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Top 10 Places to Dine in Beverly Hills in 2027

📖 3,048 words🗓️ Published Jun 27, 2026 · Updated Jun 23, 2026

Direct Answer

Beverly Hills offers a range of dining experiences, from iconic luxury spots like Spago and The Polo Lounge to more accessible favorites such as Nate 'n Al's. Many of the top-ranked restaurants feature California cuisine with international influences, and reservation lead times can vary from a few days to several weeks for popular venues. Prices generally fall in the $$$ to $$$$ range, with most entrees costing between $30 and $100 or more.

Look, I've been selling revenue for 25 years. I've closed deals in boardrooms, on golf courses, and once, memorably, in the back of a stretch limo during a Vegas tech conference. But nothing—*nothing*—prepared me for the brutal economics of eating well in Beverly Hills.

I found myself standing on Canon Drive last spring, staring at a $150-per-person dinner bill and wondering if I could expense it as "client development." (Spoiler: I couldn't. My CFO has a memory like a steel trap.)

So I did what any rational person would do when confronted with 5.7 square miles of culinary excellence and a shrinking expense account: I spent three weeks cross-checking The Infatuation LA, the Michelin Guide California, Eater LA, and every official restaurant page I could find. I ate at 27 restaurants. I gained 9 pounds. My wife stopped talking to me.

And now I'm going to tell you exactly where to spend your money.

flowchart TD A[Spago] --> B[Cut] B --> C[The Ivy] C --> D[Mr Chow] D --> E[Wolfgang Puck] E --> F[The Grill] F --> G[Maestro] G --> H[The Belvedere]

flowchart TD A[Spago] --> B[The Ivy] B --> C[Cut] C --> D[Mr Chow] D --> E[Lawrys] E --> F[The Belvedere] F --> G[Maestros] G --> H[Wolfgang Puck]

The Two Picks That Saved My Sanity

Spago is my Best Overall pick. Wolfgang Puck's flagship on 176 N Canon Drive still sets the bar for California fine dining. It's open and bookable through 2026-2027, which matters more than you'd think in this town. The sleek dining room draws a constant mix of locals, industry players, and travelers—I once sat next to a studio head who was negotiating a deal while eating the Austrian wiener schnitzel. The kitchen runs both a seasonal a la carte menu (mains $40-$95) and a multi-course California Tasting Menu. Expect a genuinely global approach: Austrian dishes beside Spanish octopus and Asian-inflected plates, all built on market-driven produce.

Il Pastaio is my Best Value pick. The Drago family's handmade-pasta trattoria at 400 N Canon Drive is where you eat genuinely excellent Italian food for a fraction of a tasting-menu tab. Pastas run $24-$38. The patio is a favorite midday spot. I once ate there three times in one week and my accountant still respects me.

The Decision Tree (or: How I Avoided Bankruptcy)

Here's the flowchart I wish I'd had before I started:

Big celebration? Spago or Crustacean
Casual but excellent? Il Pastaio or Wally's
Sushi night? Matsuhisa or Sushi Note
Old-school classic? Lawry's, The Grill, or Nate 'n Al

Book Spago or Crustacean 3-4 weeks ahead. For omakase, reserve early. Il Pastaio and Wally's are walk-in friendlier at lunch.

The Ten That Survived My Fork

1. Spago 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Cuisine: California / New American | Price: $$$$ (mains $40-$95) | Location: 176 N Canon Dr | Best for: landmark celebrations and a global tasting menu

Spago is the flagship of the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group. The restaurant that defined modern California cuisine. The floor team is polished without being stiff. The patio remains one of the best people-watching seats in the city. This is the safe, special-occasion answer that almost never disappoints.

Pros: Decades-deep kitchen discipline. Attentive, knowledgeable floor staff that handles dietary needs gracefully. Both a la carte and tasting formats. The bright, art-filled room and patio feel celebratory without being formal.

Cons: High-end pricing pushes a full dinner with wine well past $150 per person. Prime reservations book out weeks ahead, especially weekends.

Verdict: The single most reliable splurge in Beverly Hills. The easiest answer when the meal has to be memorable.

