The Belvedere, Beverly Hills
Tucked inside The Peninsula Beverly Hills hotel, the Belvedere is known for its traditional afternoon tea, served amid plush couches and astounding flower arrangements. But the modern art collection in the main dining room is something to see as well. Brunch is an excellent time to visit, as it recently launched a lavish, seafood-centric Sunday spread in partnership with Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte. While you slurp down some oysters and dig into your potato and tarragon waffle, let your eyes wander a bit to the walls, where the artwork is popping louder than your freeflowing bubbly.
DETAILS >> The Belvedere at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, 9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills; beverly hills.peninsula.com
It’s only to be expected that Wolfgang Puck’s contemporary steakhouse would be a palace of marbled beef cuts and mind-blowing desserts. But if you fail to take a break and meander around the multileveled dining space, you’ll miss some equally impressive artwork. Seems that Puck is a big John Baldessari fan, and has adorned the restaurant with works from the Puck private collection of gigantic, vibrant, conversation-starting portraits. The restaurant, which also features photographs by Martin Schoeller, was designed by Richard Meier, the controversial Getty Center architect. (Charged with sexual harassment by five employees, Meier is currently on leave from his eponymous design firm.)
DETAILS >> Cut at the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire hotel, 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills; www.wolfgangpuck.com/dining/ cut-beverly-hills