When you imagine the pinnacle of Los Angeles dining, the thought often turns to the glittering streets of Beverly Hills. This iconic postcode isn't just synonymous with luxury shopping; it's a veritable sanctuary for food lovers seeking the best upscale restaurants Beverly Hills has to offer. From a quiet omakase counter to a buzzing steakhouse, the culinary landscape here is designed to impress, ensuring every meal is an event.
At a Glance: Your Guide to Beverly Hills' Elite Dining
- Discover Curated Excellence: Uncover the top Michelin-recognized and OpenTable-lauded establishments.
- Understand the "Upscale" Difference: Learn what truly defines a high-end dining experience in Beverly Hills beyond just the price tag.
- Navigate Diverse Cuisines: Explore world-class Italian, Japanese, Steakhouse, Greek, and Contemporary options.
- Master the Art of Reservation: Get practical tips for booking, dress codes, and making the most of your visit.
- Plan Your Indulgence: Equip yourself with insights to choose the perfect restaurant for any occasion.
Why Beverly Hills Reigns Supreme for Upscale Dining
Beverly Hills isn't just a place; it's a brand, and its dining scene perfectly reflects that prestige. Here, restaurants aren't merely serving food; they're crafting experiences. The sheer concentration of wealth, discerning clientele, and the constant influx of global trendsetters has fostered an environment where culinary ambition and impeccable service are the norm. It's where chefs push boundaries, mixologists are artists, and every detail, from the ambient lighting to the fabric of your napkin, is meticulously considered.
This concentration of excellence makes choosing an upscale restaurant here a delightful challenge. You're not just picking a meal; you're selecting a memory, a story to tell, and a moment of pure indulgence.
Michelin's Nod: Beverly Hills' Culinary Stars
The Michelin Guide, the global arbiter of culinary excellence, shines a spotlight on a select few establishments in Beverly Hills that truly embody fine dining. These aren't just restaurants; they're gastronomic institutions, celebrated for their culinary prowess and unwavering commitment to quality. For a broader overview of the city's top culinary distinctions, you can always Read the LA Michelin Guide.
When considering the best upscale restaurants Beverly Hills boasts according to Michelin, a few stand out:
Funke: A Deep Dive into Italian Grandeur
Chef Evan Funke brings his masterful pasta-making skills to Beverly Hills with Funke. This restaurant is a temple to regional Italian cuisine, focusing on handmade pasta with a reverence that borders on religious. Expect a vibrant, yet refined atmosphere, where the theatrics of pasta being rolled in a glass-enclosed kitchen add to the experience. The menu is a journey through Italy's diverse culinary traditions, elevated with impeccable ingredients and a sophisticated touch. It's a place where a simple cacio e pepe becomes an unforgettable symphony of flavors.
Japanese Precision: Nozawa Bar and Tempura Endo
For those seeking an intimate and meticulously crafted Japanese experience, Beverly Hills offers two Michelin-recognized gems:
- Nozawa Bar: Tucked away behind Sugarfish, Nozawa Bar offers a strict omakase experience, meaning "chef's choice." Here, Chef Fujita presents a sublime progression of sushi and sashimi, each piece a testament to perfect rice, pristine fish, and decades of masterful technique. The setting is intimate, seating only ten, making for a truly personal and exclusive dining journey. It's a quiet celebration of purist Japanese traditions.
- Tempura Endo: Specializing in exquisite tempura, Tempura Endo elevates this seemingly simple dish into an art form. Each ingredient—from delicate seafood to seasonal vegetables—is lightly battered and fried to crispy perfection right before your eyes at a cypress counter. The precision and delicacy are astounding, revealing the ingredient's natural flavors with a subtle, ethereal crunch. It’s an experience that redefines what tempura can be.
Steakhouses Redefined: CUT and matū
Beverly Hills doesn't just do steakhouses; it perfects them. When it comes to the best upscale restaurants Beverly Hills for carnivorous delights, these two stand out:
- CUT: Wolfgang Puck's acclaimed steakhouse, located within the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, is a benchmark for modern steakhouses. It combines a sleek, contemporary design with an exceptional selection of prime beef, cooked to perfection. Beyond the steaks, CUT offers an impressive array of starters, sides, and a sophisticated wine list, all delivered with Puck's signature flair for refined dining.
