The Golden Triangle: Luxury retail and entertainment in the heart of Beverly Hills

With its iconic palm tree-lined streets, Beverly Hills offers an upscale refuge from the frenetic pace of the L.A. metropolis. Wealthy and high-profile residents stretch out in their vast luxury estates and hilltop enclaves as they enjoy all the pleasures that come with living here and the affluent lifestyle it maintains.

And even when one steps out of their multi-million-dollar Beverly Hills home, there’s still something to look forward to that lives up to the excellent standards of living here. Wherever you are in the city, you’re just a few minutes away from the Golden Triangle, the commercial core of Beverly Hills, where you’ll find award-winning restaurants, art galleries, international luxury brands, and the who’s who of Hollywood and the business world.

And with crowds of visitors from all over the globe, it’s no wonder that this area of the city is the busiest. If you fancy a trip to the Golden Triangle, best to know what’s in store for you in this one-of-a-kind retail destination.

THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE: HOW IT ALL BEGAN

When Burton Green and company first arrived in the area in the 1900s, they sought out oil. Quickly realizing that their initial business plan was a mistake, Green and his partners swiftly pivoted to form the Rodeo Land and Water Company in 1906.

In the succeeding years, the foundational thoroughfares of Rodeo, Canon, and Crescent Drive were laid out and the Beverly Hills Hotel first opened to the public, garnering the attention of the elite from L.A. and beyond. Beverly Hills was then incorporated as a city in 1914 but it would take a few more decades for a truly vibrant commercial center to materialize.

During the post-war years, the beginnings of the Golden Triangle began to take shape. In 1958, the city of Beverly Hills sold a sizable piece of land in the now-coveted corner of Rodeo and Wilshire Boulevard (the area where Two Rodeo and Beverly Wilshire are located) to Marvin Kratter, a real estate developer from New York. By 1961, the first-ever luxury boutique in Rodeo Drive opened: Giorgio Beverly Hills, owned at the time by Fred Hayman, widely considered the father of Rodeo Drive. More shops followed suit, including Gucci, Polo, and Van Cleef & Arpels.

In an effort to boost Rodeo Drive’s reputation, a collection of property owners and retailers formed the Rodeo Drive Committee (RDC) in 1972. The RDC would spearhead various programs and marketing campaigns that would help solidify the area’s iconic image as a luxury shopping destination. In doing so, more luxury boutiques set up shop, expanding development outward from Rodeo Drive and forming the modern-day boundaries of the Golden Triangle.

LOCATION

Forming the three sides of the Golden Triangle are the main thoroughfares of Santa Monica Boulevard (west), Canon Drive (east), and Wilshire Boulevard (South). Within this area are a handful of smaller streets lined with designer boutiques, fine-dining restaurants, cozy coffee shops, and galleries. The centerpiece of this buzzing neighborhood is Rodeo Drive, the most famous and arguably the most photographed street in Beverly Hills. The Golden Triangle is sometimes referred to as the Business Triangle as the area is essentially the city’s central business district.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM BEVERLY HILLS’ GOLDEN TRIANGLE

1. Designer brands and exclusive shops

   

   Whether you’re stepping inside high-end shopping digs like Two Rodeo and The Rodeo Collection or passing through the glitzy streets comprising the Golden Triangle, you’ll encounter some of the shops below:

   • Hermes
   • Gucci
   • Burberry
   • Dolce & Gabbana
   • Burberry
   • Jimmy Choo
   • Versace
   • Peter Marco
   • TOD’s Beverly Hills Store
   • Chanel
   • House of Bijan
   • Persol Eyewear
   • Harry Winston
   • Brunello Cucinelli
   • Buccellati
   • Cartier
   • IWC Schaffhausen
   • Monnalisa Beverly Hills
2. Top-tier dining

   

