Beverly Hills Restaurants
 

Hi, <BR>We are a group of 5 New Zealanders who will be in LA on May 29. We would like to go somewhere memorable, but not too pricey, for dinner. We are staying on Wilshire Blvd in Beverly Hills. Does anyone have any suggestions? <BR>With thanks, <BR>Nichole

If you don't mind a bit of a drive I like Valentino's. Your hotel conceirge can give you directions. Its out towards the beach. Chic atmosphere; super menu. Good place to celebrate.

Valentino's is excellent, but very expensive (lunch for two is easily over $100. Lunch is on Fridays; only, by the way.) <BR>There are lots of great places in BH. Try CRUSTACEAN, a newer elegant Indochine spot with lots of atmosphere. <BR>Get a copy of LA magazine..there's a pretty reliable restaurant guide in the back of the magazine that is divided into areas. If I think of anything else, I'll email it to you. <BR> <BR> <BR>

Il Cielo--excellent food in a very romantic setting, Maple Drive--good to excellent "new American" food, jazz combo on a few nights..you may spot a celeb., Spago Beverly Hills, Wolfgang Puck's latest. All of these are expensive, but less than Valentino's and inyour area. Have fun...Oh, Yes, The Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hill Hotel.

I agree with the recommendation for Crustacean. The food is wonderful, they have a great wine list, the bar is filled with intriguing people, and a friend of mine says she always sees someone famous when she's been there. Me, I'm a sucker for the plexaglass goldfish stream under the floor leading from the front door throught the main dining room.