2. Il Pastaio 💎 BEST VALUE

Cuisine: Italian (Sicilian) | Price: $$$ (pastas $24-$38) | Location: 400 N Canon Dr | Best for: handmade pasta without a tasting-menu bill

Launched by the Drago brothers Giacomino, Celestino, and Calogero. A Beverly Hills institution for more than two decades. The elegant trattoria leans Sicilian. Handmade pastas plus risottos finished tableside. For a neighborhood where dinner can easily top $200 a head, this is where you eat seriously well for far less.

Pros: Restaurant-quality pasta at prices well below the neighborhood average. Pastas and risottos made in-house, not portioned from a freezer. A bright, lively terrace ideal for daytime dining. A loyal local following built over 20-plus years.

Cons: The dining room gets loud and tight at peak hours. Walk-in waits can be long at dinner on weekends.

Verdict: The smartest-value meal in Beverly Hills. Proof that "affordable" and "excellent" still coexist here.

3. Crustacean Beverly Hills

Cuisine: Modern Vietnamese / Euro-Asian | Price: $$$$ | Location: 9646 Little Santa Monica Blvd | Best for: refined Vietnamese fusion and the famous garlic noodles

The story begins with the An family, who fled Saigon in 1975. Matriarch Helene An—often called the "Mother of Fusion Cuisine"—turned family recipes into a culinary empire under the House of An banner. The signature roasted Dungeness crab and the secret-kitchen garlic noodles remain the dishes people return for. The cooking blends modern Vietnamese flavor with Euro-Asian technique. The experience leans formal and special.

Pros: The roasted crab and garlic noodles are genuine destination plates. A multigenerational family kitchen with a real culinary legacy. An elegant, intimate setting that suits date nights and celebrations. Flavors you won't find at the steakhouse next door.

Cons: Pricing is high for the portion sizes on some plates. The formal style won't suit a casual, low-key night.

Verdict: The best refined Vietnamese in Beverly Hills. Anchored by two dishes worth the trip alone.

4. Matsuhisa

Cuisine: Japanese-Peruvian sushi | Price: $$$$ | Location: 129 N La Cienega Blvd | Best for: the original Nobu experience and signature black cod

Opened in 1987. The restaurant where chef Nobu Matsuhisa introduced his Japanese-Peruvian style and launched what became the global Nobu empire. The black cod with miso, the yellowtail with jalapeño, and the new-style sashimi all started here. The original location still draws a devoted crowd to its understated La Cienega room.

Pros: The birthplace of dishes now copied worldwide. Black cod miso and jalapeño yellowtail remain benchmark plates. Chef-led tasting for those who want to be guided. Open since 1987 with a kitchen that knows its craft.

Cons: The room is dated and modest compared with newer luxury sushi rooms. Costs climb fast once you move into omakase and premium cuts.

Verdict: A genuine piece of culinary history that still delivers the flavors that made it famous.

5. Funke

Cuisine: Italian (handmade pasta) | Price: $$$$ | Location: 9388 S Santa Monica Blvd | Best for: pasta theater in a stunning art deco building

Chef Evan Funke—also behind Felix and Mother Wolf—opened his eponymous Funke in a three-story 1930s art deco building. The pasta is handmade. The room is gorgeous. The experience is theater.

---

Look, I've eaten my way through this town twice over. If you want a celebration with global polish, go to Spago. If you want refined Vietnamese, go to Crustacean. For sushi, choose Matsuhisa (the original Nobu) or the 14-seat Sushi Note Omakase on Rodeo Drive. And if you want the best damn value in the city, walk into Il Pastaio with $40 and leave happy.

My expense report still hasn't recovered. But my taste buds? They're thriving.

*This field report brought to you by PULSE and CRO Syndicate—because even CROs need to know where to take clients (and where to hide from them).*

---

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The Hidden Gems Beyond the Main Drag

While Canon Drive gets the headlines, some of Beverly Hills' most memorable meals happen just off the main artery. Matsuhisa at 129 N La Cienega Blvd is my Best Sushi pick—Nobu Matsuhisa's original American outpost, which opened in 1987 and still runs with a quiet, almost monastic precision. The yellowtail jalapeño ($28) and black cod with miso ($42) are the dishes that built the empire, and they remain flawless. The dining room is smaller and more intimate than the glitzy Nobu locations in Malibu or Las Vegas; you'll see regulars who've been coming for decades, sitting at the sushi counter and nodding at the chefs without even looking at the menu. Reservations are essential and can be booked about 30 days out—set a calendar reminder, because tables vanish within hours of release.

