In this edition of SBP’s Neighborhood Spotlight, we’re handing the mic over to one of LA’s most prestigious zip codes — Beverly Hills, where unrivaled luxury shopping and sumptuous dining can be found on every corner, and incredible homes dot nearly every street. Locals certainly love the food and shops but find BH's real charm can actually be found in the community; one filled with pride for their city and all the beauty it has to offer. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer looking for your next place to call home, Smith & Berg Partners' exclusive guide to Beverly Hills will help you navigate and explore all things 90210.
Featured photo: Condé Nast Traveler
Culture
Explore the Virginia Robinson Gardens: A Beverly Hills hidden gem and cultural landmark, this early twentieth century estate features an idyllic blend of architecture and nature — open to the public by appointment. Come stroll its six lush acres, explore the Mediterranean Classic Revival mansion, and discover the estate’s iconic Renaissance Revival Pool Pavilion.
Catch a Show at The Wallis: Beverly Hills’ newest cultural landmark, The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts produces and presents outstanding theater, music and dance, in addition to fun programming for the whole family to enjoy.
Relax in Beverly Gardens Park: Unwind amid lush greenery, fountains and flower gardens in this eight-block public park with panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills.
Photos: Tripadvisor, The Wallis, TCLF
Restaurants
Spago: An SBP fave, Wolfgang Puck's flagship restaurant offers contemporary California cuisine and dazzling city views in an ultra-chic setting. A reservation is tough to snag, but worth it.
Il Pastaio: A see-and-be-seen power lunch spot, Il Pastaio plates up high-end Italian fare on its coveted patio. Don't skip the burrata appetizer and tiramisu.
La Dolce Vita: This longtime Beverly Hills landmark was recently restored and revitalized to maintain its legendary Sinatra-era roots — all paired with Italian classics and elite service. Martini, tableside caesar and juicy bone-in veal parm, please.
Funke: From the acclaimed chef behind Felix and Mother Wolf comes Funke, a new-ish Bev Hills restaurant offering masterfully handcrafted pasta in a chic, modern setting.
Sushi Note: We’ll spare you from Italian on this last one. Sushi Note is a high-end omakase spot featuring a 20-piece tasting menu with some of the best nigiri in all of LA. It’s expensive ($190 pp) but oh-so worth it.
Photos: Funke, OpenTable, Infatuation
Coffee
Aharon Coffee & Roasting Co: This popular spot on Charleville takes their coffee seriously with all roasting done onsite by Aharon himself. Grab a specialty brew and be sure to get a bag of beans to go.
The Maybourne Café: Set within the new Maybourne hotel, the aptly named Maybourne Café gives lovely European vibes with perfectly poured coffee and delectable eats all day long.
Fountain Coffee Room: Located in the Beverly Hills Hotel, the Fountain Coffee Room is an iconic diner that’s been serving Hollywood stars since 1949 — which means they pour a mean cup of joe.
Photos: Maybourne Café, F. Ron & David with Aharon, Love Beverly Hills
Real Estate
Okay, let's get into what really makes Beverly Hills one of the world’s most coveted communities: the real estate. Its 5.7 square miles are replete with grand estates on manicured lots, including SBP’s current listing at 2505 Summitridge Drive, aka Casa de Seis Palmas, which has been called home by actress Marion Davies, legendary record mogul Ahmet Ertegun, and supermodel Tyra Banks.
This luxurious hideaway has 9 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms on 7.5+ sprawling acres — an undeniable rarity in the heart of Beverly Hills. The home boasts an abundance of light and beautiful architectural details throughout, from majestic vaulted wood-beamed ceilings to expansive French doors, custom cabinetry and gorgeous Spanish tiles — truly a bespoke residence for the ages. Contact us for more information on this spectacular residence and to schedule your exclusive tour now.
Schedule a tour of 2505 Summitridge Drive
Shops
The Cheese Store: You might not expect a cheese store to be on a shopping list, but this one blows all others out of the water. The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills is a gourmet market offering the very best artisanal cheese, charcuterie, wines, caviar, truffles and so much more.
Taschen: Imagine a book store that’s akin to a luxurious, well-curated art gallery. Welcome to Taschen, conceived by celebrated French designer Philippe Starck featuring glass interiors, immersive artworks of the Sistine Chapel and, of course, incredible books, including hard-to-find Collector’s and Art Editions.
H+E Goods Company: If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind artisanal pieces for your home, look no further than H+E Goods. This beautifully curated shop offers everything from rugs and pillows to kitchen essentials and chic lighting.
Rodeo Drive: As you very well know, Rodeo Drive is home to the most reputable fashion brands in the world — from Chanel to Gucci, Hermes, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Loewe and so many more. Stroll the two-mile stretch and have a ball. Just don’t blame us for the damage you do, okay?
Photos: Forbes, Taschen, Love Beverly Hills
Bars
The Polo Lounge: Soak in the old Hollywood glamor and charm while sipping cocktails inside the pink walls of the legendary Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
The Club Bar: Located in The Peninsula Hotel, the swanky Club Bar is reminiscent of an elegant gentleman’s club with dark wood, deep leather chairs, and an extensive selection of rare single-malt whiskies, scotches, and more.
Wally’s: What’s better than wine and cheese? Wally’s offers a peerless selection of cheese, specialty meats, caviar, world-class wines, and specialty spirits — all in an elegant yet casual setting.
Photos: Forbes Travel Guide, Peninsula, The Vendry
Self-Care
The Peninsula Spa: This spa has long been a luxurious destination for Hollywood’s elite, offering a wide array of highly effective treatments — from a ‘24K Gold Age-Defying Facial’ to their ‘Nirvana Hot Stone Massage.’
Hot 8 Yoga: Whether seeking high-intensity yoga sculpt, a relaxing yin class or something in between, Hot 8 is the go-to spot to stretch and sweat in Beverly Hills.
Tomoko Japanese Spa: For an authentic and deeply relaxing Japanese spa experience, Tomoko fires on all cylinders. Their signature couples treatment includes a detox foot massage, full-body massage, natural Hinoki bath, decadent sushi meal and more over three hours.
Photos: Peninsula, Hot 8, Tomoko FB
Schools
Beverly Hills Unified School District operates exceptional public schools while several prestigious privates reside in BH like Good Shepherd Catholic School. Beverly Hills High School counts famous alumni from A-list celebs to Nobel laureates.
Photo: BHHS
Access
At the convergence of Santa Monica and Wilshire Boulevards, Beverly Hills' central location near West Hollywood and Bel Air makes getting around a breeze. Rail transit is also coming soon and will feature two stations: one at Wilshire/La Cienega (to be completed this year) and the other at Wilshire/Rodeo (to be completed in 2025).
