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The Belvedere isn't set inside a garden, but its interior design certainly makes it feel like one. As you walk into this Beverly Hills institution, set inside the Peninsula hotel, you'll be greeted by a large colorful floral arrangement, filled with purples, greens and yellows from the large sunflowers. The chic room is brimming with blooms — on the tabletops, in the paintings and on the carpeting. The cream walls, a canvas for the room, have white-framed, floral mural-like paintings. It's bright and cheery, yet inviting and comfortable, with a touch of English countryside to boot. During the day, the dining room feels more garden party, and by night, with the lights turned down, it becomes sophisticated and romantic. Floor-to-ceiling windows and French doors open up to the covered back patio, blocked off with white lattice and lots of hanging plants and flowers, where you can enjoy your meal with a breath of fresh air. Pale peach, sea green and cream tones sweep through the interiors of both rooms, creating a warm, elegant space — perfect for a client luncheon or a visit with friends.

Set inside the Peninsula Beverly Hills, the Belvedere is somewhat of an institution as restaurants in this neck of the woods go. Many a silver-screen contract has been signed across these tables, as fast talkers from the nearby CAA and ICM agencies have held court here, but it's also been the setting for numerous proposals, ladies luncheons and black-tie affairs since the hotel opened in August 1991. If you plan to dine off chef James Overbaugh's modern American menu at the Belvedere, there are a few things you should know before you get there:

1. The Four-Star Belvedere caters to a mix of people but be warned, this isn't the trend-setting young Hollywood crowd; an older, more sophisticated group of diners eat here. It's  quintessential Beverly Hills spot, with a refined and chic atmosphere, so if you're looking for a delicious dinner in a luxurious atmosphere, this is your place.

2. The waitstaff at the Belvedere knows its stuff: If you're having a hard time ordering, your server will make the decision easier with an overview of your choices. With detail and precision, plates will arrive and disappear as if on cue; you'll feel relaxed and taken care of, without a stuffy overbearing air, making your meal and experience completely enjoyable.

3. If wine is your thing, The Belvedere is a great place to be: Wine manager David Jones has been at the Belvedere for many years and is incredibly knowledgeable about the list and wine in general. This restaurant's armada of vinos is quite lengthy and more than likely, you'll need Jones' help to select the best wine to go with your meal. He'll stop over before you order to assist and is more than willing to talk shop about the menu.

4. Although it's a sophisticated restaurant, the Belvedere offers a charming garden setting and, if you've booked a family vacay, the patio works perfectly with kids. There's a children's menu, so if your kid's palate isn't quite so refined yet, there are a variety of favorites — macaroni and cheese, spaghetti with turkey meatballs or mini pizzas — to order. However, your gourmand-in-training also can choose more adult-like meals, such as stuffed chicken with creamy orzo and peas or grilled salmon with rice pilaf and lemon-butter sauce.

5. If you're looking to throw a larger party at The Belvedere, the lovely private dining room is the perfect place to play host. For an intimate space, the private dining room features gold and cream décor and one long table that seats up to 20 people.

Set inside the Peninsula Beverly Hills, the Belvedere is somewhat of an institution as restaurants in this neck of the woods go. Many a silver-screen contract has been signed across these tables, as fast talkers from the nearby CAA and ICM agencies have held court here, but it's also been the setting for numerous proposals, ladies luncheons and black-tie affairs since the hotel opened in August 1991. If you plan to dine off chef James Overbaugh's modern American menu at the Belvedere, there are a few things you should know before you get there:

1. The Four-Star Belvedere caters to a mix of people but be warned, this isn't the trend-setting young Hollywood crowd; an older, more sophisticated group of diners eat here. It's  quintessential Beverly Hills spot, with a refined and chic atmosphere, so if you're looking for a delicious dinner in a luxurious atmosphere, this is your place.

2. The waitstaff at the Belvedere knows its stuff: If you're having a hard time ordering, your server will make the decision easier with an overview of your choices. With detail and precision, plates will arrive and disappear as if on cue; you'll feel relaxed and taken care of, without a stuffy overbearing air, making your meal and experience completely enjoyable.

