By Jonathan Ruiz
Beverly Hills may be famous for its glamorous dinners and celebrity sightings, but I've always believed the neighborhood truly shines at lunch. Whether you're shopping along Rodeo Drive, meeting a client for lunch, or simply enjoying a leisurely afternoon in the 90210, the range of midday dining here is remarkable. From old-school institutions to buzzy new arrivals, here are my favorite lunch spots in Beverly Hills.
Key Takeaways
- Beverly Hills offers everything from iconic lunch institutions to casual sandwich counters
- The Golden Triangle puts many of the best lunch spots within a few walkable blocks
- There are genuinely affordable options alongside the high-end dining the area is known for
- Reservations are recommended at the most popular spots, especially during the midday rush
The Classics: Institutions Worth Knowing
Timeless Beverly Hills Lunch Destinations
Institutions that define the midday scene:
- La Scala — the quintessential Beverly Hills lunch, famous for its legendary chopped salad; an old-school Italian spot where the lettuce piles are as iconic as the clientele
- The Grill on the Alley — prime steaks, fresh seafood, and old-world hospitality modeled after the classic New York and San Francisco grills of the 1930s and 1940s
- The Polo Lounge — a lovely, storied setting at the Beverly Hills Hotel for a relaxing, upscale midday meal
- Spago — Wolfgang Puck's flagship remains one of the defining restaurants in Beverly Hills, with a seasonal California menu served in an elegant courtyard
- Il Pastaio — holding down one of the most recognizable corners in town, with the Drago family's house-made pastas and a sidewalk patio made for people-watching
Upscale Favorites for a Special Lunch
Elevated Midday Dining
Where to go when the occasion calls for it:
- Avra Beverly Hills — a stunning Greek seafood house designed like an open-air villa, with whole fish flown in and grilled simply; an effortless fit for a day in the Golden Triangle
- The Terrace at The Maybourne — an Italian piazza-inspired setting perfect for a long, sunny lunch with fresh, seasonal dishes
- Crustacean — a longtime favorite for its famous garlic noodles and ritzy atmosphere, with weekday lunch offerings that have become a Beverly Hills tradition
Casual and Affordable Gems
Great Lunches Without the Splurge
Affordable and delicious options:
- Lorenzo California — an Italian sandwich counter serving giant focaccia sandwiches stacked with prosciutto and truffle cream; grab one and walk over to Beverly Gardens Park for a picnic
- The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills — a longtime local institution where patrons grab Italian-inspired creations like La Zucca and the Cheese Store Club sandwiches
- The Honor Bar — a more accessible sibling to South Beverly Grill, great for convenient to-go sandwiches or unwinding with a burger
- Kazan — an upscale Japanese noodle spot where a satisfying bowl of ramen costs about the same as a couple of smoothies elsewhere in town
- South Beverly Grill — reliable, crowd-pleasing American fare in a lively setting, perfect for a relaxed lunch with colleagues
Making the Most of Lunch in Beverly Hills
The lunch rush can get busy at the most popular spots, so I always recommend making a reservation when you can, particularly for the sit-down institutions. And if you're new to the area or considering a move here, exploring the local dining scene is one of the best ways to get a genuine feel for the Beverly Hills lifestyle.
FAQs
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Beverly Hills Lunch Guide: Fall 2026 Updates and How to Plan Your Meal
Restaurant lineups in Beverly Hills change faster than most guides do. Since the list above was written, one landmark has announced its closing, and two Rodeo Drive dining rooms are now part of the midday picture. This section covers what has changed, how to pick a spot by situation, and the practical details that decide whether lunch goes smoothly, from reservations to parking. If you are exploring Beverly Hills before a move, I am happy to talk through the neighborhood, and you can browse Beverly Hills homes for sale whenever you are ready. You can reach me, Jonathan Ruiz, directly.
Check before you go: Crustacean is closing
Crustacean on Bedford Drive, recommended in the list above, is closing permanently. Dine-in service ended September 30, and reports give October 31, 2026 as the final day at 468 N. Bedford Drive. Its posted takeout window ran through October 15, so confirm with the restaurant before planning a visit. Details are in our related post on Crustacean’s last takeout window.
Here is a quick status check on places that come up most often in lunch searches.
