Many years ago—back when Barney’s still stood proudly on Wilshire—I lived in Beverly Hills, along with most of my UCLA girlfriends. At the time, everyone wanted to work in entertainment. Agents, producers, assistants—it felt like half the city was trying to break into Hollywood, and most of them were serving you lunch.

One of the best things about those days was the power lunch scene. Long, lingering lunches weren’t just meals—they were meetings, networking, an entire culture. It was then that I realized Beverly Hills wasn’t just about movie stars. It’s about hustle, trying to make it, and faking it until you do. It’s a fun city that only feels snotty if you let it.

This isn’t a guide to “what’s new and trendy.” For me, Beverly Hills is about old-school tradition—the kind of places that haven’t changed in decades. It’s nostalgic in the best way—like stepping into an old movie. Oddly simple, down to earth, and filled with transplants all pretending to be locals.

Barney’s New York on Wilshire, Beverly Hills

So let’s dive in: a 3-day Beverly Hills itinerary, with the restaurants, hotels, and shops that make this city a world-class destination.

Where to Stay in Beverly Hills

✨ The Peninsula Beverly Hills My forever favorite. The Peninsula is pure old-world service with modern polish. Think rooftop pool, garden breakfasts, and the Rolls-Royce house car to whisk you off to dinner. Bonus: they even have room service menus for dogs.

The Peninsula Beverly Hills, front entrance (photo credit: @thepeninsulabh)

✨ The Beverly Hills Hotel The “Pink Palace.” You’ve seen it in every movie and on every postcard, but it’s more than just a pretty face. The rooms are tucked into lush gardens, the poolside cabanas are legendary, and the Polo Lounge is an icon of Hollywood history. It’s old-school glamour at its best.

The Beverly Hills Hotel, front entrance (photo credit: @bevhillshotel)

✨ Honorable Mentions:

1. The Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel — for the ultimate Pretty Woman experience.

Day One: Classic Beverly Hills Power Lunch

Morning: Arrive at the Peninsula, check in, and start slow. After all, you’ll be on “Peninsula Time”—a flexible check-in/check-out perk that was designed for weary travelers flying across the Pacific. You can land, check in, and order a decadent room-service breakfast as if you never left home.

The cutest bellman uniforms (photo credit: @thepeninsulabh)

Lunch at The Polo Lounge — This is where Beverly Hills shines. Sit outside on the garden terrace, order the McCarthy salad, and you’ll see why this is one of the most famous lunch spots in the world. Anytime of year works in LA, but I especially love the holiday season here: a Gingerbread Negroni? Yes, please. Giant nutcrackers and lavish gift displays under the tree in the lobby—it’s festive without being overrun with influencers trying to “get the shot.”

Gingerbread Negroni, the Polo Lounge in The Beverly Hills Hotel

All decked out for Christmas! The Beverly Hills Hotel.

Ladies who (power) lunch. My friend, Jenny, and I at one of our favorite lunches of the year.

Afternoon Shopping: Shopping in Beverly Hills has always been as much about the experience as the purchase. Barney’s was the crown jewel—RIP. I swear my Barney’s card had a balance long after the doors were locked for good. There were many a lunch had, tears cried, and things I definitely could not afford purchased there. With Barney’s gone, my loop has shifted, but I still keep the ritual alive, because… shopping!

Orlebar Brown, Beverly Hills, a must for the man in your life.

1. Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills — This is my comfort stop, my anchor. Get a personal shopper here—they’ll pull things you’d never try on your own, and suddenly you look like you have your life together. The shoe floor alone can take you out for hours, and nothing feels better than carrying that glossy Neiman’s bag out the door like a little victory trophy.
2. Saks Fifth Avenue — Slicker, a little shinier than Neiman’s, but I love a quick sweep through Saks. Their accessories and evening wear pulls always feel current without tipping into “too trendy.”
3. Orlebar Brown — Strictly men’s wear, but worth a detour. Their swim shorts are practically tailored like trousers, and the linens/polos are the kind of things that make any man look instantly vacation-ready. I usually pop in here for gifts (and occasionally my husband thanks me later). He’ll be begging to take you to the South of France. 😉 
4. Creed — A stop that feels more like a ritual than a shop. Founded in 1760, the brand made bespoke scents for royals, and it still carries that air of quiet luxury. My favorites: ✨ White Amber – warm and elegant. ✨ Love in White – crisp and feminine (my everyday). ✨ Aventus for Her – bold, unforgettable, leaves a trail. Leave with one of these bottles and you’ll feel like you just leveled up, even if you’re still in jeans and a t-shirt.

✨ English Rabbit — Quite literally the sweetest children’s boutique. A little girl’s dream: racks of Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Gucci, and all the Jellycats so soft they practically melt. There’s a sparkly bauble bar with bracelets and hair accessories, and balloons to keep the kids busy while you shop. Everything gets wrapped up so beautifully it feels like a present, even if it’s something small.

The English Rabbit. Sweetest children’s boutique and I always find something.

✨ Switch Boutique — A short drive up to Bel-Air and honestly, dangerous. This is where you go when you want to feel like you were meant to live in LA. High-end fashion, curated vintage Cartier on display, and styled displays that somehow always nail that put-together-but-never-trendy vibe. It’s owned by two beautiful sisters (one was a sorority sister of mine), and I only let myself go once or twice a year because it’s the kind of place where “I’ll just look” turns into “I need it all.”

Dinner at Spago — After a nice long day of shopping, have The Peninsula pull up the Rolls and take you to Spago like the VIP you are. If you haven’t watched the Wolfgang Puck documentary, you must—MUST—watch it before you go. Trust me, it makes the whole experience even better.

Once you’re there, start with the famous tuna cones, order a second round, and thank me later. The smoked salmon pizza? Yes. Champagne with it? Absolutely yes. And if you’ve got kids in tow, be ready for the moment the wait staff sweeps them into the kitchen to make their own Mickey Mouse pizzas. I almost cried. Are we in the Midwest? What is happening? Anyway—Spago is Beverly Hills at its best: iconic, welcoming, and still so much fun after all these years. But really—watch the documentary first. 

Ps I hope they make the mickey mouse pizza for you – I don’t want to over promise but maybe you just subtly drop the hint and they will pick it up. If not, still super special. 

Mickey Mouse pizza, Spago Beverly Hills.

Nightcap at The Library (The Peninsula) — Slip back “home” to The Peninsula and wind down the night at The Library bar. Iconic, cozy, exactly what you want at the end of a long day: dark wood paneling, a fireplace, live piano, and the perfect martini. It’s the kind of place that feels like an exhale. And of course, The Peninsula makes sure you’re tucked in safely afterward—you’ve had a big first day. 

The Library at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, one of my favorite spots for a nightcap.

Day Two: Old-School Rituals

Breakfast: Room service. Nobody does a spread like The Peninsula: fine china teacups, fresh flowers, chocolate croissants, French-pressed coffee, an entire Asian breakfast option, I’m talking it’s own page, and California sunshine streaming in. Put on your fluffy robe and savor it.

One of my spoiled rotten children enjoying a mug of hot chocolate for breakfast (The Peninsula Beverly Hills )

Stop at The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills — This isn’t just a shop; it’s an experience. Sample the most delicious meats and cheeses from specialists who really know their craft. Ask the in-house sommelier all your pairing questions—they love to talk. My musts: a bottle of Billecart-Salmon Rosé, jars of specialty spreads (perfect for gifts), and their famous fondue starter kit. I miss the original little shop, but I’ve gotten over it—this place is still magic.

The Cheese Store of Beverly Hills, it is so much more than cheese.