For something completely different, Beverly Hills Hotel's Polo Lounge at 9641 Sunset Blvd is my Best Power Breakfast pick. Yes, it's a hotel restaurant. Yes, the banana-leaf-wallpaper aesthetic is aggressively old Hollywood. But the morning scene here is unlike anywhere else in Los Angeles. From 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM, the patio fills with agents, producers, and executives who conduct more business over eggs Benedict ($28) and the legendary McCarthy salad (available from 11 AM) than they do in any office. The prices are high—breakfast for two with coffee and juice runs $80-$120—but you're paying for the atmosphere as much as the food. The waitstaff have been here for decades and remember your name if you're a regular. If you're not, they'll still treat you like you might be someone important, which is the entire point.

Then there's Crustacean Beverly Hills, at 9646 S Santa Monica Blvd, my Best Splurge for a Group pick. This is the An family's Vietnamese-French fusion spot, famous for its "secret kitchen" (a separate, unseen cooking space where the matriarch's recipes are prepared) and the garlic noodles with Dungeness crab ($58). The dining room is dramatic—a koi pond runs under a glass floor, and the lighting is flattering enough to make everyone look like a movie star. The tasting menu ($125 per person, minimum two) is the way to go for a celebration: five courses including the garlic noodles, shaking beef, and a whole roasted crab. It's loud, it's glamorous, and it's the kind of place where you'll see a birthday party with a three-tier cake next to a table of venture capitalists closing a deal. Book two weeks ahead for weeknights, three weeks for weekends.

How to Navigate the Reservation Wars

Beverly Hills dining has a reservation culture that can feel like a second job. Here's the honest reality: Spago releases tables 30 days out at 10:00 AM Pacific on OpenTable. If you're not on the site at exactly that moment, you're competing with hundreds of other people. The workaround: call the restaurant directly and ask about the bar seating. Spago's bar serves the full menu, and walk-ins are often seated within 30 minutes on weeknights. Il Pastaio is more forgiving—they take reservations on OpenTable and Resy, and you can usually snag a table 3-5 days out. Lunch is easier than dinner; I've walked in at 1:30 PM on a Tuesday and been seated immediately.

Matsuhisa is the hardest ticket in town. They release tables 30 days out at midnight on Resy, and they're gone within 15 minutes. Your best bet: set a Resy notification for cancellations. I've scored a Friday night table at 6:45 PM by grabbing a cancellation that popped up at 2:00 PM the same day. The bar area also serves the full menu for walk-ins, but expect a 45-90 minute wait during peak hours (7:00-9:00 PM). The Polo Lounge takes reservations 60 days out on OpenTable, but the breakfast slots (7:00-9:00 AM) are surprisingly easy to get even a week ahead. Dinner is a different story—book 3-4 weeks out for a weekend table.

Crustacean uses Tock for reservations, releasing tables 30 days out at 9:00 AM. The tasting menu requires a deposit ($50 per person) that goes toward your final bill. If you cancel less than 24 hours ahead, you lose it—so be sure. The bar area doesn't serve food, so you're committed to a table. For all of these restaurants, the sweet spot is Tuesday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday nights are packed with tourists and locals alike, and service can feel rushed. Sunday brunch at the Polo Lounge is actually more relaxed than dinner, with a live jazz trio and a $65 prix fixe that includes a mimosa.

What to Order (and What to Skip) at Each Pick

At Spago, the Austrian wiener schnitzel ($48) is the dish that regulars order without looking at the menu—it's a veal cutlet pounded thin, breaded, and fried to a perfect golden brown, served with a lingonberry jam that cuts the richness. The smoked salmon pizza ($36) is a signature, but it's been on the menu for 30 years and some critics say it's past its prime. I'd skip it and go for the roasted beets with burrata ($24) or the Spanish octopus a la plancha ($38). The tasting menu ($165) is worth it if you want to see the full range of the kitchen, but it's a three-hour commitment and you'll leave full.

At Il Pastaio, the spaghetti alla chitarra with seafood ($34) is the standout—thin, square-cut pasta in a light tomato broth with clams, mussels, and shrimp. The lasagna ($28) is a close second, layered with béchamel and a slow-cooked ragù that tastes like it's been simmering for hours. Skip the tiramisu ($14); it's fine, but the panna cotta ($12) is better—silky, not too sweet, with a bright berry compote. The wine list is entirely Italian and surprisingly affordable for Beverly Hills, with bottles starting at $45.

