There’s no denying the glitz of Beverly Hills. The Los Angeles neighborhood is home to everything from Rolls Royces on most street corners and high-end shops to gigantic mansions. But it’s also home to some stellar bars and restaurants that offer a taste of the place without necessarily damaging your bank account.
Sure, wander through Rodeo Drive and see how many celebrities you can spot. But don’t depart without getting in a few fine dining experiences. Here’s where to eat and drink in Beverly Hills.
Culina
At Culina, you get equal parts Golden State and European fare. The excellent California-meets-Mediterranean cuisine incorporates fresh produce and seafood and does not shy away in the presentation department. On a recent visit, I devoured the scallop crudo with yuzu and coconut cream and the spring risotto with leek and crispy artichoke. The pizza is wonderful, and the house-made pastas are magnificent. For a filling option, try the beef tagliata, served with celery root pave and chanterelles. The weather is likely to be good, so get a seat on the patio, with views of the pizza oven and a soothing corner garden fit with a fountain.
Spago
Wolfgang Puck’s high-end flagship establishment is an ever-popular spot in Beverly Hills. It’s not as expensive as you might think, especially if you navigate the menu smartly. Plus, it’s cool to get a taste of the kind of platings that brought Puck celebrity status fame. Spago offerings are split into sections called innovation and tradition. From the former, opt for the Dutch white asparagus with sour orange gel or the poached hen egg. From the latter, look out for pastas like seaweed farfalle or fish dishes like Singaporean style black pepper branzino.
Funke
This relatively new spot specializes in rare Italian pastas and is the brainchild of chef Ben Funke. The architecture is as good as the food, and that’s saying something. You can watch the staff prepare noodles in the pasta lab, set behind 20-foot-tall glass walls. Elsewhere, there’s modernist decor and an airy, Mediterranean feel. Head up to the rooftop Bar Funke for al fresco dining and a great open-air bar. Funke is very much worth the hype. Every dish feels special, from the simple delights of well-made cacio e pepe to more involved options like pistachio pesto pasta and mezze maniche alla gricia.
Nozawa Bar
Japanese fare is the theme at this Michelin-recognized restaurant. Nozawa Bar deals in gorgeous sushi, mainly nigiri, sourcing both locally and from faraway waters. Think Santa Barbara uni (sea urchin), Baja bluefin, and scallops from Hokkaido. Everything is artfully prepared and full of detail. Executive chef Osamu Fujita’s passion and talents have fully rubbed off on the entire operation. Note, you’ll need a reservation.
Beverly Bar
Sometimes, a classic joint over delivers. That’s usually the case at Beverly Bar, known for its elevated bar menu. There’s a lot to like, from house cocktails to avocado hummus and deftly-made burgers. Locals love the daily happy hour and dinner items include salmon crudo, burrata and watermelon salad, and steak and truffle fries. There’s a decent wine list and some good mixology at play, as evidenced by drinks like Mr. Beverly’s Martini (made with yellow Chartreuse) and the Lavender Haze (bourbon, Cynar, lemon, house lavender syrup).
Nate ‘n Al’s
Nate ‘n Al’s is an iconic Jewish deli. It’s where you want to be for a good corned beef or pastrami sandwich, or matzo ball soup. Find a booth or chair and eat in house or take it to-go as you explore other parts of Beverly Hills. Whatever you do, show up hungry. You can do so for breakfast and get a bagel with the works or corned beef hash or go with proper soup and salad come lunch. The deli even does family style dinners and apple pan pies for dessert.
Soho House
The Soho House franchise extends into multiple cities these days but this one in West Hollywood stands out in that it offers some of the best views of the Hollywood Hills imaginable. The members-only spot is likely to house a celebrity or two on any given visit and the house cocktails are superb. Try a smash burger or tuna poke and wash it down with a pour from the respectable wine list. The place does get pretty noisy come nightfall, especially on weekends, so consider that if you’re looking for something more quaint.
The Club Bar
Go full Beverly Hills, even just for a drink or two, at The Club Bar. The luxe watering hole is part of The Peninsula resort and home to great cocktails and a highbrow scene. Obviously, order a classic like a Martini or Old Fashioned and take in the surroundings, like wood paneling made of California birch, amber lighting, and the crackle of a fireplace. It just might be the place for finally trying that top-shelf Scotch or rare vintage of wine. The place is known to attract the stars in and around awards season, aka the Grammys and Oscars.
Other things to do
Pool hopping is a fun pastime in Beverly Hills, especially given the glorious weather. Many pools are private but there are a fair number of public options too, including ones with bars and restaurants. The area is actually fairly walkable by LA standards and there are extremely well-manicured parks and sculpture gardens dotted throughout town. Check out the Greystone Mansion (iconic thanks to roles in films like The Big Lebowski and There Will Be Blood) or head up to the surrounding hills for some hiking and terrific city views. You could even pop over to Griffith Park, another L.A. fixture.
In terms of lodging, there are quite a few options but in terms of location and luxury, the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills might be the best splurge in the area. The stunning hotel features arresting views of the Hollywood Hills, a fantastic pool, and top-tier food. Go with the Doheny Suite and savor a wraparound balcony, immersive soaking tub, beautiful furniture, tons of natural light, and a walk-in closet.
We love to eat while we travel at The Manual. Check out our related material, like a Providence dining guide or a Eugene food guide.
