Enclosed by the glittering metropolis of Los Angeles and the palm tree-fringed streets of West Hollywood is Beverly Hills. This star-studded city simply must be added to your itinerary if you intend on visiting Los Angeles, California. But before you book your room at the Beverly Hills hotel on a site like Expedia, let us help plan your visit with 10 Food Stops for the Soul.
Dine Like the Rich and Famous
Arguably one of the world’s most famous cities, Beverly Hills is a place to catch sight of celebrities, record your dream explainer video, peruse designer garments on Rodeo Drive, or see prehistoric fossils at La Brea Tar Pits. But let’s not forget about the food.
Home to some 30,000 residents, this opulent area in the “City of Angels” boasts an exceptional selection of restaurants.Once upon a time, the landscape was primarily a Spanish ranch on which lima beans thrived. Nowadays, the land is home to the world’s first ever Cheesecake Factory and a 24-hour Cupcake ATM! That’s without even mentioning the gastronomical paradises where melt-in-your-mouth fusion cuisine, California-style pizza and Oceanian-influenced fare is whipped up by award-winning chefs in front of hungry guests!
From Italian eateries with picturesque patio seating to upscale establishments that dish up traditional American eats, the following 10 Beverly Hills food stops will satisfy your inner foodie:
- Nate ’n Al – Tradition is what keeps this business alive. A favorite among food connoisseurs and celebrities alike, Nate ’n Al specializes in deli dishes. If you are a fan of big portions, you won’t be disappointed. It all began in 1945 when two young entrepreneurs (Nate Rimer and Al Mendelson) decided to launch a restaurant that encouraged good conversation in a casual setting. The menu features a compilation of fresh recipes, including the Assorted Fish Plate with cod and whitefish, the Breakfast Burrito with fresh salsa and cilantro, and the Corned Beef Reuben Sandwich, which has been dubbed the “Best Reuben in Los Angeles”.
- The Roof Garden – Concealed inside the high-class Beverly Hills hotel, Peninsula Beverly Hills, is an eye-catching food stop called The Roof Garden, which offers guests a taste of gluten-free and vegetarian fare cooked by Executive Chef David Codney. Popular dinner dishes include Lemon-Braised Hearts of Palm Salad, Tempeh Quinoa Burger and Alaskan Halibut. Even on chilly evenings, guests can warm up near the Firepit and stargaze – dreamy.
- Spago – Spago has you covered if you want to be wined and dined in a sophisticated atmosphere. The chic bistro presents hungry customers with a mouthwatering combination of authentic Californian cuisine prepared by acclaimed celebrity chef, Wolfgang Puck. You might want to book a table in advance, but it will be worth it when you step inside the dramatically-designed bistro on Canon Drive. Part of the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group, Spago underwent a major style overhaul by Waldo’s Designs in 2012. Seasonal fare like Malaysian Style Chicken Wings and Spicy Tuna Tartare is created using locally-sourced produce. Fine dining options are available, as well as private dining.
- Gracias Madre – Vegetarians, vegans and pescatarians will adore this meat-free Mexican eatery. Organic produce is grown by area farmers and transformed into delectable delights by Chef Chandra Gilbert. Tempting dishes like the Aged Truffle Cheese Plate, Grilled Tofu with Coconut Rice and the Black Bean Burgers with chipotle aioli can be washed down with a shot of tequila or a Mexican-style cocktail.
- Polo Lounge – Housed inside a trendy Beverly Hills hotel, this dining lounge is proudly positioned on Sunset Boulevard. Every Sunday, a jazz brunch takes place. Throughout the week, Californian fare is whipped up by talented chefs for food lovers who are lucky enough to dine amidst floral beauty on a palm tree-fringed patio. A premier dining spot, the Polo Lounge is undoubtedly one of the most scenic outdoor eateries in Beverly Hills. Try the Lobster Avocado Toast or Spice Crusted Wild Salmon as you bask in the relaxed ambience and tap your toes to soothing music. Breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner options are available.
- The Ivy – Well-known as a celebrity hotspot, the Ivy Restaurant boasts two prime locations – one in Los Angeles and another near Santa Monica waterfront. Couples favor this spot for its romantic ambience. You’ll feel the love as you bask in the alluring atmosphere, which merges a floral-embellished terrace in a cottage-style setting. When feasting on Italian, American and regional fare at The Ivy, you’ll probably catch sight of paparazzi snapping famous faces! Try the Primavera Omelette for brunch or the Santa Barbara Crab Cake Benedict with Herbal Hollandaise for lunch/dinner.
- Sugarfish by Sushi Nozawa – This culinary hotspot boasts various locations around Los Angeles. Traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients are used to prepare the unique style of sushi dishes featured on the menu, all of which are deliciously created by the talented Chef Nozawa. Fish is sourced from the best fish surveyors around the world. Don’t forget to add extra gusto to your meal with a drizzle of soy sauce or ponzu!
- The Bazaar – Spanish specialties, retro interior design and dazzling chandeliers make this modern eatery a must-visit. Pull up a seat at the Bar Centro counter, where you can engage in conversation with fellow foodies. Meanwhile, culinary professionals will be whipping up a storm in the kitchen. Best of all, every single dish, such as Siberian Sturgeon Caviar, Grilled Spanish Octopus and paella-style Rossejat’ Negra is prepared from scratch using the freshest produce, vegetables, fruits and herbs, so you can leave feeling satisfied and nourished!
- The Blvd – Stroll along Rodeo Drive and you will come across The Blvd – a restaurant with an inviting atmosphere that lends itself to events and group gatherings. Private dining is available and the dining room seats 144 people. Make a reservation or walk straight into The Blvd to enjoy live music Thursday through Saturday while filling up on the Serrano and Fig Sandwich or Falafel Croquettes.
- Catch LA – Last, but not least, is Catch LA. Vegetarian friendly with vegan and gluten-free options on the menu, this seafood restaurant is a highly-ranked food spot. Dine on the 340-seat rooftop and chow down on Truffle Sashimi, sip a Maine Lobster Cocktail or knock back a tequila watermelon-flavored Oyster Shooter from the Raw Bar. A customer favorite is the Seafood Tower, which is a combination of clams, mussels, shrimp, oysters, lobster and many more types of Omega 3-rich seafood.
You may consider attending one of the annual food tasting events in Beverly Hills, such as the Beverly Hills Food & Wine Festival. Food tours also present visitors with an opportunity to please their palates and get an authentic taste of the gastronomic panorama this affluent city has to offer.