Billecart-Salmon Rosé home safely from the Cheese Store and chilling at The Peninsula 

Lunch at The Grill on the Alley — After you have the Peninsula safely store your bounty of cheeses and start chilling the champagne, take a short stroll to your destination for lunch. The Grill on the Alley. My favorite place to sit is the bar. You order a dirty martini, or a glass of Sancerre. Maybe both—I don’t know what you’re capable of. Oysters, cheese toast, lobster bisque (heaven). Maybe it’s cold outside, and you say yes to the chicken pot pie. But one thing is non-negotiable: the crab cakes. These are the best crab cakes I have ever had anywhere, and it’s because of the beurre blanc. Order a side of that sauce too.

A Beverly Hills staple.

Oysters and the crab cake swimming in beurre blanc.

And while you’re at it—get the Dover sole. Pour even more sauce on top. This is vacation. In the words of a great friend of mine, “let’s stop villainizing butter.” Have another martini. Did you already order the bottle of Sancerre? Stay here all afternoon, tucked away in this dark, cozy dining room. When you climb the creaky stairs to the bathroom, pause for a moment—the air itself tells you: this place has been here forever. You’re welcome.

The dover sole.

The chicken pot pie in question with a side of creamed spinach. The Grill on the Alley Beverly Hills.

Afternoon Reset: Wander back to the Peninsula and catch the last rays of sunshine at the rooftop pool. Order a green juice and feel truly LA. Pro tip: I usually ask them to spike mine with gin. 😉 Rest up—it’s time for dinner.

Poolside cocktail, The Peninsula Beverly Hills.

Dinner at Matsuhisa — Don’t overdress. This isn’t a flashy Nobu Malibu scene with paparazzi and valet chaos. This is the original—Nobu Matsuhisa’s namesake restaurant, opened in 1987. Local vibes, non-pretentious, pure artistry on a plate. Order the omakase or just ask the servers for what’s fresh and special that night. It’s sushi stripped back to its heart: beautiful, simple, and unforgettable.

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s 1st restaurant – opened 1987 Beverly Hills

Nightcap at The Four Seasons Beverly Hills (Reg Bev Wil): End your night with a martini in the lobby bar where Pretty Woman was filmed. A little movie magic, a lot of nostalgia. Pay attention to the people watching scene, sometimes it’s more Pretty Woman that you think…. hehe

Iconic. 

Day Three: Chopped Salads, Matzo Ball Soup & Gucci? 

Breakfast at Nate ’n Al’s — After yesterday’s marathon (a long lunch at The Grill, a green juice martini at the Peninsula, and sushi at Matsuhisa), you just might need a matzo ball soup for breakfast. And that’s okay—you’re on vacation. In fact, let’s repeat that as many times as needed, like a little mantra: you’re on vacation. Nate ’n Al’s is a Beverly Hills deli staple that’s been around since 1945. Go classic: matzo ball soup, maybe a bagel with lox, and a side of people-watching that rivals any fine-dining terrace in town.

Nate ‘n Al’s since 1945

Late Morning Pool Time: Walk back to The Peninsula and head straight to the rooftop pool. This is my happy place. Tip: I have never had a bad pool day here. Get a cabana—it feels indulgent, but they’re surprisingly reasonable, so I can’t even call it “worth the splurge.” It’s just worth it. Sip something cold, and pretend this is your everyday life. Cabana service comes with a complimentary bottle of rosé, so stay hydrated. After working on your golden California tan, walk over to La Scala for lunch. (My husband hates walking and even he doesn’t mind this one.)

My favorite rooftop pool. The Peninsula Beverly Hills.

Lunch at La Scala — La Scala is legendary and the dish that did it, the chopped salad. Beverly Hills locals have been ordering it for decades, and it’s still just as crave-worthy. If the pumpkin and lobster ravioli happens to be on the menu, get it without hesitation. Simple, perfect, unfussy. They still roll around with the dessert cart—the one where the desserts are fake plastic models, but you see them all lined up on a tray and suddenly you’re powerless not to order something. The red banquettes are so classic, and they decorate for every holiday in this endearingly “too much” way that somehow looks cool. Another good crab cake here too—compare it to The Grill and do your own dirty work. Someone has to.

