Tuck into The Restaurant at Hotel Bel-Air for a refined business luncheon.
Photo Courtesy of Hotel Bel-Air
THE TOWER BAR AT SUNSET TOWER HOTEL
For haute cuisine with a side of history, The Tower Bar should be where your assistant books your next lunch reservation. The simultaneously sophisticated and storied atmosphere sets the scene perfectly, even dismissing any guests who engage in derogatory behavior or break the dress code. Discreet and discerning, you can converse freely with clients over shrimp cocktail, knowing your secrets are stored safely within the restaurant’s four walls.
THE TERRACE AT THE MAYBOURNE BEVERLY HILLS
Right in the center of Beverly Hills, The Terrace is not only conveniently located but quintessentially “L.A.,” drenched in sunlight, surrounded by chic scenery and the steady stomp of foot traffic. Book a table on the shaded patio for the visiting client who wants to feel like a celebrity, where the experience includes attentive, but unrushed service and Cali-Mediterranean dishes that are light, fresh and fulfilling. When ordering, the way to go is the lunch prix-fixe: three courses that impress but don’t overburden.
Vibrant menu offerings at The Terrace at The Maybourne Beverly Hills
Photo Courtesy of The Maybourne Beverly Hills
AVRA BEVERLY HILLS
If the goal of this power lunch is to see-and-be-seen, go with Avra: sleek yet breezy, befitting both a glistening bar and an airy patio. Share plates that are sure to impress include the signature Greek salad, grilled octopus and spreads such as hummus and tzatziki. Really go for gold with an entrée of whole-grilled branzino, and baklava for a sweet finale.
TOSCANA
Business lunches at Toscana instantly show “I know a place” energy. Nestled in Brentwood, the atmosphere is quiet, simple, but nonetheless indulgent. The traditionally leaning Italian menu is a safe bet for any kind of diner, where you can go hearty with mushroom pappardelle or dial it back with fresh grilled salmon. Couple the meal with a light Italian wine and an end note of espresso to send everyone back to the office fully recharged.
CECCONI’S
West Hollywood’s Cecconi’s never has an empty seat. The trendy Italian hot spot is doused in Venetian glamour—think black-and-white checkered tiles, blue leather banquettes and a greenery-filled courtyard that makes lunch here feel just as much locked in as it is an escape. Let the spritzes flow, and if you’re high-rolling, point clients toward the lobster spaghetti or truffle pizza, a guarantee they’ve never had a power lunch like this before.
MAREA BEVERLY HILLS
As the West Coast extension of the NY institution, Marea in Beverly Hills is a no-brainer for the East Coast client, letting them know you did your research. On top of that, the food is luxurious while not lacking in flavor, known primarily for its seafood dishes. An easy formula that will leave everyone satisfied but powered up is a light crudo to start, seafood pasta as a second and conclude with a decadent cocoa-crumbled tiramisu, because why not?
LITTLE DOM’S
Little Dom’s is the red-sauce establishment of Los Feliz, where even stars flock to when escaping the limelight. If your power lunch is less suits, more scripts, an indoor table here is a home run, where the service is speedy, and the crowd leans more relaxed. This is a good choice for building trust, flexing your native Angeleno status and indulging your meatball sub craving midday, though the house salad or fusilli may be the way to go for a first-time meeting.
Dining and Cooking