In the Neighborhood: Your ultimate guide to Beverly Hills
With its manicured, palm tree-lined boulevards and couture fashion houses, Beverly Hills conjures up all the classic images of style and glamour.
By Tanvi Chheda | August 24, 2023
When you think of Beverly Hills, stunning mansions and chic boutique-lined streets such as Rodeo Drive inevitably come to mind. But this famed neighborhood has even more to offer. Get ready to experience it all as you enjoy culture at the nearby Getty Center, feast on delicious bites at local eateries and of course, indulge in some of the country's most celebrated retail therapy.
EAT
Beverly Hills has no shortage of great restaurants — think celebrated chefs, delectable treats and everything in between. Head to:
- Chaumont Bakery & Café, a charming coffee and French-inspired pastry shop, where it’s hard not to want one of everything. Best of all, there’s a Chaumont Vegan next door for savory and sweet goodies that meet a multitude of dietary needs.
- Jon & Vinny’s, which now offers its excellent pizzas, pastas and wood-grilled vegetables in Beverly Hills. Broccolini with golden raisins, almonds and lemon chili vinaigrette, anyone?
- Ima, a Michelin-reviewed Japanese sukiyaki and shabu-shabu style restaurant with certified A5 wagyu beef as the focal point of many dishes. The intimate setting adds to the appeal and for a touch of tradition, each table has a conventional grill for cooking.
SEE
Have you even been to Beverly Hills if you haven’t strolled through the farmers market, visited the famous hilltop travertine museum or gazed upon grand estates? Explore:
- One of LA’s top markets, the Beverly Hills Farmers Market and nibble on strawberries, juicy plums and crunchy snap peas while you marvel at California’s bounty. Raw honey, fruit preserves and olives also make for great souvenirs.
- The Getty Center to see world-class art, including sculptures by Italian masters and Van Gogh’s “Irises.” While there, you can also enjoy panoramic views courtesy of Richard Meier’s brilliant architectural design.
- The Virginia Robinson Gardens, an historical 6.2-acre (2.5-hectare) estate that once belonged to Virginia and Harry Robinson, owners of the well-known Robinson department stores. Tours led by docents provide tidbits about the property’s numerous gardens and its past as the first luxury estate in Beverly Hills.
SHOP
Synonymous with jewelers and couture houses, Beverly Hills is a shopper’s paradise — even if you’re just browsing. Visit:
- Rodeo Drive shopping district, a three-block stretch that’s a who’s who of designer labels with elaborate window displays. Naturally, brands such as Chanel, Dior, Fendi, Harry Winston, Louis Vuitton, Rolex, Tiffany’s and Versace all have flagship boutiques here.
- Legendary perfumer Diptyque to sniff the brand’s full range of eau de parfums and candles. Pick up the cult favorite fig candle, beloved for its balance of woodsy and fruity notes.
- TASCHEN, to peruse limited-edition pop culture, fashion, music and photography books, while admiring the artwork-adorned interior inspired by the Sistine Chapel.
No matter how you choose to spend your time, explore Beverly Hills and you’ll see that its riches go well beyond the material kind.
Formerly an assistant editor at Travel + Leisure, Los Angeles-based Tanvi Chheda has been freelancing for 15 years. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, AFAR, Virtuoso Life, Four Seasons magazine, Qantas, Inspirato, Invited, Pasadena magazine and OLTRE and Ciao Bambino, among others. She writes mostly about lifestyle and travel, which often spills into arts & culture, food, design and more. With two young children, family travel is also a passion of hers. Given her South Asian heritage, she writes about India quite frequently as well (she was born in India and speaks three Indian languages). When not traveling or writing, she enjoys reading, cooking and spending time outdoors.
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