3. If wine is your thing, The Belvedere is a great place to be: Wine manager David Jones has been at the Belvedere for many years and is incredibly knowledgeable about the list and wine in general. This restaurant's armada of vinos is quite lengthy and more than likely, you'll need Jones' help to select the best wine to go with your meal. He'll stop over before you order to assist and is more than willing to talk shop about the menu.

4. Although it's a sophisticated restaurant, the Belvedere offers a charming garden setting and, if you've booked a family vacay, the patio works perfectly with kids. There's a children's menu, so if your kid's palate isn't quite so refined yet, there are a variety of favorites — macaroni and cheese, spaghetti with turkey meatballs or mini pizzas — to order. However, your gourmand-in-training also can choose more adult-like meals, such as stuffed chicken with creamy orzo and peas or grilled salmon with rice pilaf and lemon-butter sauce.

5. If you're looking to throw a larger party at The Belvedere, the lovely private dining room is the perfect place to play host. For an intimate space, the private dining room features gold and cream décor and one long table that seats up to 20 people.

The Belvedere isn't set inside a garden, but its interior design certainly makes it feel like one. As you walk into this Beverly Hills institution, set inside the Peninsula hotel, you'll be greeted by a large colorful floral arrangement, filled with purples, greens and yellows from the large sunflowers. The chic room is brimming with blooms — on the tabletops, in the paintings and on the carpeting. The cream walls, a canvas for the room, have white-framed, floral mural-like paintings. It's bright and cheery, yet inviting and comfortable, with a touch of English countryside to boot. During the day, the dining room feels more garden party, and by night, with the lights turned down, it becomes sophisticated and romantic. Floor-to-ceiling windows and French doors open up to the covered back patio, blocked off with white lattice and lots of hanging plants and flowers, where you can enjoy your meal with a breath of fresh air. Pale peach, sea green and cream tones sweep through the interiors of both rooms, creating a warm, elegant space — perfect for a client luncheon or a visit with friends.

If a meat-free menu is what you're looking for, the chefs at the Belvedere are happy to accommodate; at this Four-Star restaurant, the menu includes several vegetarian options and the staff can easily prepare something to meet your needs. Vegetarian dishes may include a variety of salads, chilled cucumber soup, a hibiscus-glazed tofu napoleon and several pasta dishes. Although the chefs can create a meatless meal on a whim, call ahead to allow them time to prepare and you'll receive the best options possible. Your dining preferences will also be saved to a profile with the restaurant and hotel, so both will be prepared to accommodate you easily on your next visit.

We usually follow the “don’t fill up on bread rule,” but the Belvedere’s delicious breadbasket makes it hard to resist. When you sit down at the country-club-like table inside the Peninsula Beverly Hills, your attentive server will bring by a basket, and with one whiff of the fresh bread, we guarantee you’ll be hooked as well. The basket is filled with a variety of tasty slices: olive bread, pumpernickel/zucchini bread, mini French baguettes and crispy Asiago cheese crackers. You also get small ramekins of plain butter and one of a flavored butter — we loved the tomato-basil butter. Try all of the bread — even if it’s just a bite of each; they’re delicious, especially with the creamy, flavored butter spread on top. During our last visit, we couldn’t resist the pumpernickel/ zucchini bread — light, moist and flavorful, it was good enough to be dessert.

The Club Bar is a den-like, cozy spot with a prime location right next to the Belvedere (both are tucked inside the stunning Peninsula Beverly Hills), making it the perfect place to relax while you wait for a dinner table or sip on a nightcap after your meal. Inside you'll find dark, wood-paneled walls and a warm glow from a crackling fireplace. The classically designed space features a long mahogany bar with high bucket-seat bar stools; the floors are covered with Oriental rugs, the furnishings are dark with hues of red and brown, and splashes of leopard print on the pillows are placed throughout the room. The bar features a full list of wine, spirits and creative cocktails — we especially love the Pen 20, the hotel's celebratory 20th anniversary rum punch drink with fresh blackberries and ginger. Chef James Overbaugh tempts you to stay for more than just a tipple with a menu of inventive bar snacks, including a foie gras-duck burger and a truffled twist on the cheesesteak. This dimly lit bar is a quiet spot for a rendezvous for two or a good place to meet a group and grab cocktails later in the evening.