Back to the chopped salad: add the pepperoncinis, add the olives, add the tomatoes, don’t be shy. You make this salad your salad. Why? Because, say it with me now: you’re on vacation. However, order a half salad – you are on vacation but (I’ll quote Bethany Frankel) you aren’t an animal. 

The most famous chopped salad in the world, La Scala Beverly Hills.

Afternoon Stroll: Meander down Beverly Drive. Pop into Tesoro—a beautiful boutique filled with unique finds, cheeky cards, and shopkeepers who won’t let you leave until you know exactly what Beverly Hills is all about. This is the walkable, oddly simple side of the city that most visitors overlook… unless they’re here for some sort of plastic surgery. That’s an entirely different city guide! 

Tara Riceberg, owner of Tesoro aka Best Gift Store Ever. Just stop in and she’ll do the rest.

Dinner at Gucci Osteria — Okay, I know this isn’t a “classic” nostalgia play—but I had to. You’re going to Gucci for dinner. I hope you paced yourself at lunch. Gucci Osteria is more than a fashion-house flex; it’s a Michelin-starred restaurant concept created by chef Massimo Bottura (yes, of Osteria Francescana in Modena, the former “best restaurant in the world”). The first location is in Florence, another in Tokyo, and Beverly Hills got its very own on Rodeo Drive.

Me about to enjoy something delicious, Gucci Osteria Beverly Hills

I’ll admit—I watched House of Gucci with Lady Gaga and walked away inspired about what it takes for a brand to survive generations. History nerd moment, forgive me. Back to the food: this is a show-stopping tasting menu with wine pairings that will blow you away. And if you’re thinking “snooty city,” let me stop you right there. Not. The. Case. The staff is genuinely excited about what they’re serving, and we even played a blind tasting game to guess which wine was the most expensive (hint: they’re all expensive, this is a splurge). When the chef came out, his sweet Italian parents were eating two tables over. C’mon! What a visit your kid at work kind of experience that must be. 

Gucci Osteria Beverly Hills.

Wrapping It All Up

Three days in Beverly Hills and what did we do? We checked into The Peninsula and immediately fell into “Peninsula Time.” We power-lunched at the Polo Lounge, shopped until our Neiman’s bags were full, and sprayed just enough Creed to feel like royalty. We indulged at Spago, ate our weight in beurre blanc butter-soaked crab cakes at The Grill, and sipped green juice spiked with gin while watching the California sun dip below the rooftop pool.

We slurped matzo ball soup for breakfast at Nate ’n Al’s, reminded ourselves—more than once—that we’re on vacation, and ate the chopped salad at La Scala the only way it should be eaten: customized, unapologetic, and chased with something from the dessert cart. We wandered Beverly Drive, popped into Tesoro, and ended with a Gucci Osteria tasting that proved Beverly Hills isn’t stuck in the past—it just knows how to honor it while moving forward.

And that’s the beauty of Beverly Hills. It’s not just glitz and movie stars—it’s long lunches, little rituals, and the joy of pretending to be a local in a city built on reinvention. It’s indulgent and oddly simple, nostalgic and still relevant. You come for the glamour, but what keeps you here is the feeling—like you’ve stepped into a film, one you can write your own lines for.

✨ Beverly Hills is timeless. And after this, I think you’ll see why I keep coming back. A couple more I really really love before we dive into the can’t miss list….  These deserve their own spotlight.

The Ivy

Not technically Beverly Hills, but so close and so iconic it belongs here. Once the see-and-be-seen lunch spot, now a little calmer but still full of magic. The sweetest staff, roaring fireplace (regardless of weather), and vibrant roses everywhere—yellow, hot pink, every shade—arranged in vases that match their floral china. (Yes, you can buy it online at Indigo Seas, and yes, I own the entire set. Are you surprised? No, you aren’t.)

Everyone’s favorite waiter, Mario, at The Ivy.