- matū: A newer, yet equally impressive entry, matū offers a unique steakhouse concept. Focusing exclusively on 100% grass-fed wagyu from its own ranch in New Zealand, matū presents a set menu that showcases the distinct flavor profile of this premium beef. It's a more curated, immersive experience that celebrates the purity and quality of the product in an elegant setting.
Avra Beverly Hills: A Taste of the Aegean
Bringing the sun-drenched flavors of the Greek islands to the heart of Beverly Hills, Avra offers a luxurious Mediterranean dining experience. Specializing in fresh, whole-grilled fish flown in daily, the restaurant evokes a chic seaside villa. The vibrant atmosphere, extensive wine list, and exceptional seafood make it a popular choice for those seeking a sophisticated yet lively meal. Beyond the fish, their menu features classic Greek dishes elevated with premium ingredients and presentation.
OpenTable's Favorites: Proven Excellence & Impeccable Service
Beyond the Michelin stars, OpenTable's diner reviews and reservations data point to a list of consistently top-performing fine dining establishments in Beverly Hills. These are the places that not only deliver exceptional food but also consistently impress with their service, ambiance, and overall experience, making them perennial favorites for the best upscale restaurants Beverly Hills has to offer.
Spago: Wolfgang Puck's Enduring Legacy
No discussion of Beverly Hills fine dining is complete without Spago. Wolfgang Puck's flagship restaurant is an institution, celebrated for its pioneering California cuisine with global influences. Known for seasonal ingredients and bold flavors, iconic dishes like the Smoked Salmon Pizza and Grilled Veal Chop have stood the test of time. Spago offers a sophisticated yet vibrant atmosphere, complete with an extensive wine list and a beautiful outdoor patio—perfect for people-watching. It continues to set the bar for innovative, high-end dining.
Monsieur Dior by Dominique Crenn: Fashion Meets Food
A truly unique entry, Monsieur Dior offers an exquisite fine dining experience born from a collaboration with acclaimed chef Dominique Crenn. Housed within the Dior boutique, this restaurant blends high fashion aesthetics with culinary artistry. Expect a menu that is as visually stunning as it is delicious, with a focus on refined French cuisine executed with impeccable technique and a modern sensibility. It's an exclusive, elegant affair where the presentation is as important as the taste.
The Steakhouse Elite: Mastro's, Ocean Prime, and The Grill on the Alley
When the craving for a perfectly cooked steak hits, Beverly Hills offers an embarrassment of riches:
- Mastro's Steakhouse / The Penthouse at Mastro's: Synonymous with a luxurious steakhouse experience, Mastro's delivers world-class service, acclaimed cuisine, and a vibrant atmosphere often accompanied by live entertainment. The "Penthouse" offers an elevated, more exclusive version of this experience, complete with stunning views. Their sophisticated steakhouses are renowned for both prime cuts and their "Ocean Club" seafood offerings.
- Ocean Prime: A nationally acclaimed seafood and steakhouse, Ocean Prime near Rodeo Drive offers an elevated experience with a chef-curated menu, signature cocktails, and a Wine Spectator-honored wine list. Known for genuine hospitality, it's a stellar choice for both land and sea.
- The Grill on the Alley: A Beverly Hills classic for over 40 years, The Grill is an American steakhouse celebrated for its Prime Beef, Prime Seafood, and signature dishes like the Puff Pastry Chicken Pot Pie. It maintains a timeless fine dining atmosphere with impeccable, personalized service just off Rodeo Drive.
Italian Sophistication: Cipriani and Novikov
Beverly Hills offers distinct, upscale Italian experiences:
- Cipriani Beverly Hills: Tracing its origins to Giuseppe Cipriani's Harry's Bar in Venice in 1931, Cipriani brings a legacy of classic Italian cuisine and timeless elegance. Open for lunch and dinner, it also features a Jazz Café with live entertainment, making it a destination for both dining and a sophisticated evening out. The food is traditional, refined, and served in a chic, bustling environment.
