In Beverly Hills, lunch has never been just lunch. It’s where scripts are sold, deals are sealed, and reputations are quietly made over perfectly dressed salads and impeccably timed espresso. And we’re giving you the scoop Hollywood’s favorite places to dine and make deals.
The History of the Power Lunch
The concept of the “power lunch” rose to prominence in the late 1970s and was coined by writer Lee Eisenberg in an Esquire article. By the 1970s and ‘80s, Beverly Hills had become synonymous with dealmaking over lunch. Agents, producers, lawyers, and talent converged in dining rooms where discretion was paramount. These lunches weren’t rushed, they were orchestrated. Today, the power lunch has evolved, but its essence remains.
Today, Beverly Hills restaurants continue to honor this tradition. Here's where the power lunches continue to live on:
Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel
The Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel, once described as "Hollywood's commissary' has hosted generations of the industry's elite. Its iconic patio, candy-striped ceiling, and timeless menu make it as relevant today as it was decades ago — a place where history and influence still share a table. The menu features American cuisine with an Italian edge with items including the McCarthy salad, mamed after Hollywood lawyer Neil McCarthy who requested the salad from the chef and is now enshrined in the menu.
THE Blvd at Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills, A Four Seasons Hotel
THE Blvd at Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills, A Four Seasons Hotel helps power up your midday with their 3-course power lunch. The menu strikes a balance between indulgence and efficiency, with standout options like tuna poke, gem Caesar salad, a signature club sandwich, Korean fried chicken, and mango sorbet. It’s polished, purposeful, and perfectly suited for sealing deals with a side of sophistication.
The Grill on the Alley
Few places capture the spirit of the classic Hollywood power lunch like The Grill on the Alley, which has been around for over 35 years. Tucked on Dayton Way, this eatery has been long favored by studio heads, agents, and their attorneys. It’s where deals unfold over Cobb salad, fresh shucked oysters, crab cakes, and their lunch classics including steak sandwich and chicken pot pie.
Vivian at Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills
Inside the Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills, Viviane Restaurant is a discreet poolside oasis ideal for the power lunch. Popular for business meetings, script discussions, and dealmaking, the restaurant offers a relaxed yet polished atmosphere with indoor dining, a heated patio, and a newly remodeled private dining room perfect for intimate gatherings. Complimentary valet parking included when you dine at the Viviane Restaurant.
Avra Beverly Hills
Avra Beverly Hills brings Mediterranean flavors to the power lunch scene with pristine seafood, bright flavors, and an airy dining room that strikes the perfect balance between focus and ease. Their three-course prix fixe lunch menu, available daily from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., makes midday dining effortless with standout options ranging from a classic Greek salad to the chef’s daily fish selection, and dessert. Elegant yet approachable, it remains one of Beverly Hills’ best-kept lunch secrets.
Leora Beverly Hills
Located inside the United Talent Agency building on Civic Center Drive, Leora Café is a hidden gem that has quickly become a favorite among agents, influencers, and creatives. This chef-driven all-day café pairs a health-conscious menu with matcha, Sightglass coffee, and a sleek, buzzy atmosphere where industry conversations unfold over lunch. Menu favorites include spicy salmon bowls, a grilled chicken Caesar wrap, and a classic turkey club. For easiest parking, use the Rexford Public Parking Lot (first two hours free), then walk across the street and through the alley to find Leora Café.
Nate 'n Al Delicatessen
A Beverly Hills institution, Nate ’n Al’s has been a legendary power lunch destination for decades. The iconic deli has long attracted Hollywood A-listers and industry veterans, cementing its reputation as one of the city’s quintessential dealmaking spots. While more casual than the traditional prix-fixe power lunch scene, its comfortable booths and classic deli fare provide the perfect backdrop for conversations over pastrami sandwiches and matzo ball soup.
Whether you’re closing a deal or catching up with colleagues, Beverly Hills offers no shortage of iconic dining destinations. Explore even more acclaimed restaurants, cafés, and culinary experiences in our restaurant guide.
Published: May 19, 2026