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.