   • Spago – Highly acclaimed chef and restaurateur Wolfgang Puck graces the Beverly Hills restaurant scene with this California cuisine restaurant. Renovated in 2012, this Golden Triangle favorite features a seasonal a la carte menu or a multi-course California tasting menu. Looking for light bites? Spago’s bar menu will be up to par with a variety of preferences.
   • The Blvd Restaurant and Lounge – Walking the entire stretch of Rodeo Drive, all the way to the corner along Wilshire Boulevard, you’ll find The Blvd Restaurant and Lounge (inside the historic Beverly Wilshire Hotel). Enjoy the restaurant’s distinct take on seasonal California favorites and an impressive selection of appetizers. Make sure to dress appropriately in this lavish, seen-and-be-seen environment.
   • Crustacean Beverly Hills – Showcasing Beverly Hills’ rich variety of food and culture, Crustacean should easily be a priority in your gastronomic journey. Whether it’s the classic beef pho or grilled prawns (these come with their famous garlic noodles), each dish is masterfully prepared. Though originally from San Francisco, this family-owned Asian fusion restaurant quickly captured hearts and bellies in L.A. after opening this branch in 1995.
   • SUGARFISH by Sushi Nozawa – Simple yet exceedingly sumptuous, the multi-course sushi offering in SUGARFISH is among the best you’ll ever taste in the city. Chef Nozawa’s omakase-style service and strict adherence to quality will leave you in awe. It might even change how you prefer to eat your sushi. The restaurant doesn’t take reservations so best to come early.
   • CUT – Suffice to say, this Wolfgang Puck establishment is a cut above other steakhouses. There’s an unmistakable panache sprinkled on every dish, from the filet mignon and wagyu beef sliders to non-steak options like the main lobster rolls. The eponymous lounge, with its luxe interior and relaxed atmosphere, is also a popular spot to unwind.
   • The Palm, Beverly Hills – The Palm is owned by four generations of the Bozzi family and graced by Hollywood’s biggest stars from past to present. This legendary steakhouse was a prominent fixture in West Hollywood for almost 40 years until its relocation to Beverly Hills in 2014. Make sure to dress to impress as an upscale dress code is strictly enforced.
   • Il Pastaio – Allow yourself to be briefly transported to the Italian countryside when you dine in Il Pastaio. Renowned chef, Giacomino Drago, recreates the flavors and local cuisine of his hometown, Galati Mamertino, encapsulated in crowd favorites like the pumpkin ravioli, cacio e pepe, and the traditional arrabbiata sauce. If the weather permits, best to book a table in the patio area.
   • Loukà Beverly Hills – Have a taste of authentic Greek cuisine in this family-owned establishment. Standouts include the heavenly salmon sea bass, fried shrimp, and the vast appetizer selection. Loukà is named after a small village in central Peloponnese where the family has deep roots.
   • The Farm of Beverly Hills – The Farm is a favorite breakfast and brunch spot just a few paces from Rodeo Drive. With fairly affordable prices, the restaurant has delighted customers with classic American comfort dishes since 1997. Since the onset of the pandemic, only cashless payments via Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover are accepted.
   • Porta Via – If you can’t get enough of seasonal California fare, check out this contemporary bistro and bar along Canon Drive. Only the freshest ingredients pass muster, from wild-caught seafood to organically grown produce. With its bright and airy interior, plus an all-encompassing menu (breakfast, lunch, and dinner served every day), it’s not unusual for regulars to drop by quite a few times throughout the week.
   • Gucci Osteria – Sample the finely curated menu of this 1-star MICHELIN restaurant along Rodeo Drive. Working with California producers and an international ensemble of cooks, Chef Mattia Agazzi has created his distinct brand of Italian cuisine here in Beverly Hills.
3. Coffee, light drinks, and small plates

   

   • Brighton Coffee Shop – This quaint corner coffee shop along Brighton Way is a relaxing stopover during your luxury shopping excursion. Frequented by tourists and Beverly Hills locals since 1930, Brighton Coffee Shop hardly needs a website − it’s an institution in and of itself.
   • Cafe Balmano – A humble little cafe with a variety of latte and tea drinks on offer, Cafe Balmano is, in many respects, the perfect quick hangout.
   • Wally’s in Beverly Hills – To be clear, the dining experience at Wally’s is excellent but it’s also a posh place to lounge around while people-watching and sipping on some classic cocktails or gourmet wines. Whatever your choice of drink, they’re best paired with the cheese and charcuterie plates.
   • Café Sheera – Aside from its top-notch coffee and tea, the elegant Café Sheera is prominent for its range of pastries and Mediterranean sweets.
   • La Colombe Coffee Roasters – This trendy coffee chain has made its way to Beverly Hills, where patrons bask in a welcoming contemporary interior. Many locals who live nearby and are in need of a reliable supply of cold brew or latte sign up for La Colombe’s popular coffee subscription program.
4. Cultural attractions

