The Restaurant at Hotel Bel-Air

What a beautiful place! Food and service was fantastic. Great place for a breezy afternoon to grab lunch and a cocktail. Definitely a go to for a girls get together!

I rarely leave reviews, but this experience was disappointing enough that I felt compelled to share it.

On my one day off—my sacred Sunday—I chose to spend brunch here with a group of girlfriends. Unfortunately, from the moment we arrived, we were met with an attitude that felt dismissive, unwelcoming, and unnecessarily rude.

To be clear, the issue was never that our reservation was for outside seating. The issue was the way we were spoken to. The hostess and manager seemed annoyed by our presence, and rather than offering solutions or hospitality, we were made to feel like an inconvenience. We were told our options were to sit inside or at the bar despite having a reservation. It wasn’t the seating arrangement that bothered us—it was the lack of courtesy, professionalism, and basic respect.

What made the situation even more frustrating was that there were clearly numerous open tables throughout the restaurant, yet we were made to feel as though accommodating us was some extraordinary favor. Eventually, we were placed at a small corner table, but by then the damage had already been done.

The bright spot of our visit was our server, Lucas who was excellent—friendly, attentive, and genuinely hospitable. He was the only reason the experience improved at all. A senior manager did stop by our table, but there was no real acknowledgment of how poorly the situation had been handled from the start.

I’ve dined here before and have enjoyed the piano bar in the past, which makes this experience even more disappointing. What makes it even worse is that this is an insanely expensive restaurant. When you’re charging those kinds of prices, exceptional hospitality should be the standard, not the exception. No guest should ever be made to feel dismissed, talked down to, or treated like an inconvenience from the moment they walk through the door.

A great dining experience begins with how guests are welcomed, and unfortunately, this one failed before it even started. We left feeling disrespected and disappointed. I won’t be returning, and I would encourage others to spend their hard-earned money at establishments that value their guests and understand that hospitality matters just as much as the food.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 4

My five day vacation at BelAir felt so serene and peaceful, most importantly very relaxing too.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

So disappointing to receive such bad service in such a beautiful establishment.

We went there for a nice dinner, but this place apparently does not welcome first-time customers.

There was nobody at the entrance to greet us or show us to a table. After we asked at the bar, the bartender told us to just sit wherever we saw an empty table.

We sat at one, but after a few minutes we had to move because that table was already “assigned.”

We were moved to a super low table with low chairs, making it basically impossible to eat.

Honestly, if you aren’t staying at the hotel, you’re better off eating at the other beautiful restaurants that Beverly Hills has to offer.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

25 wedding anniversary. We married at the Bel-Air and dine off on and on there for dinner, brunch or tea. Our service was excellent the staff seemed young, inexperienced, and nervous but kind and efficient. The atmosphere was lovely to look at but table was wabbly, seating bench was hard and too wide had to ask for back pillow. Much of the decor had a cheap, glitzy feel not warm and inviting. The food was sad and over all very disappointing. The dinner and wine by the glass menu were odd not many choices and seemed very old fashion. Nothing new about flower blossoms stuffed with cheese, or sliced iberico with stale bread, or pea soup. Each was good but not special and certainly didn't warrant their price. The bread basket for over $20 was a joke. Again not that the bread wasn't good just not special and not even close to worth the price. The bread was hard to eat with tough or ultra messy flakey crusts. The lamb was tasty but unevenly cooked. The serving size was generous. The chicken was much the same. The sauces were off on both dishes. The sauces didn't taste good or bring the dishes together in any thematic way. The truffles on the chicken were completely tasteless. Our dessert experience was similar tasty but a little off some how. The espresso was horrible couldn't drink it. Needless to say we won't be going back either to dine or stay

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 5

The Restaurant at Hotel Bel-Air is where I take buyers touring Bel Air and Stone Canyon estates when they need to truly feel the neighborhood. Dining among the swans in the garden with bougainvillea cascading overhead is unlike anything else in LA. Wolfgang Puck's menu is refined and beautifully executed — the brunch is particularly special. The service is impeccably gracious and the setting is pure old-world glamour. For ultra-luxury buyers, this experience sells the Bel Air lifestyle better than any property tour.

Amazing night and Misha took care of every need my girlfriend wanted. Great experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I had an incredible experience at The Dorchester restaurant at the Hotel Bel-Air. From the moment we arrived, the level of customer service was truly exceptional and felt very personalized. The staff went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect, and their attention to detail did not go unnoticed.

What really stood out was how thoughtful and attentive the team was. They made us feel genuinely welcomed and valued throughout the entire visit. The atmosphere was beautiful, the service was seamless, and the overall experience felt special from start to finish.