Now, the food: Crab cakes—different but just as good as The Grill or La Scala’s. Crispy squash blossoms stuffed with goat cheese—heaven. Anything topped with truffles—yes. The real sleeper hit is their grilled vegetable salad. Add shrimp, pair it with a Sancerre, and settle in for a proper three-hour lunch. The Ivy isn’t (that) trendy anymore, but that’s why I love it—it’s a vibe, it’s timeless, and it’s Beverly Hills (adjacent) perfection.

Ravioli and an ice cold Sancerre,  The Ivy.

Mr. Chow

This is Chinese food if you were the emperor of China. It’s also “I’m scared I have bad manners and don’t deserve to eat here” Chinese food. But then again, it’s also “we’re cool, we’re real people, nobody likes pretentious people” Chinese food. My husband threw me a 40th birthday dinner here—we shut the place down, he hijacked their playlist, and somehow had the entire restaurant on board. (Don’t try this yourself, but everyone loves aspirational vibes.) Bottom line: don’t be intimidated, don’t assume it’s snotty—it’s fun, it’s a vibe, it’s Beverly Hills. Go, enjoy, and tell me what you think.

Mr. Chow, Beverly Hills.

Just a casual night at Mr. Chow with Tom Ford….

✨ Beverly Hills is a city of layers. You have your classics, your rituals, your nostalgia—but also these extra little gems that make every visit feel fresh. Whether you’re here for three days or thirty years, you’ll never run out of places to linger, sip, and splurge. Here’s a list of more of my can’t miss favorites….. 

💎 Shopping

1. Westfield Century City — Okay, not technically Beverly Hills, but close enough. This outdoor shopping center is polished, sprawling, and has everything, hello Bloomingdales, plus rooftop dining. Perfect for when you want a “one-stop shop” day with a little sunshine on the side.
2. Eataly — Inside Century City, but deserves its own mention. Bring home fresh pasta, truffles, olive oils, and Italian staples. Locals know this is the move for last-minute dinner parties. Also, if your local it’s now on DoorDash – bestill my heart.
3. Neil Lane — If you love someone—or love yourself—this is the stop. A timeless piece from Neil Lane and suddenly you’re red-carpet ready. Ask for Sally. Tell her I sent you. 😉
4. La Perla — Treat yourself. Enough said.
5. Chanel — Do I even need to say it? It’s Chanel.

La Perla, the most exquisite lingerie.

Eataly, inside the Westfield Century City.

🍴 Dining

1. Javier’s — A dark, moody, upscale Mexican restaurant where the margaritas are strong and the crowd is lively. Feels like date night, every night. The one in Newport Beach blows this one out of the water but if you didn’t know – you wouldn’t know you were missing out.
2. Avra — Gorgeous Greek seafood restaurant with a buzzing bar scene and iced displays of fresh fish that make you want to order everything. This restaurant is gorgeous! Order the dips, the branzino and this amazing yogurt dessert they have is like too good.
3. Il Tramezzino (Il Trem) — Beloved by the Beverly Hills High School crew and locals alike. The pesto chicken panini is heaven. Take it to go and eat it alone like the savage you are—it’s that good.
4. Wally’s — Part wine bar, part gourmet shop, always fun for a glass of champagne and a quick bite. Wally’s had a very charming original location so I never go to this one but it is a “scene”.
5. Mulberry Street Pizza — By the slice, thin crust, very New York of them. Sometimes all you need.
6. Via Alloro — Great Italian food, right across the street from English Rabbit. Think of it as a reward after buying Jellycats and Gucci for the kids. Zucchini blossoms. Yes.
7. Porta Via — The spaghetti. It just works. Then a cookie, it’s like an adult kids meal.

The spaghetti at Porta Via, Beverly Hills.

🏨 Stay

1. L’Ermitage Beverly Hills — Low-key luxury. A chic, tucked-away spot for drinks or a quiet stay when you want Beverly Hills without the circus. They just opened the rooftop to the public, previously only private events and it is …. Nice.

The rooftop at L’Ermitage Beverly Hills.