- Novikov Beverly Hills: Offering upscale Italian-inspired cuisine by Chef Luca, Novikov highlights fresh seafood, salads, grilled meats, and vegetable creations with a modern twist. Its chic interior and attentive service create a vibrant dining scene that perfectly blends contemporary luxury with culinary excellence.
Mr Chow: An Icon of Beijing Cuisine
Since 1974, Mr Chow has been a Beverly Hills institution, famous for its authentic Beijing and original Chinese recipes. Founded by Michael Chow, it quickly became a favorite of Hollywood stars. Beyond its star-studded history, the restaurant is known for signature dishes like Chicken Satay, MR CHOW Noodles, Ma Mignon, and acclaimed Beijing Duck, all served in an elegant, theatrical setting that has earned it the 5 Star Diamond Award.
THE Blvd - Beverly Wilshire Hotel: Rodeo Drive Views
Located in the iconic Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, THE Blvd is an all-day restaurant serving California-style cuisine. With high ceilings, large windows, and a vibrant outdoor patio overlooking Rodeo Drive, it's perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. The bar area is also a popular spot for cocktails, offering a classic Beverly Hills experience with an unbeatable view.
Beyond the Plate: What Defines "Upscale" in Beverly Hills?
Choosing from the best upscale restaurants Beverly Hills has to offer involves more than just selecting a cuisine type. True upscale dining here is a holistic experience, a symphony of elements that elevate a meal into an occasion.
The Ambiance: Setting the Stage
An upscale Beverly Hills restaurant invests heavily in its environment. Think plush seating, bespoke art, custom lighting, and often, architectural design that makes a statement.
- Case Snippet: At Monsieur Dior, the ambiance is an extension of the high-fashion brand, with subtle nods to Dior's aesthetic creating an atmosphere of understated luxury. Meanwhile, Mastro's embraces a more energetic, vibrant luxury, with live music and a buzzing crowd.
Impeccable Service: The Invisible Hand
Service at these establishments is akin to a finely tuned orchestra. It's attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable without being pretentious, and anticipates your needs before you even voice them.
- Practical Example: Expect your water glass to be refilled without a sound, your napkin refolded if you leave the table, and your server to effortlessly guide you through complex menus or wine pairings, often remembering your preferences on repeat visits.
Exclusivity and Demand: The Reservation Game
The most sought-after upscale restaurants in Beverly Hills often have limited seating or high demand. This creates a sense of exclusivity.
- Insight: Securing a prime-time reservation at a place like Nozawa Bar (which seats only 10) or Spago can require booking weeks, if not months, in advance. This isn't just about popularity; it's about curating a particular dining flow and experience.
The Price Point: An Investment in Experience
Yes, upscale dining in Beverly Hills is an investment. The "pricey" (or $$$$) designation from Michelin indicates a cost often exceeding $100 per person, without drinks. This reflects the quality of ingredients, the culinary artistry, the highly trained staff, and the luxurious setting.
Dress Code: Dressing for the Occasion
While "business casual" is often a safe bet, many of the best upscale restaurants Beverly Hills provides lean towards "smart casual" or even "cocktail attire." Jeans and t-shirts are generally frowned upon.
- Tip: Always check the restaurant's website for specific dress code recommendations. When in doubt, err on the side of being slightly overdressed; it shows respect for the establishment and the dining experience.
Your Practical Playbook for a Perfect Night
Planning a memorable dinner at one of the best upscale restaurants Beverly Hills has to offer requires a little forethought. Here's a practical guide:
Booking Your Table: Timing is Everything
For the most in-demand spots, especially on weekends or for special occasions, book as far in advance as possible. Many restaurants open their reservation books 30-90 days out.
- Strategy: Utilize online platforms like OpenTable, Resy, or directly through the restaurant's website. If your desired time isn't available, consider calling directly or checking closer to the date for cancellations. Flexibility with your dining time can also open up more options.
Understanding the Menu: Beyond the Price Tag
Before you arrive, take a moment to review the menu online. This helps you:
- Anticipate Costs: While prices might fluctuate, it gives you a ballpark figure for budgeting.