An institution in the Los Angeles dining scene, the Four-Star Belvedere at the Peninsula Beverly Hills has long served as a deal-sealing destination serving a menu of exceptional modern American food. Chef James Overbaugh combines a penchant for ethnic spices and ingredients with a passion for farm-fresh produce, taking cues for his creative, refined menu from his various kitchen experiences. You'll find everything from New Orleans-inspired oysters Overbaugh to California dishes such as smoked salmon with scallion pancakes and caviar. Dedicated to preserving the style of the hotel and restaurant, chef Overbaugh re-created an entree from its original 1991 menu to celebrate the Peninsula's 20th anniversary; enjoy the truffle-marinated Chateaubriand of veal today as you might have 20 years ago. Or, if you'd like to leave your meal completely in the chef's hands, a daily six-course tasting menu ($95) provides a sampling of vegetables, meats, fish and a dessert; an additional wine pairing ($60) only heightens the epicurean experience. The sweet side of the Belvedere is taken care of by pastry chef Romain Lenoir, a French-born-and-trained chef who creates classic French desserts with a modern twist.

Although the décor of the Belvedere — plush floral carpeting, sweeping French doors and cream and gold accents — recalls the English countryside, executive chef James Overbaugh's food philosophy is all American. He creatively combines a focus on farm-fresh produce with interesting ingredients found throughout the world to produce an experience that is an invigorating taste of modern American cuisine. This Massachusettsian-turned-Californian has developed relationships with farmers and artisans all over the state, and his menu spotlights sustainable seafood, artisan meats and the year-round seasonality of the Golden State. You'll find everything from a New Orleans-inspired oysters Overbaugh to a true California dish such as yellowfin tuna tataki on his menu, and unique spices, flavor combinations and ingredients all make appearances. When Overbaugh took over as executive chef of the Peninsula Beverly Hills in mid-2008 — he now oversees a staff of 38 and is in charge of all of the hotel's food production, including menus for the Roof Garden, Club Bar and Living Room as well as catering events — he made two guarantees: that he honor the style of the prestigious hotel and that he modernize the menu with a new approach and twist.

You could say that Romain Lenoir, the executive pastry chef at the Belvedere, is a newbie in the sweets arena. It was only in early 2011 that he was named executive pastry chef at the Peninsula Beverly Hills, and given the job of revamping the Los Angeles hotel's desserts — including the Four-Star Belvedere's menu, as well as offerings for the Roof Garden, Club Bar and Living Room, and in-room treats. But to call Lenoir a neophyte is a mistake: He has been crafting pastries since the age of five, when he began helping his mother and grandmother in their kitchen in Dijon, France. After working in kitchens in Paris, London and Chicago, Lenoir made his way to Los Angeles. Coincidentally, on the day dedicated to sweets, Valentine's Day, he took over the Peninsula Beverly Hill's sweets kitchen. His menu focuses on farmers' market produce with a modern twist on classic French desserts. After your meal at the Belvedere, you may be tempted by a yuzu parfait, paired with caraway ice cream and sake-marinated blueberries, or his almond-cream-filled pastry with poached apricots.

The elegant Belvedere is meant for relaxing dinners and romantic moments, and this Four-Star locale, tucked inside the Peninsula Beverly Hills hotel, offers just the quiet and mellow atmosphere needed for such affairs. Classical music sets the tone, played softly in the background, preparing you for an exquisite meal from chef James Overbaugh of modern, farm-fresh American cuisine. Even on busy nights — the restaurant is widely known as being a the prime destination for nearby CAA and ICM agents looking to get down to business — the spacious room provides a low noise level, perfect for any conversation over dinner. If your dining plans include a rowdier crew, the Belvedere’s private dining room and its long, spacious 20-seat table can offer more intimate seating.

With so many great choices on the Belvedere's Four-Star menu, it's hard to choose just one, so we suggest making repeat visits. Chef James Overbaugh prepares thoughtful and modern twists on American classics at this restaurant, tucked inside the Peninsula Beverly Hills, and locals and tourists alike flock to its country-club-ish dining room for a taste of his handiwork. If we have to choose a few favorite dishes to recommend, here are the five best things we think you should try:

1. The Peninsula Beverly Hills celebrated its 20th anniversary in August of 2011, and what better way to say happy birthday than to roll out classic dishes from its 1991 opening year? You can celebrate, too, with an entree we love: the truffle-marinated Chateaubriand of veal, with a twice-baked potato and wild mushroom sauce. This decadent choice is one of its most popular dishes.

