Name a more iconic L.A. fine-dining institution… because we’ll wait. After almost 40 years, Wolfgang Puck's Spago is still everyone's old fine dining standby, but its ever-changing menu keeps the restaurant feeling fresh and relevant. (Don’t worry, you can still order the smoked salmon pizza.) Spago purists will be pleased to hear the kitchen is refreshingly old-school when it comes to presentation, but modern flourishes are what keep this icon feeling fresh without ditching its hits. If it’s your first visit you must order Spago’s iconic tasting menu for the classics, but if you’re a repeat guest, the most fun you can have is offroading with the fleeting and hyper-seasonal specials, especially when it comes to dessert. Spago’s been serving stellar cuisine since the Reagan era, proving that age ain’t nothing but a number.
Given the fact that it’s home to the luxury-oriented Rodeo Drive, is it any wonder that the vast majority of dining options in Beverly Hills are expensive? From steakhouses to high-end sushi spots, Beverly Hills is home to plenty of restaurants perfect for power lunches, birthdays and celebrations, as well as a handful of places that won’t totally break the bank. We’ve also included our favorite spots in Century City, since the neighborhood is less than two miles away and encompasses the Westfield Century City mall, a dining destination in its own right. Check out our guide to the best Beverly Hills area restaurants for meals that are worth their price tag, big or small.
RECOMMENDED: See more in our complete guide to Beverly Hills