If you’re curious about dining at the historic Beverly Hills Hotel, the answer is the Polo Lounge — a restaurant that has anchored Hollywood power breakfasts and deal-making dinners since 1941. This guide walks through the menu, reservations, dress code, and practical details, all drawn from the hotel’s official policies and independent reviews, so you can plan your visit with confidence.

Last checked: 2026-07-25

Restaurant name: Polo Lounge · Located at: The Beverly Hills Hotel, 9641 Sunset Boulevard · Cuisine type: American with Italian edge · Meals served: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Notable dish: Roast Turkey Monte Cristo, Lobster Thermidor

How we researched this guide

Last checked: 2026-07-25.

Sources reviewed: official hotel website (Dorchester Collection), TripAdvisor reviews, Forbes Travel Guide, Time Out Los Angeles, Haute Living SF, Love Beverly Hills tourism board, YouTube vlog, and aggregated menu listings.

We did not conduct an on-site visit, interview staff, or independently verify prices. All claims are sourced from the listed materials.

Polo Lounge at a glance

1 History & address
2 Daily hours
3 Dress code
  • After 4pm: no shorts, flip-flops, or sportswear; children under 10 exempt (Dorchester Collection)
4 Signature dishes
  • McCarthy Salad, Dover Sole Meunière, Roast Turkey Monte Cristo, Lobster Thermidor (Haute Living SF)
Detail Value
Restaurant namePolo Lounge
Located atThe Beverly Hills Hotel, 9641 Sunset Boulevard
Cuisine typeAmerican with Italian edge
Meals servedBreakfast, lunch, dinner
Notable dishRoast Turkey Monte Cristo, Lobster Thermidor

Is there a restaurant in Beverly Hills Hotel?

Yes, the hotel operates two dining venues. The primary restaurant is the Polo Lounge, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. A second option, the Cabana Cafe, offers poolside dining seasonally from 9am to 5pm. The Polo Lounge is the flagship – a full-service restaurant and bar that has been the hotel’s culinary center since 1941, as documented by Forbes Travel Guide.

The Polo Lounge: the signature restaurant

Located off the lobby, the Polo Lounge is divided into a main dining room, a bar area, and a celebrated patio framed by palm trees and flowers. The Love Beverly Hills tourism board describes the patio as “one of Los Angeles’ premier and prettiest outdoor dining settings.” The menu leans American with Italian influences, and live piano accompanies lunch and dinner Thursday through Saturday.

Cabana Cafe: poolside dining

For a lighter, more casual meal, the Cabana Cafe operates seasonally beside the hotel’s pool. It serves salads, sandwiches, and refreshments from late morning to late afternoon, but it is not a full-service restaurant open to the public year-round.

The bottom line: The Polo Lounge is the main restaurant; the Cabana Cafe is a seasonal supplement.

Can anyone eat at the Beverly Hills Hotel?

Yes, non-guests are welcome to dine at both the Polo Lounge and the Cabana Cafe. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for peak meal periods and the popular Sunday brunch. The hotel’s official site states that the dress code is “dress for the occasion,” with specific restrictions after 4pm.

Public access policy

There is no membership or hotel-guest requirement. Walk-ins are accepted but wait times can exceed an hour during busy periods. The hotel’s reservation phone line is +1 310-887-2777, and online booking is available through platforms such as SevenRooms, per TripAdvisor guidance.

Dress code and reservations

Before 4pm, smart-casual is the norm. After 4pm, the following are prohibited: shorts, flip-flops (including Birkenstocks), sportswear (tracksuits), casual hats, beanies, ripped denim, crop tops, nightwear, swimwear, and men’s sleeveless shirts. Children under 10 are exempt from the dress code. A TripAdvisor hotel representative describes the overall standard as “business casual.”

What this means: Anyone can dine here, but plan your outfit wisely if you are coming for dinner.

Polo Lounge Menu and Signature Dishes

The menu is a mix of classic American and Californian dishes with an Italian edge. Long-standing favorites include the McCarthy Salad (a riff on Cobb salad), Dover Sole Meunière, and a branded American Wagyu burger. The Haute Living SF feature notes that the “menu here remains timeless.”

Breakfast highlights

Breakfast runs from 7am to 11am. Signature items include Roasted Apple Pancakes, eggs Benedict, and fresh pastries. A YouTube vlog documents a two-person breakfast costing around $120 including tip, placing it in the luxury bracket (source).

Lunch and dinner favorites

Lunch (11am–3pm) features the Roast Turkey Monte Cristo and the McCarthy Salad. Dinner (5–11pm) highlights include Lobster Thermidor, Steak Diane, and a chocolate soufflé for dessert. The official 2024 brunch menu PDF shows a multi-course structure with a 20% service charge automatically added for parties of six or more.

Cocktail program

The bar offers a full cocktail list, including the signature Polo Lounge Martini and a selection of California wines. Live piano sets the mood Thursday through Saturday evenings.

The pattern: The menu favours timeless dishes over trendy innovations, appealing to guests who value consistency and nostalgia.

How to Book a Table at the Polo Lounge

Reservations are handled directly by the hotel. The most reliable method is to call +1 310-887-2777. Online booking via SevenRooms is also available but may not display all time slots, especially for high-demand periods such as Sunday brunch and seasonal afternoon tea. According to Forbes Travel Guide, Friday and Saturday tea slots are popular and must be booked well in advance.

Reservation channels

Phone reservations are recommended for large parties and special events. Online booking is convenient for standard tables up to six guests. The hotel’s official site does not list a specific advance notice requirement, but third-party sources suggest booking at least two weeks ahead for prime dinner slots.

Expected wait times

Without a reservation, walk-ins can expect 30–60 minutes for a table at peak hours (7–9pm). The bar area offers first-come, first-served seating and is a popular alternative.