2. Steak lovers will key in on the Belvedere's many meat options. Our favorite is easily the prime angus beef filet mignon, a tender and delicious cut served with Yukon potato gratin, cipollini onions and green beans.

3. If you prefer fish, we suggest the seared Alaskan halibut filet, which comes with smoked yellow tomato vinaigrette, watercress pesto, panzanella and lavender foam. The fish is cooked perfectly and the sauce is refreshingly light.

4. But before you think entree, order a starter, preferably the delightful yellowfin tuna tataki. Served with charred mango, grilled avocado, yuzu tapioca and pickled hearts of palm, this appetizer offers a little something sweet and refreshing to start your meal off right.

5. For a heartier first course, the truffle macaroni and cheese appetizer is one of the most delicious versions we've had. Elbow macaroni is smothered in Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese with hen-of-the-woods mushrooms and sprinkled with black truffles, making it a rich and creamy treat. It's perfect for sharing, but you'll probably want to eat the whole thing yourself.

If you’re hoping to see a pair of chef’s whites during your meal at the Belvedere, you’re in luck: Chef James Overbaugh regularly visits the dining room to greet his guests. Over time, regulars and Beverly Hills locals have befriended this esteemed restaurateur; many of the residents living nearby the Peninsula Beverly Hills return again and again to the hotel for its top-notch brunch and Four-Star menu of modern American cuisine. But even if you’re dining at the hotel’s restaurant for the first time, you’ll be treated as family. Many of the friendly staff members have worked at the Belvedere for many years, so they understand the menu and wine list down to a tee and can help you make the best choices. With impeccable service — precise and attentive yet never overbearing — this dining experience offers the chic glamour of a more sophisticated lifestyle rather than the trendy off-hands mentality so many of L.A’s restaurants embrace today.

Many of the Belvedere's friendly staff members have spent years working at this Beverly Hills institution, and it shows in the superb service. Sitting in the gold-accented dining room, eating chef James Overbaugh's modern American cuisine, you'll feel the perfect amount of service — attentive yet not overbearing. Dishes seamlessly disappear as you finish a course, and water glasses are never empty. The wine manager will stop by your table to offer a glass of vino or cocktail and explain the menu — feel free to quiz him on the restaurant's extensive wine collection. Your meal will likely start with a lovely amuse bouche and end with delightful mignardises, extending your experience and making you feel completely welcome. You won't be rushed in and out of this Four-Star restaurant; instead, you'll be welcome to sit as long as you like. This noteworthy service makes a place like the Belvedere one you want to return to again and again.

While you wait for your table at the Belvedere, head next door to the Peninsula Beverly Hills hotel’s Club Bar to while away the time. With a fireplace, long mahogany bar and Oriental carpeting, this quaint and cozy bar offers a reprieve from stodgy old-boys-club type spots. Stylish touches such as wood-paneled walls, high bucket-seated bar stools and splashes of leopard print on the pillows add a feminine touch, and drink options range from the Pen 20 — an update on the classic rum punch with blackberries and ginger — to the hotel’s private label “The Peninsula” Sonoma Pinot Noir. The dimly lit room is perfect for cocktails with a group or a quiet rendezvous for two.

The Belvedere, with its classic design and refined atmosphere, plays mellow classical music; anything else just wouldn’t feel right. Dining at this Four-Star restaurant, tucked inside the Peninsula Beverly Hills, might transport you to another era of sophistication, where chivalrous men pull chairs out for ladies and everyone is dressed to impress. Although the Belvedere is in the heart of one of Los Angeles’s most notable neighborhoods, just steps away from the famous Rodeo Drive, its grand table settings, with luxurious gold-toned linens and sparkling glassware, plush floral carpeting and charming outdoor patio call to mind the English countryside. The classical music sets the tone of elegance during a meal of chef James Overbaugh’s modern, market-fresh American cuisine; the refreshing melodies make it quite easy to carry a conversation or just enjoy the easy ambiance.

