sommelier/restaurateur Caroline Styne opened A.O.C., which is most known for its indulgent list of wine by the glass with fabulous small plates.
Outside of A.O.C. Wine Bar (photo courtesy credit of A.O.C)
Wine Pairing at lunch is the best, photo credit: A.O.C.
Details: Located on West 3rd Street, more on their site.
Lunch @ Il Pistao
Simply put, Il Pistao is just a fun restaurant for lunch regardless of whether you’re an Italian food lover or not. It is a known and respected upscale Italian restaurant owned by renowned chef Giacomino Drago, with a patio and celeb clientele.
For 20 years, Il Pastaio has served as a go to spot to be seen by celebrities. Think homemade pastas, traditional risottos, salads with Italian staples like artichokes, lentils and aged Parmesean, and entrees, including whole Branzino prepared simply with lemon, butter and capers. Il Pastaio is just one of Giacomino’s nine restaurants, all of which are situated in Beverly Hills and other parts of Los Angeles.
Photos credit of Il Pastaio.
Details: Their website is also fun and has some great photos as well.
Iconic Drinks & Eats @ Spago
Spago has been around forever and it’s a great people watching spot in the heart of Beverly Hills. If you want unique and intimate, it may not be your thing, but if you want to eye trendy fashion and feel chic while hanging out, Spago is a great choice. And, the food is great.
Deliciousness at its best, photo courtesy of Spago.
Dining outdoors at Spago, photo credit: Spago.
Details: The Spago website has lots of useful information on their history too.
Italian Yumminess @ Cecconi’s
I’d be remiss if I didn’t include a favorite Italian restaurant on our Beverly Hills Food Guide, and this one comes highly recommended by several I spoke to during our week long stay. That said, for those who are Los Angeles foodie experts, they’ll remind me surely that its address, like Craig’s, is in West Hollywood.
We still argue that it is so close that if you’re staying in Beverly Hills, it’s a great must visit for your dinner list.
Cecconi’s is an elegant, chic, retro Roman setting with outdoor seating for Venetian-style Italian cuisine. They actually serve breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as brunches on the weekends. Think hand-made pasta, seafood and dishes from Italy so if you love Italian cuisine, this is a great choice.
In addition to the flagship restaurant in Mayfair, London, Cecconi’s has outposts in Miami, Istanbul, Berlin, Barcelona and DUMBO, New York.
Pizza at Cecconi’s, photo courtesy of Cecconi’s.
In the kitchen at Cecconi’s, photo courtesy: Cecconi’s.
Details: More details on their website.
Classic & Epic @ The Ivy
I’ve been to The Ivy several times and like Spago, it’s been around for years. While it’s established and certainly not new to the LA scene, it remains a staple favorite by many. I love the outdoor patio area and could hang out here for hours in the afternoon sipping a nice cold Chardonnay when the sun is shining and the stories are flowing.
I used to pick this spot to meet a girlfriend for lunch when in the area and we always love it for its great combination of fun ambiance, great food and people watching, all of which The Ivy still has in spades.
Because of the consistent great times I’ve had here over the years, I’d be remiss if I didn’t include it as a top pick in our Beverly Hills Food Guide (okay, and beyond….). Bottom line, I love this stylish and buzzy place. And, it’s so dang colorful, you’ll be happy when you arrive and absolutely love your experience.
Inside the Ivy – whoah, look at those fun colors. Credit: The Ivy Restaurants.
Pasta at The Ivy, courtesy of The Ivy Restaurants.
Details: Located along North Robertson Boulevard in LA, check out their site for more details and other locations.
Decadent Pastries & Macarons @ Laduree
Laduree is a new pastry shop and cafe in the heart of trendy Beverly Hills. Talk about a great spot to go for lunch with a girlfriend? It’s a bit pink and a bit Alice in Wonderland in many ways, so maybe not the ideal spot for a “manly” lunch but if you’re a pastry lover and are a fan of all things French, you’ll find it fascinating regardless.
Simply put, Laduree so adorable and so fun, it’s a must visit regardless of your style and taste. And, the food is fabulous as are the macarons and they certainly have plenty to choose from — so many, you’ll have a hard time selecting one or two.
BTW, also be sure to try their Chocolat Viennois served with Chantilly cream and if you’re there on a weekend, go for a Mimosa at brunch. They also have a lovely Bel Air offering, which is Champagne and passion fruit. We’d never leave this fabulous cafe off our Beverly Hills Food Guide.
Pistachio at its best
Details: Our pals over at Beverly Hills tourism has a great summary of them.
Classy & Intimate Dining @ Craig
Craig is a classy and romantic spot for a special evening out, one where you don’t want the noise, the people watching energy or the bustle of a crowd. Think meatloaf and rib-eye steak in a hip but intimate setting, where at some juncture, you’re likely to see a celebrity.
This darkly lit, small and intimate spot only has a small number of tables but they do have booths, so its still lovely as a small group. Chef Kursten Kizer creates classic American fare, from upscale comfort food to vegan specialties.
Craig’s restaurant also caters lunches, private dinners, corporate events and noteworthy galas. We put it on our Beverly Hills Food Guide because a concierge at 5 star property Montage and two other waiters at chic restaurants suggested it.
Inside Craigs, credit from Pinterest
Craigs social media feed, courtesy Craig’s website
Details: Their website has more info on their menu and catering options.
Urban & Chic @ Citizen
We had dinner at Citizen on our second night in Beverly Hills, so were trying to stay low on heavier dishes given the long road to foodie heaven ahead of us. Because of that, we opted for some of their lighter dishes like Salmon and Halibut, which were perfectly prepared.
The ambiance here is fun and you can sit on the patio facing the street at night (a fun choice if the weather is great) or inside in one of their trendy bar facing booths.
Despite our eagerness to keep things light, our waiter (and the manager) insisted we try their classic Banana Split sundae, which they are known for and so, we did.
It’s a great dessert share, particularly if you dine here as a family or with another couple. Two thumbs up to executive chef Seth Greenburg and his team. The service was out of this world as well as was the incredible wine selection. Be sure to read our review on this Beverly Hills foodie gem. Citizen was a must choice for our Beverly Hills Food Guide.
Ahi Tuna and Avocado with Fingerlime and Mustard frills
Local Halibut with sunchokes, black butter and shaved asparagus
Details: Head on over to the website of the ever so trendy Citizen Beverly Hills.
So, what do you think of our Beverly Hills Food Guide? What are some of your favorites and of the ones we listed, what are your favorite memories? Leave them in the comments below!
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Other Great Foodie Guides:
- We Blog the World’s Foodie Guide Section
- Top 5 Foodie Picks for Hollywood California
- Culture and Food in Greece’s Crete
- Your Aruba Food Guide
- Foodie Guide to Miami
- Where to Drink Wine in Los Angeles
- Dining in America’s Most Historical Buildings
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Note: we were hosted by some of the establishments on this list, but all opinions expressed are entirely our own. No one told us to write this or paid for it – we decided entirely at our own free will which restaurants made the cut.
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
