From bakeries and bagels to salads and sandwiches, Beverly Hills has seen an influx of cool, casual dining spots offering flavors from around the globe for quick grab-and-go snacks, dine-in all-day meals, and even a new pet-friendly spot.
Salads, Sandwiches, and Smoothies
Following the success of its Koreatown opening several years ago in a former gas station, Royal Lobster has opened an outpost on Little Santa Monica Boulevard in Beverly Hills. The concept is simple: Use only the freshest lobster from Maine to Hawaii, where they were also voted the best lobster roll in Honolulu, made with just butter, brioche, and fresh Maine lobster. You can order individual rolls (also made with crab from Maine) or by the pound, along with seafood salads or creamy bisque. This location has indoor seating.
The popular Florentine sandwich shop, All’Antico Vinaio, opened its third Los Angeles location in Beverly Hills earlier this year in the old Cheese Store space on Beverly Drive. Since its founding in Florence in 1991 by the Mazzanti family, this concept has become a global phenomenon. Known for its signature schiacciata bread, which is made fresh in-house daily, and the use of premium Italian ingredients, it has been hailed as one of the best street food experiences in the world.
Second-generation owner Tommy Mazzanti made sure to include the craveable classics such as creamy Pecorino and truffle spreads to savory Prosciutto Toscano and artichoke cream, but also a few specialty salads, affettati (meat) plates, and gelato that will only be available at this location. “Opening a location in Beverly Hills is a dream come true,” said Mazzanti. “Bringing the authentic flavors of Florence, while making everything fresh daily in-house, is what makes us unique.”
With a philosophy of “Health is Happiness,” the popular Miami all-day wellness cafe Pura Vida Miami opened in late July on Beverly Drive. Omer and Jen Horev, the husband-wife duo behind the lifestyle concept (founded in 2012), are on a mission to provide delicious and healthy food to the community. The range of menu options includes vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free items, from superfood smoothies to acai bowls, wraps and sandwiches, and all-day breakfast that includes a unique tomato bagel.
“From the beginning, our goal has been to grow with thoughtful intention, never just to open more stores, but to bring the Pura Vida lifestyle to communities that embody our core values of wellness, connection, and intentional living,” said Omer Horev, founder and CEO.
PHOTO courtesy Pura Vida
Down to the interiors, the cafe evokes a sense of calm and well-being, featuring natural wood finishes, soft neutral tones, and lush greenery. The dishes are clean-crafted with fresh, unprocessed ingredients and entirely free of seed oils. As part of its community culture, the brand engages in eco-friendly practices such as composting food waste and donating soil to local farms to support its commitment to a sustainable future.
Bagel Boom
While it looks like we might be saying goodbye to Nate’n Al’s again, there has been a quiet bagel boom in Beverly Hills this past year that includes imports from New York to Santa Monica, along with gluten-free options.
Carbs are back in a big way at Modern Bread & Bagel from New York City, but expect gluten-free options in a cozy indoor-outdoor cafe and market setting. The large menu includes a super seed bagel and a Jerusalem egg salad or za’atar tuna.
PHOTO courtesy Pura Vida
Layla Bagels & Coffee from Santa Monica has also opened on South Beverly Drive. It is known for its hand-rolled, sourdough bagel and upscale ingredients from heirloom tomatoes to a passion fruit medley that attract lines around the corner on weekends.
Pop’s Bagels on North Beverly Drive is a beloved chain feeding communities from Fairfax to Brentwood. It also offers gluten-free options as a vessel to spread the popular Nova lox or the B.A.C. with bacon, avocado, and cream cheese.
The next carb option on the South Beverly Drive horizon will be low-key Sam’s Bagels with locations around the city, including Pico-Robertson. This brand is known for whitefish salad and the lox spread.
And, more comforting carbs are on the way from Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant Luscious Dumplings from the San Gabriel Valley. Popular for handmade Northern Chinese dumplings stuffed with pork, it is opening an outpost soon on Santa Monica Boulevard in Beverly Hills.
Sweets and Treats
Gelato lovers are in luck with Bacio di Latte’s new flagship location in Beverly Hills on North Canon Drive. As the world’s largest, family-owned, artisanal gelateria, expect a truly authentic Italian gelato experience with flavors from Belgian chocolate to pistachio or the popular three chocolates with a double blend of cacao and stracciatella, along with a cheerful eat-in experience at a banquette or cafe table to enjoy it before it melts.
Beloved Asian bakery brand, Hi Bake, is making its U.S. debut with a flagship location in Beverly Hills on North Canon Drive. The menu will include customer favorites such as Thousand Layer Cake and Tokyo Banana Roll, along with inventive toast flavors and a full line of house-made drinks and ice cream. This new location also introduces fresh-baked treats for dogs, so you can bring your pets to this new cozy neighborhood hangout.
Kicking off its 30th anniversary this year, Levain Bakery has expanded its cookie empire to Beverly Hills and is also releasing its first book that is a retrospective of 30 years in the business, which started in New York City. Continuing a charitable opening tradition, during the opening day of the third LA location, all the proceeds went to support Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles, whose mission is to combat hunger by providing meals for those facing food insecurity.
Designed by Brooklyn-based Sarah Carpenter & Studio, the 90210 location features a built-in, outdoor-indoor storefront bench, direct views into the busy kitchen, and a front-entrance signature, custom-designed mural created by local artist Janice Chang, with nods to the Beverly Hills Public Library and the Electric Fountain. You can expect the legendary signature cookie flavors, including Chocolate Chip Walnut (also available in vegan and gluten-free), Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, and Coconut Caramel Chocolate Chip – all baked fresh, in-house daily, along with blueberry muffins, loaf cakes, bread and rolls, and weekend-only sticky buns, plus LA roastery Canyon Coffee for all espresso beverages.