The Belvedere may sit in the heart of Beverly Hills, home to luxury-shopping strip Rodeo Drive and numerous celebs, but don't think you have to be Jennifer Aniston to dine here. Chef James Overbaugh prepares a meal of modern, market-fresh American cuisine that is both upscale and approachable; lunch options range from starters such as the Peninsula chili ($10) to the lobster salad ($28); the more extravagant dinner options begin with dishes such as the roasted duck breast ($16) and entrées could include rack of lamb ($28). If you'd rather leave the choices up to the chef, go for the six-course tasting menu ($95), and even better, add the accompanying wine pairings ($60). For a more laid-back experience — ditch the suit jacket, but keep on the dress pants, this is still high-end dining — brunch items include everything from a variety of baked goods (starting at $4.50) to eggs Benedict with Canadian bacon and fresh asparagus ($19.50). This contemporary American menu offers a bit of everything, so no matter what you're in the mood for, you can find it here.

With its floral carpeting and cream accents, the Belvedere’s dining room may feel like a garden-party, but this Four-Star dining destination breaks out the fine crystal, china and silver when it comes to setting its tables. Tucked inside the Peninsula Beverly Hills hotel, the restaurant will give you the luxe treatment as soon as you sit down for a meal of chef James Overbaugh’s modern American cuisine. Light peach and cream tablecloths are tightly pulled across sea-green table skirts; plush gold-embossed chairs are neatly tucked into each setting. Whether you sip wine or water, this restaurant understands that a good drink tastes better in the right glass; your beverages will be poured in either Schott Zwiesel or Riedel stemware. Both are renowned for their glasswork: Schott Zwiesel, a German company that was founded in 1872, uses a patented Tritan-Crystal glass, while Riedel, an Austrian company that began producing glasses in the 1750s, was the first to create special shapes for different varieties of wine in the 1960s. When you are ready to fill those glasses, the Belvedere gives you plenty of options. Wine manager David Jones will be more than happy to help you choose a glass of vino from the Belvedere’s extensive collection, and the restaurant also shakes up seasonal cocktails along with a variety of fresh-squeezed juices, soft drinks and teas.

Set inside the Peninsula Beverly Hills, the Belvedere is somewhat of an institution as restaurants in this neck of the woods go. Many a silver-screen contract has been signed across these tables, as fast talkers from the nearby CAA and ICM agencies have held court here, but it's also been the setting for numerous proposals, ladies luncheons and black-tie affairs since the hotel opened in August 1991. If you plan to dine off chef James Overbaugh's modern American menu at the Belvedere, there are a few things you should know before you get there:

1. The Four-Star Belvedere caters to a mix of people but be warned, this isn't the trend-setting young Hollywood crowd; an older, more sophisticated group of diners eat here. It's  quintessential Beverly Hills spot, with a refined and chic atmosphere, so if you're looking for a delicious dinner in a luxurious atmosphere, this is your place.

2. The waitstaff at the Belvedere knows its stuff: If you're having a hard time ordering, your server will make the decision easier with an overview of your choices. With detail and precision, plates will arrive and disappear as if on cue; you'll feel relaxed and taken care of, without a stuffy overbearing air, making your meal and experience completely enjoyable.

3. If wine is your thing, The Belvedere is a great place to be: Wine manager David Jones has been at the Belvedere for many years and is incredibly knowledgeable about the list and wine in general. This restaurant's armada of vinos is quite lengthy and more than likely, you'll need Jones' help to select the best wine to go with your meal. He'll stop over before you order to assist and is more than willing to talk shop about the menu.

4. Although it's a sophisticated restaurant, the Belvedere offers a charming garden setting and, if you've booked a family vacay, the patio works perfectly with kids. There's a children's menu, so if your kid's palate isn't quite so refined yet, there are a variety of favorites — macaroni and cheese, spaghetti with turkey meatballs or mini pizzas — to order. However, your gourmand-in-training also can choose more adult-like meals, such as stuffed chicken with creamy orzo and peas or grilled salmon with rice pilaf and lemon-butter sauce.

5. If you're looking to throw a larger party at The Belvedere, the lovely private dining room is the perfect place to play host. For an intimate space, the private dining room features gold and cream décor and one long table that seats up to 20 people.

