The Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel The Polo Lounge has been the favorite breakfast spot and watering hole for generations of stars and Hollywood deal-makers. A seasoned manager guides guests to indoor and outdoor seating for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night suppers. Lunch and dinner are served with piano accompaniment alternating with light jazz on the patio during the long summer nights. Jazz music is also featured during Sunday Brunch. In the evening guests can come to relax and enjoy one of their many specialty cocktails or one of our old favorites. 9641 Sunset Blvd. Beverly Hills. (310) 276-2251 www.beverlyhillshotel.com Il Pastaio Gourmet magazine calls Il Pastaio “a taste of heaven on Earth,” and says their cooks have angels’ hands. It’s no wonder this bustling neighborhood trattoria has been a favorite meeting place, satisfying local customers with its renowned pasta, which is handmade on the premises. “We want you to feel at home,” says Giacomino Drago. Customers take him at his word, showing up nightly for some of the best risottos and pasta dishes. And who could resist the desserts that are baked daily and displayed for all to see? Flourless chocolate cake, pistachio sponge cake, and the classic tiramisu are just a few of the temptations. Open every day for lunch and dinner. 400 N. Canon Dr. (310) 205-5444. www.giacominodrago.com
Kate Mantilini Come watch the cooks choreograph the made-to-order food. From the huge John Wehrle mural wrapping the 80-foot food bar to the elegant, spacious design, this restaurant won the Progressive Architectural award. Kate Mantilini has earned its reputation as a “must-visit” in the Los Angeles food world for its remarkable menu and high celebrity status. It has been an institution since 1987 and is much loved by the locals for its crab cakes, sand dabs, pork chops, great steaks, burgers, wonderful salads, unusual sandwiches, caramelized apple bread pudding, and hot fudge sundaes—the kind of food that everyone loves. Watch for the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday specials such as veal Milanese, lamb shank with root vegetables, and osso bucco. 9101 Wilshire Blvd. (310) 278-3699 Mariposa at Neiman Marcus The Mariposa restaurant at Neiman Marcus is one of the most fashionable places to eat lunch in Beverly Hills. Movers and shakers meet over the renowned lobster club salad and popovers. Shiitake Risotto and oven-seared butterfish are some of the seasonal specials that executive chef Gregory Norris dishes out daily. Mariposa is a perfect place for friends to meet and dine on delicious, progressive American cuisine and experience the latest in fashion trends. The menu also includes an excellent selection of desserts, and a premier wine list. 9700 Wilshire Blvd. (310) 975-4350 MR CHOW Art, celebrity, and superb cuisine all blend together at this internationally renowned restaurant under the direction of the celebrated Michael Chow. This star heaven has been a landmark since 1968 with its fi rst location in London followed by Beverly Hills in 1974, 57th Street in New York in 1979, and the recently opened MR CHOW at 121 Hudson Street in Tribeca, New York City. New locations will open at “W” Hotel South Beach and in Las Vegas. Great new dishes have been added to the menu while keeping the old, famous classics. Champagne trolley is already its signature. The Beverly Hills location has expanded its space by taking over next door. It’s a beautiful addition to this landmark restaurant. 344 N. Camden Dr. (310) 278-9911. www.mrchow.com
Spago Spago Beverly Hills, the fl agship restaurant of the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group, showcases the best of California’s produce and products with many creative imaginative seasonal menus. The menu includes Spago classics and a daily-changing selection of fi sh and produce of the season. The dining experience is heightened by the the comprehensive wine list of Sommelier Christopher Miller and Pastry Chef Sherry Yard’s tasty dessert menu. Whether you are there for lunch or for dinner, the cozy environment designed by Barbara Lazaroff will put you at ease. The restaurant offers two private dining rooms with a separate bar for receptions and functions. Valet parking is available. 176 N. Canon Dr (310) 385-0880 www.wolfgangpuck.com Via Alloro Twenty years ago the Drago family name was introduced to the Los Angeles restaurant scene and has been a staple ever since. Brothers Giacomino and Tanino Drago’s newest venture comes with a fresh new look and feel. The name of the restaurant, Via Alloro, is historical, as it is named after the street they grew up on along with many other relatives. Alloro in Italian means bay leaf, a spice that is an essential part of Italian cooking plays a role in numerous recipes. Be sure to check out their burrata ravioli, the eggplant topped with cheese, or sample one of the many varieties of wine. 301 N. Canon Drive (310) 275-2900 www.viaalloro.com Piccolo Paradiso This intimate Beverly Hills restaurant features outdoor seating that is perfect for our nice Southern California weather. A fine wine selection from various wine-producing regions compliments the appetizing menu, with carefully crafted dishes bursting with fl avor. Regulars rave about the Burrata, Melanzanne alla Parmagianna, Fennel salad with sliced orange and olives, and the Garganelli Montanara. Valet parking is available. 150 S Beverly Drive (310) 271-0030 Sushi House Unico Sushi House Unico, or SHU, has been described as Asian fusion with an Italian twist. Here you can fi nd traditional Japanese sashamis fused with different fl a vors such as jalapenos, chili oil, or citrus. It’s truly sophisticated Japanese cuisine with an incredible variety of dishes, including scrumptious sushi, nigiris, rolls, and hot or cold dishes. Enjoy their nice wine list, terrifi c sake selections, or your choice of Japanese beer. Valet parking is available. 2932 1/2 Beverly Glen Court (310) 474-2740 Gordon Ramsey at The London Gordon Ramsey at The London is perfect for both intimate gatherings and special occassions, offering four private dining rooms. Located at the heart of the restaurant, these elgant salons overlook the main dining rooms and are ideal for bridal teas, anniversary dinners, or any celebratory event. The exquisite menu features such dishes such as the Curried Almonds and Shrimp appetizer, a main course of Sweet Vutter Poached Lobster Tail with summer corn, baby blue lake green beans, and sugar snap peas, and for dessert - Pink Lady Apple Tart Tatin with brown butter caramel and vanilla bean ice cream. 1020 N. Vincent Blvd. (866) 282-4560 www.thelondonwesthollywood.com