Lauren Baker is a fine art wedding photographer serving Boston, New England, and available for destinations worldwide.
The Beverly Hills Hotel is an iconic landmark that sits just outside Los Angeles, California in Beverly Hills. With its ties to the “golden age” of Hollywood and it’s frequent celebrity sightings, my friend Ashlee and I decided to treat ourselves to a fabulous lunch at The Polo Lounge Beverly Hills when we were in town!
Lunching at the Polo Lounge Beverly Hills is truly like stepping into a charming piece of old Hollywood – it blends elegance, culture, and history seamlessly. The Polo Lounge is nestled in the pink-adorned Beverly Hills Hotel, where everything from the hotel entrance to the bathrooms radiates class. From the moment we checked in for our lunch reservation, it was clear we weren’t just a restaurant; we were at a cherished institution. In fact, the woman who checked in ahead of us, requested her “usual table,” which for some reason, added an air of exclusivity to the experience. I knew immediately I was in for an unforgettable afternoon!
To suit the classic Polo Lounge vibe, I dressed the part in a mod-inspired pink J.Crew dress, nude Sécra sandals, and my chestnut Kate Spade crossbody. I finished the look with frilly pink earrings, a thoughtful gift from the Martha’s Party conference in Martha’s Vineyard I attended that spring (thanks for the SWAG boos). The atmosphere at the Polo Lounge Beverly Hills is effortlessly upscale, so dressing up felt like a necessary part of the experience.
As we were escorted to our table, I couldn’t help but notice the soft music coming from the pianist inside the restaurant. She played classical covers of hit songs like “Blackbird” by The Beatles and the theme song from Downton Abbey, which set the mood perfectly for a calm, elegant lunch. Other touches I thoroughly enjoyed were the dress codes of the Polo Lounge Beverly Hills staff. The bussers wore ivory vests with a gold double H lapel pin and black “BHH” buttons (Beverly Hills Hotel) and the servers and runners wore refined ivory blazers with the same pin and buttons. Every detail from the buttons staff wore to the attentive service was impeccably thoughtful.
And the food! It was drool-worthy! We (daintily) dug into the lovely bread basket which featured not one but three kinds carb options: pretzel rolls, parmesan bread, and asiago crisps.
Since it was lunchtime, and because we had a full day ahead of us, I opted for a mocktail rather than one of their classic cocktails. I sipped on a Hibiscus Spritz—its light, floral purée was simply perfection and it paired beautifully with my salad. The grilled peach and goat cheese salad was vibrant and light, an ideal choice on a warm California day. For my main, I opted for the Scottish salmon, served with tender asparagus, potatoes, and a unique green purée. The portions at the Polo Lounge Beverly Hills are generous, so if you’re looking for something light, or if you, like me, and can’t fit that much food in your stomach, the salad alone would be enough to satisfy. In fact, between my two courses, I’d say I enjoyed the salad the most!
While the food was delicious, I have to say the true magic of the Polo Lounge Beverly Hills lies in its ambiance. It’s a luxurious experience and a lovely escape from the bustle of the city. The shaded pink umbrellas and the lush garden setting felt simultaneously glamorous and relaxed. Whether you’re a first-timer or one of the regulars with a “usual table,” the Polo Lounge invites you to sit back and savor every moment.
So, if you find yourself in Beverly Hills, California, treat yourself to lunch at the Polo Lounge. It’s where luxury meets laid-back charm in a way that lingers well beyond the final bite. For anyone seeking a taste of old Hollywood, this iconic spot is a must-visit!