Spot | What to know | Where to confirm |
|---|---|---|
Crustacean, 468 N. Bedford Dr. | Closing after nearly 30 years because the building was sold. The family says it is looking for a new home for the brand, and no replacement address has been announced. | Beverly Press; Crustacean’s website |
Vicky on Rodeo, 208 N. Rodeo Dr. | A French bistro from Savta Hospitality that is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and serves breakfast through dinner. Lunch dishes listed by The Infatuation include a croque monsieur and linguine with short rib ragu. | Rodeo Drive district listing; The Infatuation |
Monsieur Dior by Dominique Crenn, 323 N. Rodeo Dr. | A restaurant on the third floor of the Dior flagship that serves lunch and dinner with a French and Californian menu. It opened in fall 2025. | Time Out Los Angeles; the restaurant for current hours |
Il Fornaio, 301 N. Beverly Dr. | Closed in January 2026. Older lists may still mention it, so skip it when you plan. | Beverly Press |
Sources: Beverly Press (July 2026 and January 2026 reports); Rodeo Drive district listing for Vicky on Rodeo; The Infatuation; Time Out Los Angeles; Los Angeles Times and Eater reporting on Crustacean’s timeline as summarized in our related post. Hours and closing dates change, so confirm with each restaurant.
How to Pick a Beverly Hills Lunch Spot by Situation
The right choice depends on how much time you have and who you are with. Here is a simple way to sort the options, using places from the list above and the updates in this section.
A quick bite between errands
Start with Lorenzo California, The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills or a to-go order from The Honor Bar, all covered in the list above. Erewhon’s market at 339 N. Beverly Dr. is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., according to Time Out. See our 14 best restaurants in Beverly Hills for more.
A break from shopping on Rodeo Drive
Vicky on Rodeo is open all day, and Monsieur Dior sits above the Dior boutique. Both are on Rodeo Drive, so you can lunch without moving the car.
A client or business lunch
Reserve ahead, confirm that the restaurant serves lunch on your day, and choose a spot close to a garage. Spago, La Scala and Avra from the list above suit this kind of meeting.
A long, relaxed meal
Pick a restaurant known for its setting, such as the Polo Lounge or The Terrace at The Maybourne from the list above, and leave time on both ends of the meal.
Sources: Time Out Los Angeles, guide to restaurants near Rodeo Drive (Erewhon hours and address); remaining details from the list above. Menus, prices and hours change.
Parking and Timing: Making Lunch Easy in the Golden Triangle
Parking decides how stress-free a Beverly Hills lunch feels. The city runs public structures across the business district, and several give you the first two hours free, according to Visit Beverly Hills. Examples include 9510 Brighton Way and 450 N. Rexford Drive. Other city structures give the first hour free. Check the posted rate at the entrance, since fees change.
2 hours
Free at several city garages, including 9510 Brighton Way and 450 N. Rexford Drive
1 hour
Free at other city garages, including the Crescent North, Crescent South and Camden structures
20 mph
New speed limit on many Golden Triangle streets since October 1, per our related post
Sources: Visit Beverly Hills, parking guide; City of Beverly Hills parking structures page; Beverly Hills speed limit ordinance effective October 1, 2026, as described in our related post. Rates and rules change.
Plan Your Lunch in Four Steps
Choose the block first
Decide whether you want Rodeo Drive, the streets around Canon and Beverly Drives, or somewhere nearer the Wilshire end, then pick two or three options in that area.
Confirm it is open
Restaurants close, move and change hours, as Crustacean and Il Fornaio show. Check each restaurant’s own site or reservation page the day before.
Reserve when it matters
Popular sit-down spots fill at midday. Counter and to-go places usually do not need a reservation.
Park once and walk
Use a garage with free time, then walk between lunch and errands. Our guide to moving to Beverly Hills covers more of day-to-day life in the area.
If You Are Thinking of Living Near Beverly Hills Dining
Lunch is a good way to test whether a neighborhood suits you. If you like what you see, these guides help you compare the areas around it, and Jonathan Ruiz can help you narrow them down.
Beverly Hills
Browse Beverly Hills homes for sale and read the Beverly Hills neighborhood guide.
Luxury estates
See luxury homes for sale in Beverly Hills and our guide on how to buy a luxury home in Beverly Hills.
Condos near the Golden Triangle
Explore Beverly Hills condos for sale if you want to be close to restaurants and shops.
The Flats and Trousdale
Compare them in The Flats vs. Trousdale and see why The Flats is a hot luxury market.
Nearby neighborhoods
Look at Holmby Hills, Bel Air and West Hollywood, or compare Hancock Park and Beverly Hills.
Selling in Beverly Hills
Read the ultimate guide to selling in Beverly Hills and request a home valuation.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lunch in Beverly Hills
What are the best lunch spots in Beverly Hills?
Is Crustacean in Beverly Hills still open?
Where can I get a quick lunch in Beverly Hills?
Are there healthy lunch options in Beverly Hills?
Are there lunch spots on Rodeo Drive?
Where should I park for lunch in Beverly Hills?
How do I find a home near Beverly Hills restaurants?
FAQ answers draw on the sources listed in the sections above. Hours, prices, closings and parking rates change, so confirm directly with each business or the city.
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