Highly recommend for anyone looking for not just great food, but truly outstanding hospitality.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Enchanting hotel and it depends on what the purpose is of why you go to this hotel - food is expensive, scene is romantic

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

The food and service are wonderful. A lovely, lovely place to dine.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The Restaurant at Hotel Bel-Air remains one of the most beautiful dining settings in Los Angeles.

We typically celebrate a birthday here each year, but since we were out of town, we scheduled dinner for Valentine’s Day instead. It was a prix fixe menu, and every meal began with their Uni Toast.

I’m not usually a big uni fan, but our server explained that this uni was flown in from Japan and differs from the Santa Barbara variety we’re used to. He was right. It was light, delicate, and beautifully balanced. An excellent way to begin the evening.

For our starters, we selected the Maine Scallop Crudo and the Fiori di Zucca Fritti. The crudo was exceptional, with a bright citrus element that made the scallops taste incredibly fresh and elevated the entire dish. The Fiori was also beautifully executed and a strong start.

We did experience a hiccup. We had 6 PM reservations, but after the appetizers, the kitchen got backed up. The staff handled it graciously and offered complimentary drinks, which we appreciated. Still, it was unexpected given how early in the evening it was.

For mains, we ordered the Land & Sea and the Périgord Black Truffle Risotto. I have a personal rule: if risotto is on the menu anywhere, I order it. This one delivered. The black truffles elevated it beautifully, and it was rich and deeply satisfying.

The Land & Sea was more mixed. The lobster was unfortunately chewy. The Wagyu was fine but not as memorable as expected, and the potatoes didn’t enhance the dish. Individually, the components were high quality, but together they didn’t quite harmonize. It felt more focused on presentation than flavor, and at this price point, it needs to be both.

Dessert was visually stunning, truly a work of art. I found it refreshing and beautifully composed, though the tart elements may not appeal to everyone.

Of course, the setting is part of what makes this restaurant so special. The seasonal decor, outdoor heaters, and soft jazz create a timeless, old-Hollywood atmosphere. Service remained polished and attentive throughout, even during the kitchen delay. Juan took wonderful care of us, and it was a pleasure meeting Lizeth Ramos, the GM.

And as a final touch, as we crossed the bridge toward valet, our car was already being pulled up. Seamless.

Will we return? Yes. The ambiance and service continue to make it special. At this level, though, the food must consistently match the magic of the setting.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 3

Service: 5

Food was excellent but the Bluefin Tuna Tartare was by far my favorite.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Very disappointing. Very fancy but absolutely not worth the money. Not even close. Pretentious with no receipts.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 4

The dining experience here is truly exceptional. The atmosphere is beautiful, the service is warm and attentive, and the wine list offers plenty of impressive choices. The hotel grounds are also wonderful to explore, whether you take a stroll before your meal or after. Everything from the flavors to the presentation makes this a place worth visiting again and again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

There is no doubt the Hotel Bel-Air is a jewel in the crown of Los Angeles hotels. From the moment you step onto the arched stone bridge and gaze at the iconic swans in the pond below, it’s almost as if you have transcended into a softer, gentler and more gracious time. The temperature is always cooler, the air seems somehow softer simply by being there. But what many people may not know is how fabulous The Restaurant at the Bel-Air is.

In keeping with the feel of the property, The Restaurant seamlessly blends into the beauty of the hotel. You have two options when dining; either alfresco or inside the dining room. Both are elegant however our choice always seems to be outside on the patio. With it’s soft pink and white interior, lush plants and candlelit tables and booths, it’s a beautiful place to dine. And dine, you do.

For over a year now, Chef Joe Garcia has transformed the menu into a wonderful compilation of delights. You’ll still find some of the old favorites, like Lobster Bisque and Bluefin Tuna Crudo, but Chef Garcia has added elegant dishes with a French influence that follow the seasons. Adding to this already incredible combination, what makes dining here even more special is the staff. Everyone, from the hostess who seats you to the waiter who takes care of you, are incredible. Our personal favorite is Misha. He is charming, attentive and alert to all our dining needs and makes us feel like VIP’s. He is simply the best and we always request him when making a reservation for dinner.

The Restaurant at the Hotel Bel-Air is not just a great place for evenings. We often drive the 30 minutes from home to go have breakfast on the weekend. It’s a great way to enjoy a Sunday morning. Ask for Jonathan or Lucinda, both are fabulous and will take the best care of you. And if you like a weekend morning “beverage”, opt for their bloody Mary’s. We think it’s one of the best we’ve ever had.

If you want a wonderful morning or night out that makes you feel like you’ve been transported, don’t miss The Restaurant at the Hotel Bel-Air. You be glad you did!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5