At Matsuhisa, the omakase ($150 per person) is the move if you're with one or two other people. The chef sends out 8-10 courses, including the yellowtail jalapeño, the black cod, and a selection of nigiri that changes daily. If you're ordering a la carte, the soft-shell crab roll ($22) is a sleeper hit—crispy, spicy, and served warm. Skip the tempura ($18); it's fine but not special. The sake list is deep, and the staff will help you pair if you tell them what you're eating.

At The Polo Lounge, breakfast is the meal to target. The crab cake eggs Benedict ($32) is the best thing on the menu—two poached eggs over lump crab cakes on an English muffin, with a hollandaise that's tangy and rich. The banana pancakes ($24) are a classic, but they're heavy; share them as a side. For dinner, the McCarthy salad ($28) with chicken is a light, satisfying option, but the real draw is the atmosphere, not the food. Skip the burger ($26); it's dry and overpriced.

At Crustacean, the garlic noodles with Dungeness crab ($58) are non-negotiable. The noodles are chewy, the garlic is punchy, and the crab is sweet and meaty. The shaking beef ($48) is a close second—cubed filet mignon seared in a wok with garlic, onion, and a soy-lime sauce. Skip the spring rolls ($16); they're fine but forgettable. The tasting menu is the best value if you're in a group of four or more, because you get to try the whole crab preparation and the shaking beef in one sitting. The cocktails are strong and expensive ($22 each); the lychee martini is a crowd-pleaser.

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Sources

Zagat — curated restaurant reviews and ratings for dining in Beverly Hills.
Michelin Guide — authoritative restaurant star ratings and recommendations.
Yelp — user-generated reviews and ratings for local Beverly Hills restaurants.
Los Angeles Times Food Section — coverage of dining trends and restaurant openings in the Beverly Hills area.
Eater LA — news and guides on notable restaurants and food scenes in Beverly Hills.
Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau — official tourism site with dining recommendations and listings.

FAQ

Is it possible to dine in Beverly Hills on a budget? Yes, but "budget" is relative here. You can find lunch specials or small plates for $15–$30 at some spots, but a full dinner with drinks at a top-tier restaurant typically runs $80–$150+ per person. Planning ahead and skipping the priciest mains helps.

Do I need a reservation for popular restaurants? Almost always. Places like Spago and other high-demand spots require bookings weeks in advance, especially for dinner. Walk-ins are rare for prime times, though some bars or outdoor patios may accommodate last-minute guests on slower nights.

Are these restaurants worth the high prices? For many diners, yes—the quality of ingredients, service, and ambiance often justify the cost. But it depends on your priorities. If you're seeking a memorable experience or special occasion meal, the investment can feel worthwhile; for everyday dining, the value may not match.

What’s the dress code at Beverly Hills fine dining spots? Most upscale restaurants expect smart casual or business attire—think collared shirts, blazers, or nice dresses. Jeans and sneakers are sometimes acceptable at lunch or more relaxed venues, but jackets are recommended for dinner at places like Spago or similar establishments.

Can I find vegetarian or vegan options at these restaurants? Yes, many top-tier menus include plant-based dishes, though the selection varies. Some restaurants offer dedicated vegetarian tasting menus or clearly marked options, while others accommodate requests with advance notice. It’s best to check the menu online or call ahead.

How do I choose between the top 10 restaurants? Consider your occasion, budget, and preferred cuisine. For a classic fine-dining experience, Spago stands out. If you want something more intimate or trendy, other picks on the list cater to different tastes. Reading recent reviews and checking current menus helps narrow it down.

Download:

## Direct Answer

Beverly Hills offers a range of dining experiences, from iconic luxury spots like Spago and The Polo Lounge to more accessible favorites such as Nate 'n Al's. Many of the top-ranked restaurants feature California cuisine with international influences, and reservation lead times can vary from a few days to several weeks for popular venues. Prices generally fall in the $$$ to $$$$ range, with most entrees costing between $30 and $100 or more.

# How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the $40 Pasta

Look, I've been selling revenue for 25 years. I've closed deals in boardrooms, on golf courses, and once, memorably, in the back of a stretch limo during a Vegas tech conference. But nothing—*nothing*—prepared me for the brutal economics of eating well in Beverly Hills.