Cancellation policy

A credit card is required to secure a reservation. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance may incur a fee, though the specific amount is not publicly listed by the hotel.

The trade-off: Phone booking gives you the most flexibility, but online booking is faster for standard tables.

Specification Polo Lounge
Full namePolo Lounge
Location9641 Sunset Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
CuisineAmerican with Italian edge
MealsBreakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch
Average entrée priceUSD 35–65; average per dish ~$31.60
Dress code after 4pmNo shorts, flip-flops, sportswear
ReservationsPhone +1 310-887-2777 or online (SevenRooms)
Live musicPiano Thurs–Sat evenings

Pros and Cons of Dining at the Polo Lounge

Pros

  • Historic Hollywood ambiance with a storied clientele
  • Beautiful patio dining with palm trees and flowers
  • Live piano Thursday–Saturday adds to the atmosphere
  • Consistent, high-quality classic dishes
  • Open to the public – no hotel stay required

Cons

  • High prices – average entrée USD 35–65, breakfast for two can exceed $120
  • Strict dress code after 4pm enforces a formal standard
  • Reservations are essential and can be hard to secure for popular times
  • Service can be slow during peak hours, according to TripAdvisor reviews
  • Limited menu innovation – dishes are classic rather than adventurous

Pricing at the Polo Lounge

The Polo Lounge operates in the luxury price band. An aggregated menu listing estimates an average cost of USD 31.60 per dish or drink (Menuweb). A typical breakfast for two with tip runs around USD 120, while dinner entrées range from USD 35 to 65. The 2024 brunch menu includes a 20% service charge for parties of six or more. Expect to spend USD 80–150 per person for a full meal with drinks.

Other Iconic Beverly Hills Restaurants

If the Polo Lounge is fully booked or you want to explore the local fine-dining scene, consider these alternatives:

  • Spago – Wolfgang Puck’s flagship on Canon Drive, known for its California cuisine and celebrity sightings.
  • Cut – A high-end steakhouse by Wolfgang Puck, located inside the Beverly Wilshire hotel.
  • Mastro’s Steakhouse – A classic Beverly Hills steakhouse with a lively bar scene.

Each offers a different atmosphere – Spago is more contemporary, Cut is steak-focused, and Mastro’s is louder and more social. For pure Old Hollywood nostalgia, the Polo Lounge remains the top choice.

Our Pick: Polo Lounge for Classic Hollywood Ambience

For diners seeking a tangible connection to Hollywood’s golden age, the Polo Lounge is the definitive choice. It is ideally suited for breakfast power meetings, leisurely Sunday brunch with live jazz, and dinner where the setting matters as much as the food. While the prices are high and the dress code demands attention, the experience – patio dining under palm trees, piano in the background, the possibility of spotting a star – is unmatched in Beverly Hills.

Recommended for: Diners seeking classic Hollywood ambience, breakfast power meeting attendees, fans of live piano dining, and first-time visitors to Beverly Hills.

Tip: For the best chance of a table without a reservation, arrive at 11am for lunch or 5pm for dinner. The bar area is also open seating and often has shorter waits.

Important: The dress code after 4pm is strictly enforced. Leave shorts, flip-flops, and sportswear in your hotel room. Smart casual – collared shirts, trousers, dresses – is the safe choice.

“It’s not just a restaurant—it’s where Hollywood has come to see and be unseen for nearly a century.”

— Haute Living SF, April 2025

“Opened in 1941, The Polo Lounge has an incredible history, with many Hollywood greats of a bygone era frequenting the restaurant for breakfast on the patio or cocktails at the bar.”

— Forbes Travel Guide

Frequently Asked Questions about the Polo Lounge

Is the Beverly Hills Hotel still open?

Yes, the hotel and the Polo Lounge are fully operational. The hotel has been continuously open since 1912, though the Polo Lounge itself opened in 1941.

What is the best restaurant in Beverly Hills?

The “best” depends on your preference. The Polo Lounge is the top choice for historic ambiance and power-dining. For modern cuisine, Spago is a strong competitor.

Can anyone go to the Beverly Hills Hotel?

Yes, the hotel is open to the public. You do not need to be a guest to dine at the Polo Lounge or Cabana Cafe.

What is the dress code for the Polo Lounge?

Before 4pm, smart-casual. After 4pm, shorts, flip-flops, and sportswear are prohibited. The hotel says “dress for the occasion.”

Does the Polo Lounge have live music?

Yes, live piano plays Thursday through Saturday evenings. Sunday brunch also features live light jazz, per Luxury.am.

Is parking available at the Beverly Hills Hotel?

Yes, the hotel offers valet parking. Rates are not publicly listed but are typical for Beverly Hills luxury hotels.

How do I make reservations at the Polo Lounge?

Call +1 310-887-2777 or book online via SevenRooms. Phone is recommended for larger parties or special requests.

Sources

  • Dorchester Collection – Polo Lounge official page (hours, dress code, service periods)
  • Forbes Travel Guide – Polo Lounge review (history, dress code, afternoon tea)
  • Haute Living SF – “The Enduring Allure of the Polo Lounge” (menu, cultural context)
  • Love Beverly Hills – Polo Lounge profile (patio description, tourism perspective)
  • Time Out Los Angeles – Polo Lounge listing (hours, general info)
  • TripAdvisor – Polo Lounge FAQ (reservations, phone number)
  • TripAdvisor – Beverly Hills Hotel Q&A on dress code (business casual description)
  • YouTube vlog – Breakfast at Polo Lounge (price example)
  • Menuweb – Polo Lounge menu PDF (average price estimate)
  • Luxury.am – Sunday brunch coverage (brunch hours, jazz)