   

   • Mr. Brainwash Art Museum – This thought-provoking and enjoyable museum is the brainchild of out-of-the-box artist, Thierry Guetta − popularly known as Mr. Brainwash. This Beverly Hills gallery is peppered with a variety of street art, paintings, books, sculptures, and many other objects that best symbolize Guetta’s zest for life and free-flowing creativity.
   • The Paley Center for Media – The Center hosts high-level conventions and maintains various exhibitions showcasing media’s impact on modern society. Named after media titan, William S. Paley, the Center also contains the largest public collection of radio and television programs and advertisements.
   • The Rodeo Drive Walk of Style – If Hollywood Boulevard has its Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive has the Walk of Style which immortalizes the towering figures and bold innovators of the fashion industry. If you’re stopping by this famous attraction, you’ll find familiar names like Giorgio Armani and Donatella Versace etched on a permanent sidewalk plaque.
   • The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts – Located along Santa Monica Boulevard, The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts is the premier venue for all things theater and popular culture. Whether it’s ballet and a string orchestra or an awarding ceremony of the biggest stars on TV and film, the Center has a variety of events attended by L.A.’s elite and some of the most prestigious names in the field.
   • Winn Slavin Fine Art – Art aficionados and casual enthusiasts should consider dropping by this Beverly Hills gallery filled with masterpieces from the likes of Ira Reines, Carlos Torres, as well as the Modern Masters (Dalí, Picasso, and Renoir, to name a few). Winn Slavin Fine Art has been a fixture in the local art scene since 1997.
   • Gagosian Gallery – Renowned art dealer Larry Gagosian established his first-ever gallery in Los Angeles during the 1980s. Since then, Gagosian has expanded to 19 exhibition spaces across the US, Europe, and Asia. You’ll find a host of modern and contemporary artwork from artists like Anselm Kiefer, Sterling Ruby, Andy Warhol, and many more.
5. Luxury hotels and apartments

   

   • Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel – Since opening in 1928, Beverly Wilshire has consistently been the preferred hotel of the wealthy and influential who pay a visit to 90210. If you require the highest levels of care and attention to detail, on top of some of the most sought-after views of the Golden Triangle, there’s simply no other place to book.
   • The Maybourne Beverly Hills – Enjoy the luxurious comforts offered by this contemporary five-star hotel along Canon Drive. Get pampered at the spa or soak in the breathtaking views from The Maybourne’s rooftop pool with sun terrace.
   • Sonder The Crescent – Just minutes away from the Golden Triangle’s high-end shopping destinations, Sonder The Crescent is an art-deco-themed paradise at the center of Beverly Hills. A relaxing lounge and outdoor space offer a respite from a hectic work schedule and the on-site Mediterranean restaurant serves up some tasty dishes.
   • AKA Beverly Hills Residences – If you’re planning an extended trip or in case you’ve made an impromptu decision to stay in town for longer, consider booking a fully-furnished luxury suite or townhome at AKA Beverly Hills. Adorned with all manner of essential and premium amenities, this hotel residence was recognized as “Best Operator” for two years in a row (2020-2021) by the Serviced Apartment Awards.

SEE THE BEST OF BEVERLY HILLS WITH JOYCE REY

Go beyond the Golden Triangle and explore what’s in store for you in Beverly Hills’ real estate market. To find your dream home in the most famous zip code in the world, best to work with a top-notch Realtor who specializes in everything about Beverly Hills’ real estate and lifestyle: Joyce Rey.

With over $4.5 billion in career sales under her belt, Joyce is responsible for some of the most expensive real estate transactions in history − from the sale of the Owlwood and Pickfair estates on multiple occasions throughout the 1970s to the $150-million sale of the palatial 10-acre Chartwell Estate in 2019.

With a natural talent for building connections in the world of luxury and an outstanding resume, Joyce Rey and her team promise nothing less than an impeccable buying or selling experience.

Joyce has worked with some of the biggest celebrities and the most business-savvy Fortune 500 executives. She would be more than happy to assist you in your foray into Beverly Hills real estate. You may reach out to Joyce and her real estate team at 310.285.7529. You may also send an email or drop a message inquiry using the contact form below.