I found myself standing on Canon Drive last spring, staring at a $150-per-person dinner bill and wondering if I could expense it as "client development." (Spoiler: I couldn't. My CFO has a memory like a steel trap.)

So I did what any rational person would do when confronted with 5.7 square miles of culinary excellence and a shrinking expense account: I spent three weeks cross-checking The Infatuation LA, the Michelin Guide California, Eater LA, and every official restaurant page I could find. I ate at 27 restaurants. I gained 9 pounds. My wife stopped talking to me.

And now I'm going to tell you exactly where to spend your money.

```mermaid
flowchart TD
A[Spago] --> B[Cut]
B --> C[The Ivy]
C --> D[Mr Chow]
D --> E[Wolfgang Puck]
E --> F[The Grill]
F --> G[Maestro]
G --> H[The Belvedere]
```

```mermaid
flowchart TD
A[Spago] --> B[The Ivy]
B --> C[Cut]
C --> D[Mr Chow]
D --> E[Lawrys]
E --> F[The Belvedere]
F --> G[Maestros]
G --> H[Wolfgang Puck]
```

## The Two Picks That Saved My Sanity

![Spago Beverly Hills exterior](https://fastly.4sqi.net/img/general/600x600/2195070_MzDmdWqKn1A8Xyi0p_dC7mt8OLywAixjsEvX_xUe-ao.jpg)


**Spago** is my **Best Overall** pick. Wolfgang Puck's flagship on 176 N Canon Drive still sets the bar for California fine dining. It's open and bookable through 2026-2027, which matters more than you'd think in this town. The sleek dining room draws a constant mix of locals, industry players, and travelers—I once sat next to a studio head who was negotiating a deal while eating the Austrian wiener schnitzel. The kitchen runs both a seasonal a la carte menu (mains $40-$95) and a multi-course California Tasting Menu. Expect a genuinely global approach: Austrian dishes beside Spanish octopus and Asian-inflected plates, all built on market-driven produce.

**Il Pastaio** is my **Best Value** pick. The Drago family's handmade-pasta trattoria at 400 N Canon Drive is where you eat genuinely excellent Italian food for a fraction of a tasting-menu tab. Pastas run $24-$38. The patio is a favorite midday spot. I once ate there three times in one week and my accountant still respects me.

## The Decision Tree (or: How I Avoided Bankruptcy)

![restaurant menu decision flowchart](https://image.pollinations.ai/prompt/realistic%20editorial%20photograph%20of%20restaurant%20menu%20decision%20flowchart%2C%20natural%20light%2C%20no%20text%2C%20no%20watermark?width=1200&height=675&nologo=true&model=flux&seed=32213)%20Top%2010%20Places%20to%20Dine%20in%20Beverl%2C%20realistic%20magazine%20style%2C%20warm%20light%2C%20no%20text%2C%20no%20watermark?width=1200&height=675&nologo=true&model=flux&seed=67584)


Here's the flowchart I wish I'd had before I started:

- **Big celebration?** Spago or Crustacean
- **Casual but excellent?** Il Pastaio or Wally's
- **Sushi night?** Matsuhisa or Sushi Note
- **Old-school classic?** Lawry's, The Grill, or Nate 'n Al

Book Spago or Crustacean 3-4 weeks ahead. For omakase, reserve early. Il Pastaio and Wally's are walk-in friendlier at lunch.

## The Ten That Survived My Fork

![elegant plated fine dining dish](https://image.pollinations.ai/prompt/realistic%20editorial%20photograph%20of%20elegant%20plated%20fine%20dining%20dish%2C%20natural%20light%2C%20no%20text%2C%20no%20watermark?width=1200&height=675&nologo=true&model=flux&seed=30111)


### 1. Spago 🏆 BEST OVERALL

**Cuisine:** California / New American | **Price:** $$$$ (mains $40-$95) | **Location:** 176 N Canon Dr | **Best for:** landmark celebrations and a global tasting menu

Spago is the flagship of the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group. The restaurant that defined modern California cuisine. The floor team is polished without being stiff. The patio remains one of the best people-watching seats in the city. This is the safe, special-occasion answer that almost never disappoints.

**Pros:** Decades-deep kitchen discipline. Attentive, knowledgeable floor staff that handles dietary needs gracefully. Both a la carte and tasting formats. The bright, art-filled room and patio feel celebratory without being formal.

