Neighbourhood Guide: Beverly Hills
Since I’m passing through Los Angeles more and more often nowadays, I figured what better time than now to share with you my favourite places to eat, play and stay in my favourite neighbourhoods!? My most recent stay was in Beverly Hills neighbourhood and this is still one of my favourite areas to settle in Los Angeles for a short stay, given its central location and amazing range of restaurants and hotels. So – my guide to Beverly Hills, everything to do and see, where to play and stay!
Iconic Beverly Hills: What Not to Miss
Rodeo Drive
Just as you can’t visit Egypt without visiting the pyramids of Giza, some may say you can’t come to Los Angeles without visiting the infamous Rodeo Drive. This shopping strip is always buzzing with out-of-towners looking to spot a celeb.
The Beverly Hills Sign
As classic (and cliche) as a visit to Beverly Hills gets but nonetheless, it remains a staple for many visitors to snap a photo in front of the infamous neighbourhood signs. The classic street post signs are also popular, located on the perimeters of the city.
Saban Theatre
A gorgeous art deco theatre with a stunning interior. There are a range of shows on offer, from jazz to pop and even comedy shows. Check the current schedule to see what’s on and score yourself a ticket.
Greystone Mansion
A stunning old tudor mansion with exquisite English gardens to explore. The mansion has been the set of many films and is a popular stop for a few hours.
Virginia Robinson Gardens
A beautiful botanical garden set against the backdrop of a 20th Century mansion. Tours are by appointment only so be sure to book in advance.
The Beverly Hills Hotel
The famed “pink palace” is a great place for brunch on Sundays or people watching any day of the week. Be sure to drop by the polo lounge for a cocktail and inspection of the interior – what a time warp!
Where to Dine & Drink in Beverly Hills
Bazaar by José Andrés
When it first opened years ago, The Bazaar restaurant inside SLS Beverly Hills hotel was one of the most popular places to eat and one of the hardest tables to book. Nowadays the crowds have settled and you won’t have a worry getting a table on weeknights, though I would still recommend booking in advance if trying to diner here on Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays.
Culina Breakfast
Even if you don’t stay at the Four Seasons Beverly Hills, you should try to check out the breakfast at Culina inside the hotel. Acai bowls, a make-it-yourself juice menu and healthy egg dishes are anything but typical for a hotel breakfast, but here in Los Angeles it is the perfect chance to eat good + feel good!
Da Pasquale Italian
My Italian hairdresser in Beverly Hills suggested only three places to eat Italian food in Los Angeles and Da Pasquale was the cream of the crop. If you like authentic homestyle Italian cooking in a casual but nice setting, this is your first stop shop. Don’t miss the eggplant parmigiana – my all time favourite Campanian dish!
Il Cielo
Another great place for Italian food in Beverly Hills with a much more fine dining approach is Il Cielo, popular among celebs and those who are happy to spend an entire pay check on a meal (maybe a slight overstatement, but you get the drift).
Gratitude Beverly Hills
Vegans rejoice! This is one of my favourite vegan restaurants the world over and believe me when I say it will not disappoint. You can’t go wrong with a tempeh wrap, combined with the decadent chocolate almond smoothie.
Thai Vegan
Another great vegan joint that is much less fancy but equally as tasty is Thai Vegan. The molassa curry has a reputation around town for one of the best meal tickets, but it is the tofu skewers dipped in peanut satay we can’t get enough of.
Urth Caffe Beverly Hills
As one of the best cafes in the hood to perch yourself for some people watching, there’s never too many times in a day to visit Urth Caffe. The vegan pumpkin pie will have you drooling in moments.
Alfred Coffee
North toward the Hollywood sign is one of the most instagrammable cafes in all the land: Alfred. With their infamous “But first coffee” neon sign and their ridiculously tasty oat milk lattes, you can’t go wrong.
Where to Stay in Beverly Hills
The Four Seasons Beverly Hills
With an enviable location in the centre of everything, the Four Seasons Beverly Hills is one of the most popular hotels in the neighbourhood. In a short 10-20 minute stroll you can reach popular Melrose Avenue for shopping or explore West Hollywood for the biggest selection of food in Los Angeles.
The Beverly Hills Hotel
Perched up on the hill of sunset is perhaps the neighbourhood’s most iconic hotel, the famed Pink Palace. This hotel is what started it all and around the hotel, the city of Beverly Hills was built. Be sure to allow some time to wander the gardens and grounds as this is living history in itself.
The Beverly Wilshire
Famed for its role in the film Pretty Woman, The Beverly Wilshire remains one of the classic icons in the city of Beverly Hills. The iconic location at the foot of Rodeo Drive makes for some great people watching on the outdoor terrace or you can even book a treatment inside the nail parlour and watch the film on repeat.
The Peninsula Beverly Hills
Another popular posh spot in town is The Peninsula, complete with its sun-drenched outdoor terrace and one of the most celebrated day spas in the city of Beverly Hills. They put on a fancy afternoon tea daily but it is taco Tuesday that you will want to stop by for!
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