Beverly Hills, long synonymous with luxury and "the most famous zip code in the world," continues to evolve its dining scene, with recent updates introducing new high-end options while also marking changes for longtime favorites. For locals who navigate the area, the city offers more than just celebrity sightings and unattainable luxuries on Rodeo Drive; it also holds a unique mix of iconic institutions and newer, sometimes more accessible, culinary stops.
Among the recent shifts, the modern Vietnamese restaurant Crustacean announced its Beverly Hills location will close on October 31, 2026, after 31 years in the neighborhood, as it searches for a new home. This move marks a significant change for a spot known for chef Helene An’s creations, including smoky tuna tartare cigars and garlic-roasted Dungeness crab, with lunch often presenting a more affordable option for diners.
Despite the area’s reputation for extravagance, it’s still possible to find what one local observer called "semi-affordable gems." The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills, now under new ownership with Dom DiBartolomeo, has moved to a brighter space on S. Santa Monica Boulevard. The store continues its legacy with showstopping sandwiches, like those featuring fried zucchini and pesto or prosciutto and coppa, placing it alongside Lorenzo, another leader in the local focaccia sandwich movement. Lorenzo's tiny cafe specializes in Italian cold cuts and offers its namesake sandwich with mortadella and Parmesan pate, alongside vegetarian options, providing quaint outdoor seating for people-watching.
The recent dining updates also bring new arrivals to the Golden Triangle. Monsieur Dior, Sushi Nakazawa, and Bad Roman have joined the list of notable establishments, replacing Gucci Osteria and The Pie Room. New York City’s celebrated coastal Italian restaurant, Marea, has opened its West Coast outpost on Camden Drive, presenting a menu where sizable homemade pasta takes center stage, featuring dishes like ruby shrimp gnochetti and red wine-braised octopus fusilli. For steak enthusiasts, Steak 48, from the original Mastro family, brings an upscale experience with terrific dry-aged bone-in ribeyes and unique sides like corn brulee. Even hidden gems exist, like Sushi Note, which offers high-end nigiri with unique wine pairings from an underground alcove in a retail building's valet area.
These additions and changes ensure that while Beverly Hills remains a destination for lavish dining, from classic prime rib at Lawry's to Wolfgang Puck's Spago, residents can still find a diverse culinary experience that ranges from iconic mainstays to fresh, noteworthy spots.