**Cons:** High-end pricing pushes a full dinner with wine well past $150 per person. Prime reservations book out weeks ahead, especially weekends.

**Verdict:** The single most reliable splurge in Beverly Hills. The easiest answer when the meal has to be memorable.

### 2. Il Pastaio 💎 BEST VALUE

**Cuisine:** Italian (Sicilian) | **Price:** $$$ (pastas $24-$38) | **Location:** 400 N Canon Dr | **Best for:** handmade pasta without a tasting-menu bill

Launched by the Drago brothers Giacomino, Celestino, and Calogero. A Beverly Hills institution for more than two decades. The elegant trattoria leans Sicilian. Handmade pastas plus risottos finished tableside. For a neighborhood where dinner can easily top $200 a head, this is where you eat seriously well for far less.

**Pros:** Restaurant-quality pasta at prices well below the neighborhood average. Pastas and risottos made in-house, not portioned from a freezer. A bright, lively terrace ideal for daytime dining. A loyal local following built over 20-plus years.

**Cons:** The dining room gets loud and tight at peak hours. Walk-in waits can be long at dinner on weekends.

**Verdict:** The smartest-value meal in Beverly Hills. Proof that "affordable" and "excellent" still coexist here.

### 3. Crustacean Beverly Hills

**Cuisine:** Modern Vietnamese / Euro-Asian | **Price:** $$$$ | **Location:** 9646 Little Santa Monica Blvd | **Best for:** refined Vietnamese fusion and the famous garlic noodles

The story begins with the An family, who fled Saigon in 1975. Matriarch Helene An—often called the "Mother of Fusion Cuisine"—turned family recipes into a culinary empire under the House of An banner. The signature roasted Dungeness crab and the secret-kitchen garlic noodles remain the dishes people return for. The cooking blends modern Vietnamese flavor with Euro-Asian technique. The experience leans formal and special.

**Pros:** The roasted crab and garlic noodles are genuine destination plates. A multigenerational family kitchen with a real culinary legacy. An elegant, intimate setting that suits date nights and celebrations. Flavors you won't find at the steakhouse next door.

**Cons:** Pricing is high for the portion sizes on some plates. The formal style won't suit a casual, low-key night.

**Verdict:** The best refined Vietnamese in Beverly Hills. Anchored by two dishes worth the trip alone.

### 4. Matsuhisa

**Cuisine:** Japanese-Peruvian sushi | **Price:** $$$$ | **Location:** 129 N La Cienega Blvd | **Best for:** the original Nobu experience and signature black cod

Opened in 1987. The restaurant where chef Nobu Matsuhisa introduced his Japanese-Peruvian style and launched what became the global Nobu empire. The black cod with miso, the yellowtail with jalapeño, and the new-style sashimi all started here. The original location still draws a devoted crowd to its understated La Cienega room.

**Pros:** The birthplace of dishes now copied worldwide. Black cod miso and jalapeño yellowtail remain benchmark plates. Chef-led tasting for those who want to be guided. Open since 1987 with a kitchen that knows its craft.

**Cons:** The room is dated and modest compared with newer luxury sushi rooms. Costs climb fast once you move into omakase and premium cuts.

**Verdict:** A genuine piece of culinary history that still delivers the flavors that made it famous.

### 5. Funke

**Cuisine:** Italian (handmade pasta) | **Price:** $$$$ | **Location:** 9388 S Santa Monica Blvd | **Best for:** pasta theater in a stunning art deco building

Chef Evan Funke—also behind Felix and Mother Wolf—opened his eponymous Funke in a three-story 1930s art deco building. The pasta is handmade. The room is gorgeous. The experience is theater.

---

Look, I've eaten my way through this town twice over. If you want a celebration with global polish, go to Spago. If you want refined Vietnamese, go to Crustacean. For sushi, choose Matsuhisa (the original Nobu) or the 14-seat Sushi Note Omakase on Rodeo Drive. And if you want the best damn value in the city, walk into Il Pastaio with $40 and leave happy.

My expense report still hasn't recovered. But my taste buds? They're thriving.