If you are looking for a secluded spot, The Belvedere offers a private dining room perfect for a small lunch meeting or private celebratory dinner. This Four-Star restaurant, inside the Peninsula Beverly Hills, has been an institution among the movers and shakers of Los Angeles' best-known neighborhood since its opening in 1991, and the private dining area is no different. Two white French doors open into this graceful space; peach walls and cream and gold furnishings create a warm, inviting atmosphere, and a luxurious, long banquet-style table for 20 fills the space. Book a party in this dining room and your guests are in for the luxe treatment: Chef James Overbaugh will prepare a custom multi-course menu of his modern, market-fresh American cuisine, and each diner receives a monogrammed napkin, an over-the-top special touch. But don't expect the trend-setting (and often wild) young Hollywood crowd to host parties here; even in the private dining area, you'll experience The Belvedere's exquisite refined service.

The Belvedere isn't set inside a garden, but its interior design certainly makes it feel like one. As you walk into this Beverly Hills institution, set inside the Peninsula hotel, you'll be greeted by a large colorful floral arrangement, filled with purples, greens and yellows from the large sunflowers. The chic room is brimming with blooms — on the tabletops, in the paintings and on the carpeting. The cream walls, a canvas for the room, have white-framed, floral mural-like paintings. It's bright and cheery, yet inviting and comfortable, with a touch of English countryside to boot. During the day, the dining room feels more garden party, and by night, with the lights turned down, it becomes sophisticated and romantic. Floor-to-ceiling windows and French doors open up to the covered back patio, blocked off with white lattice and lots of hanging plants and flowers, where you can enjoy your meal with a breath of fresh air. Pale peach, sea green and cream tones sweep through the interiors of both rooms, creating a warm, elegant space — perfect for a client luncheon or a visit with friends.

Just like everywhere in Los Angeles, the best way to get to the Belvedere, inside the Peninsula Beverly Hills, is by car. This city, the second largest in the country, is seriously wide — 14 miles stretch from the beach to its downtown locale — and a network of freeways snakes through town, often crammed with bumper-to-bumper traffic. If you’re coming from Los Angeles International Airport, we suggest taking a taxi, or better yet, renting a car — you’ll need it to maneuver L.A.’s suburb-like neighborhoods during your trip. The airport is about 13 miles away from the Beverly Hills restaurant and should only take you about 20 minutes, but depending on time of day, roadwork and traffic can boost the travel time up to 45 minutes; add in a little extra time getting to and from the airport just in case. The taxi ride will cost you about $45 to $50, including a tip, and of course, that all depends on traffic. If you’d prefer to arrive Pretty Woman-style, let the concierge arrange for you to get picked up in the hotel’s town car, which costs a flat fee of $135.

The Belvedere is an institution among the deal-sealing diners of Beverly Hills; smooth talkers from the nearby CAA and ICM agencies have been coming to this Four-Star restaurant to take care of business, and dine on the modern American cuisine, since its opening in 1991. You’ll find this chic dining room at the center of Beverly Hills, inside the grand Peninsula Beverly Hills, at 9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd., near Wilshire and Santa Monica boulevards. It’s right near the famous shopping mecca of Rodeo Drive, making for a perfect afternoon of hitting the stores and doing lunch. The Roof Garden offers stunning views, so pop up after your meal for a peek, and sip on a pomegranate mojito while you’re at it.

Located in the heart of Beverly Hills, the Belvedere follows suit of its surroundings; you don’t need to pull out the diamonds and tux for dinner at this Four-Star locale, but you should plan to dress to impress. Men, don a jacket, and ladies, pack a nice ensemble or just make like a local and pick something up at the nearby couture shops of Rodeo Drive. But keep in mind, this isn’t the hip, young Hollywood, trend-setting crowd — an older, more sophisticated clientele dines on chef James Overbaugh’s modern American cuisine at this restaurant, so we’re talking that little black dress and suit jacket. If you’re headed to the Belvedere for breakfast or lunch, feel free to dress more business-casual or relaxed, but skip the jeans, tank top and flip-flops. For as relaxed as California beach babes might be, this is Beverly Hills, and you’ll want to be dressed appropriately sophisticated.