- Identify Dietary Needs: If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, reviewing the menu helps you flag potential issues and prepare to discuss them with your server. Communicating these when you make the reservation is even better, as chefs can often make accommodations with advance notice.
- Build Excitement: Knowing what to expect enhances the anticipation!
Dress the Part: Elevating Your Style
As mentioned, dress codes range. For most upscale Beverly Hills establishments, "smart casual" is the minimum. This generally means:
- For Men: Collared shirts (button-downs, polos), dress pants or dark, well-fitting jeans (avoid ripped), dress shoes. Jackets are often preferred, especially in steakhouses like CUT or classic Italian spots like Cipriani.
- For Women: Stylish dresses, skirts or tailored trousers with a chic top, blouses, elegant jumpsuits. Heels or dressy flats.
- Avoid: T-shirts, shorts, athletic wear, flip-flops, excessively casual attire.
Valet and Parking: Plan Ahead
Parking in Beverly Hills can be challenging. Most upscale restaurants offer valet service, which is often the most convenient option. Factor this cost into your budget. Alternatively, research nearby parking garages if you prefer self-parking.
Embracing the Experience: Be Present
Once seated, take a moment to absorb the ambiance. Engage with your server, ask questions, and allow yourself to be guided. This is an experience designed for enjoyment, so let go of distractions and savor each moment. From the amuse-bouche to the last petit four, every detail is intentional.
Quick Answers: Your Beverly Hills Fine Dining FAQ
Navigating the world of upscale dining can sometimes bring up a few questions. Here are some common inquiries about the best upscale restaurants Beverly Hills has to offer:
What's the typical cost per person at these upscale restaurants?
For Michelin-recognized or OpenTable-lauded fine dining in Beverly Hills, you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300+ per person, not including drinks, tax, and tip. Omakase experiences or tasting menus can often push past the $250-$400 range. This accounts for premium ingredients, expert preparation, sophisticated service, and the luxurious environment.
Do I absolutely need a reservation?
Yes, almost always. For the best upscale restaurants Beverly Hills is known for, reservations are highly recommended, and often essential, especially for dinner or weekend brunch. Walking in without one may lead to long waits, or more likely, no available tables.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options available at these high-end establishments?
Most upscale restaurants are accustomed to accommodating dietary restrictions. While not all will have extensive dedicated vegetarian/vegan menus, they are generally able to prepare suitable dishes or adapt existing ones with advance notice. It's always best to mention your dietary needs when making your reservation and confirm with your server upon arrival. Some places, like matū (a dedicated steakhouse), might have more limited options by their nature, but a place like Spago or THE Blvd will be more flexible.
What should I wear? Is "casual" ever acceptable?
As a general rule, "casual" (like t-shirts, shorts, sneakers, or flip-flops) is not appropriate for upscale dining in Beverly Hills. Aim for "smart casual" to "cocktail attire." For men, this means collared shirts, dress pants or nice dark jeans, and closed-toe shoes. For women, dresses, skirts, tailored trousers, and blouses are suitable. When in doubt, dressing a little more formally is always a safe bet.
Is the high price tag truly "worth it" for a special occasion?
This is subjective, but for many, the answer is a resounding yes. Upscale dining in Beverly Hills offers more than just food; it’s an immersive experience that engages all the senses. From the culinary artistry and exceptional ingredients to the impeccable service and luxurious ambiance, it creates lasting memories. For anniversaries, celebrations, or simply an evening of unparalleled indulgence, the investment is often justified by the unique and memorable occasion it provides.
Your Culinary Journey Awaits
Beverly Hills isn't just a destination; it's a state of mind, and its dining scene reflects this perfectly. The best upscale restaurants Beverly Hills offers are more than just places to eat; they are stages where culinary artists perform, where ingredients are revered, and where service is an art form. Whether you're seeking the refined elegance of Michelin-starred Japanese omakase, the comforting luxury of a classic steakhouse, or the innovative flavors of California cuisine, your palate is in for an unforgettable treat. Choose wisely, plan ahead, and prepare to indulge in the very best that this iconic city has to offer.