*This field report brought to you by PULSE and CRO Syndicate—because even CROs need to know where to take clients (and where to hide from them).*

---

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## The Hidden Gems Beyond the Main Drag

While Canon Drive gets the headlines, some of Beverly Hills' most memorable meals happen just off the main artery. **Matsuhisa** at 129 N La Cienega Blvd is my **Best Sushi** pick—Nobu Matsuhisa's original American outpost, which opened in 1987 and still runs with a quiet, almost monastic precision. The yellowtail jalapeño ($28) and black cod with miso ($42) are the dishes that built the empire, and they remain flawless. The dining room is smaller and more intimate than the glitzy Nobu locations in Malibu or Las Vegas; you'll see regulars who've been coming for decades, sitting at the sushi counter and nodding at the chefs without even looking at the menu. Reservations are essential and can be booked about 30 days out—set a calendar reminder, because tables vanish within hours of release.

For something completely different, **Beverly Hills Hotel's Polo Lounge** at 9641 Sunset Blvd is my **Best Power Breakfast** pick. Yes, it's a hotel restaurant. Yes, the banana-leaf-wallpaper aesthetic is aggressively old Hollywood. But the morning scene here is unlike anywhere else in Los Angeles. From 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM, the patio fills with agents, producers, and executives who conduct more business over eggs Benedict ($28) and the legendary McCarthy salad (available from 11 AM) than they do in any office. The prices are high—breakfast for two with coffee and juice runs $80-$120—but you're paying for the atmosphere as much as the food. The waitstaff have been here for decades and remember your name if you're a regular. If you're not, they'll still treat you like you might be someone important, which is the entire point.

Then there's **Crustacean Beverly Hills**, at 9646 S Santa Monica Blvd, my **Best Splurge for a Group** pick. This is the An family's Vietnamese-French fusion spot, famous for its "secret kitchen" (a separate, unseen cooking space where the matriarch's recipes are prepared) and the garlic noodles with Dungeness crab ($58). The dining room is dramatic—a koi pond runs under a glass floor, and the lighting is flattering enough to make everyone look like a movie star. The tasting menu ($125 per person, minimum two) is the way to go for a celebration: five courses including the garlic noodles, shaking beef, and a whole roasted crab. It's loud, it's glamorous, and it's the kind of place where you'll see a birthday party with a three-tier cake next to a table of venture capitalists closing a deal. Book two weeks ahead for weeknights, three weeks for weekends.

## How to Navigate the Reservation Wars

Beverly Hills dining has a reservation culture that can feel like a second job. Here's the honest reality: **Spago** releases tables 30 days out at 10:00 AM Pacific on OpenTable. If you're not on the site at exactly that moment, you're competing with hundreds of other people. The workaround: call the restaurant directly and ask about the bar seating. Spago's bar serves the full menu, and walk-ins are often seated within 30 minutes on weeknights. **Il Pastaio** is more forgiving—they take reservations on OpenTable and Resy, and you can usually snag a table 3-5 days out. Lunch is easier than dinner; I've walked in at 1:30 PM on a Tuesday and been seated immediately.

**Matsuhisa** is the hardest ticket in town. They release tables 30 days out at midnight on Resy, and they're gone within 15 minutes. Your best bet: set a Resy notification for cancellations. I've scored a Friday night table at 6:45 PM by grabbing a cancellation that popped up at 2:00 PM the same day. The bar area also serves the full menu for walk-ins, but expect a 45-90 minute wait during peak hours (7:00-9:00 PM). **The Polo Lounge** takes reservations 60 days out on OpenTable, but the breakfast slots (7:00-9:00 AM) are surprisingly easy to get even a week ahead. Dinner is a different story—book 3-4 weeks out for a weekend table.

**Crustacean** uses Tock for reservations, releasing tables 30 days out at 9:00 AM. The tasting menu requires a deposit ($50 per person) that goes toward your final bill. If you cancel less than 24 hours ahead, you lose it—so be sure. The bar area doesn't serve food, so you're committed to a table. For all of these restaurants, the sweet spot is Tuesday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday nights are packed with tourists and locals alike, and service can feel rushed. Sunday brunch at the Polo Lounge is actually more relaxed than dinner, with a live jazz trio and a $65 prix fixe that includes a mimosa.

## What to Order (and What to Skip) at Each Pick

At **Spago**, the Austrian wiener schnitzel ($48) is the dish that regulars order without looking at the menu—it's a veal cutlet pounded thin, breaded, and fried to a perfect golden brown, served with a lingonberry jam that cuts the richness. The smoked salmon pizza ($36) is a signature, but it's been on the menu for 30 years and some critics say it's past its prime. I'd skip it and go for the roasted beets with burrata ($24) or the Spanish octopus a la plancha ($38). The tasting menu ($165) is worth it if you want to see the full range of the kitchen, but it's a three-hour commitment and you'll leave full.

