The Belvedere Is A Beverly Hills Restaurant That Still Feels Approachable
It's hard to imagine the Peninsula Beverly Hills, a name synonymous with a certain type of highbrow luxury, has an in-house restaurant that almost seems reserved. After all, this is a place where A-list celebrities prepare for the Oscars, where afternoon tea rivals royal expectations, and where exclusive cars line a driveway of pristine cobblestones. But at the Belvedere, an eatery that recently underwent a renovation, such indulgent quality has a calm — rather than a confident — appeal. A subdued color palette of creams and blues intertwine on plush plaid-backed chairs and navy banquet booths illuminated by floor-to-ceiling panes that let in light from a serene private terrace. Yes, the tables are covered in white cloths, but the accompanying vibrant paintings give that sophistication a dash of cool. "Our goal was to move toward a more relaxed style of dining while staying true to our DNA," Offer Nissenbaum, managing director of the hotel, said. It's an upscale design with a welcoming attitude, and that's perhaps the most alluring twist of this renowned locale.
1. Dining Room
High-back, tufted booths and banquettes provide a dark foil to custom chairs upholstered in a sky-blue plaid. Unlike the dark wooded, traditional bar that leads to the Belvedere, the restaurant is an airy and modern take on the hotel's style.
2. Dining Room
Michele Andersen for Hunker
Blue and white Toile de Jouy skirts add definition to traditional white cloths on each table. The French pattern was pulled from Brunschwig & Fils.
3. Dining Room
Michele Andersen for Hunker
The largest contribution to making the restaurant feel light — other than the white textured linen walls — are the blackened steel windows and French doors leading to the terrace.
4. Dining Room
Michele Andersen for Hunker
"We were extremely proud to unveil a stunning collection of contemporary art featuring works by acclaimed international artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Alex Katz, and Robert Indiana," Nissenbaum noted. "They are all striking pieces, and the caliber of the artists has surprised many of our guests who don't expect museum-quality artwork when visiting a restaurant."
5. Terrace
Michele Andersen for Hunker
A carved limestone fireplace was created to match the hotel's exterior, and the forged iron furniture was chosen to match the property's windows and French doors.