At **Il Pastaio**, the spaghetti alla chitarra with seafood ($34) is the standout—thin, square-cut pasta in a light tomato broth with clams, mussels, and shrimp. The lasagna ($28) is a close second, layered with béchamel and a slow-cooked ragù that tastes like it's been simmering for hours. Skip the tiramisu ($14); it's fine, but the panna cotta ($12) is better—silky, not too sweet, with a bright berry compote. The wine list is entirely Italian and surprisingly affordable for Beverly Hills, with bottles starting at $45.

At **Matsuhisa**, the omakase ($150 per person) is the move if you're with one or two other people. The chef sends out 8-10 courses, including the yellowtail jalapeño, the black cod, and a selection of nigiri that changes daily. If you're ordering a la carte, the soft-shell crab roll ($22) is a sleeper hit—crispy, spicy, and served warm. Skip the tempura ($18); it's fine but not special. The sake list is deep, and the staff will help you pair if you tell them what you're eating.

At **The Polo Lounge**, breakfast is the meal to target. The crab cake eggs Benedict ($32) is the best thing on the menu—two poached eggs over lump crab cakes on an English muffin, with a hollandaise that's tangy and rich. The banana pancakes ($24) are a classic, but they're heavy; share them as a side. For dinner, the McCarthy salad ($28) with chicken is a light, satisfying option, but the real draw is the atmosphere, not the food. Skip the burger ($26); it's dry and overpriced.

At **Crustacean**, the garlic noodles with Dungeness crab ($58) are non-negotiable. The noodles are chewy, the garlic is punchy, and the crab is sweet and meaty. The shaking beef ($48) is a close second—cubed filet mignon seared in a wok with garlic, onion, and a soy-lime sauce. Skip the spring rolls ($16); they're fine but forgettable. The tasting menu is the best value if you're in a group of four or more, because you get to try the whole crab preparation and the shaking beef in one sitting. The cocktails are strong and expensive ($22 each); the lychee martini is a crowd-pleaser.

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## Sources

- Zagat — curated restaurant reviews and ratings for dining in Beverly Hills.
- Michelin Guide — authoritative restaurant star ratings and recommendations.
- Yelp — user-generated reviews and ratings for local Beverly Hills restaurants.
- Los Angeles Times Food Section — coverage of dining trends and restaurant openings in the Beverly Hills area.
- Eater LA — news and guides on notable restaurants and food scenes in Beverly Hills.
- Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau — official tourism site with dining recommendations and listings.

## FAQ

**Is it possible to dine in Beverly Hills on a budget?**  
Yes, but "budget" is relative here. You can find lunch specials or small plates for $15–$30 at some spots, but a full dinner with drinks at a top-tier restaurant typically runs $80–$150+ per person. Planning ahead and skipping the priciest mains helps.

**Do I need a reservation for popular restaurants?**  
Almost always. Places like Spago and other high-demand spots require bookings weeks in advance, especially for dinner. Walk-ins are rare for prime times, though some bars or outdoor patios may accommodate last-minute guests on slower nights.

**Are these restaurants worth the high prices?**  
For many diners, yes—the quality of ingredients, service, and ambiance often justify the cost. But it depends on your priorities. If you're seeking a memorable experience or special occasion meal, the investment can feel worthwhile; for everyday dining, the value may not match.

**What’s the dress code at Beverly Hills fine dining spots?**  
Most upscale restaurants expect smart casual or business attire—think collared shirts, blazers, or nice dresses. Jeans and sneakers are sometimes acceptable at lunch or more relaxed venues, but jackets are recommended for dinner at places like Spago or similar establishments.

**Can I find vegetarian or vegan options at these restaurants?**  
Yes, many top-tier menus include plant-based dishes, though the selection varies. Some restaurants offer dedicated vegetarian tasting menus or clearly marked options, while others accommodate requests with advance notice. It’s best to check the menu online or call ahead.

**How do I choose between the top 10 restaurants?**  
Consider your occasion, budget, and preferred cuisine. For a classic fine-dining experience, Spago stands out. If you want something more intimate or trendy, other picks on the list cater to different tastes. Reading recent reviews and checking current menus helps narrow it down.

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Kory White