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208 Rodeo
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
208 Rodeo
8.1
Perched atop Via Rodeo's cobblestone street since 1991, this see-and-be-seen bistro offers California cuisine with French and Pan-Asian influences. The flagstone patio overlooking Rodeo Drive provides prime people-watching territory where celebrities regularly dine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Truffle Omelette, Moroccan Lamb, Lobster Mac N Cheese
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Only restaurant directly on Rodeo Drive's cobblestones
Who should go: Power lunchers and celebration dinner crowds
When to visit: Golden hour for best patio lighting
What to order: French onion soup, steak frites, crème brûlée
Insider tip: Request upstairs patio for Beverly Wilshire views
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $20, public garage on Beverly Dr ($3/hr), street parking nearly impossible during shopping hours
Dress code: Beverly Hills chic - designer jeans acceptable but lean dressy, no athletic wear
Noise level: Moderate buzz - patio can get loud during peak shopping hours, inside quieter
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, especially Friday/Saturday
Weekday lunch: 15-30 min, business crowd peaks 12:30-1:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 solid options including seasonal risotto
Vegan options: Limited - can modify 2-3 dishes, call ahead recommended
Gluten-free options: Yes - marked on menu, kitchen familiar with cross-contamination
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for impressive first dates - romantic patio, built-in conversation starter with people watching, upscale but not stuffy. Request corner table for intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Lunch possible with 30min wait, dinner unlikely. Try bar seating or show up at 5pm when they open. Weekend brunch is easiest for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than toddlers - no kids menu but will do simple pasta. Lunch more accommodating than dinner. High chairs available but tight space.
Best For
Better for: Celebrity spotting and Rodeo Drive views unmatched in Beverly Hills. More accessible pricing than other French spots while maintaining scene factor
Skip if: Want cutting-edge cuisine or intimate atmosphere - go to Republique or Providence instead. Skip if shopping mall dining turns you off
208 Rodeo
8.1
Perched above Via Rodeo's cobblestone streets since 1991, this French bistro delivers classic Parisian fare with California flair. The romantic terrace overlooking Rodeo Drive offers quintessential Beverly Hills people-watching.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Onion Soup Gratinée, Duck Confit, Crème Brûlée
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Prime Rodeo Drive location with European street charm
Who should go: Tourists and locals seeking classic bistro experience
When to visit: Weekend brunch for mimosas and crepes
What to order: Steak frites, escargot, profiteroles
Insider tip: Window tables book weeks ahead
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $20 at Via Rodeo, 2-hour street parking scarce after 5pm, Beverly Hills public garage 3 blocks away ($3/hour)
Dress code: Smart casual required - no shorts or athletic wear, collared shirts preferred for men, most diners in business casual to dressy
Noise level: Moderate - indoor dining conversational, terrace can be louder with street sounds
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, especially Friday/Saturday 7-9pm
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min typical, immediate seating before noon
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 entrees plus sides, vegetarian versions of classics available
Vegan options: Limited - 2 modified dishes, advance notice helps chef prepare more options
Gluten-free options: Yes - marked items on menu, can modify most proteins and salads
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for first dates - romantic terrace, not too loud, shareable apps create natural conversation, upscale but not intimidating. Request terrace corner table for best ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating usually available for walk-ins. For terrace dining, arrive before 6pm weekdays or after 9pm any night. Indoor tables sometimes open at 5:30pm or 8:30pm between seatings.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for ages 10+ who appreciate French cuisine. No kids menu but will do simple pasta. High chairs available but romantic atmosphere more suited for adults. Brunch more family-friendly.
Best For
Better for: Superior people-watching and outdoor ambiance compared to other French spots. More tourist-friendly than exclusive Bel-Air venues, better location than Valley alternatives.
Skip if: Want cutting-edge cuisine (try Republique), need large group dining (Le Petit Four better), or seeking authentic Parisian bistro without Beverly Hills markup (Petit Trois).
208 Rodeo
8.1
Perched atop Via Rodeo's cobblestone steps since 1991, this California-Mediterranean bistro offers prime Rodeo Drive people-watching from its European-style terrace. The eclectic menu spans from breakfast benedicts to wood-fired pizzas, all served with views of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffle Eggs Benedict, Mediterranean Octopus, Gelato Flight
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Iconic cobblestone terrace overlooking Rodeo Drive since 1991.
Who should go: Tourists and locals seeking quintessential Beverly Hills dining
When to visit: Weekend brunch for best people-watching
What to order: Eggs benedict variations, fresh pasta, gelato
Insider tip: Request terrace seating for prime Rodeo Drive views
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15 at Via Rodeo, 2-hour street parking on surrounding streets but fills up by noon
Dress code: Beverly Hills casual - designer jeans welcome, avoid athletic wear
Noise level: Moderate buzz - lively but conversation-friendly on terrace
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, terrace seats go first
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min for terrace
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta dishes, salads, and pizzas clearly marked
Vegan options: Limited - can modify salads and pasta, ask server for options
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF pasta available, pizzas cannot be made GF
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for brunch dates - romantic terrace, not too loud, impressive location without being stuffy. Dinner can feel more touristy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes, weekends risky. Bar seats usually available, or try off-peak hours (2-4pm). Terrace requires reservation on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes but better for well-behaved kids 8+ who can appreciate the scene. High chairs available but no kids menu. Gelato is a hit.
Best For
Better for: Prime people-watching and tourist photo ops that Il Pastaio can't match. More relaxed than The Ivy's scene-y crowd.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge cuisine or hate tourists - try Gjelina or Republique instead for innovative California dining.
208 Rodeo
8.1
Perched atop Via Rodeo's cobblestone steps since 1991, this bistro offers European-style breakfast with a prime Rodeo Drive view. The romantic terrace setting and French-inspired menu make it perfect for leisurely mornings after shopping or celebrating special occasions.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Toast Brioche, Eggs Florentine, Smoked Salmon Platter
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Prime Rodeo Drive location with European charm
Who should go: Shoppers and romantics seeking ambiance
When to visit: Weekday mornings for peaceful terrace dining
What to order: French toast, eggs Florentine, mimosa
Insider tip: Terrace tables offer best people-watching views
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15 at Via Rodeo, metered street parking fills by 10am weekends
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - this is Rodeo Drive, sundresses and nice jeans work
Noise level: Moderate - terrace acoustics allow conversation, busier during peak shopping hours
Weekend wait: N/A - breakfast/lunch only until 3pm
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min walk-in typical, terrace tables go first
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - egg dishes, French toast, salads, and pastries
Vegan options: Very limited - mainly sides and modified salads
Gluten-free options: Some options - omelets and salads, but limited breakfast items
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for impressive brunch dates - the Rodeo Drive setting and romantic terrace create built-in conversation starters, plus breakfast timing keeps it casual
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays before 11am usually yes, weekends risky - the terrace only has 12 tables and locals know this spot
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (8+) who can appreciate the setting - no kids menu, sophisticated atmosphere, cobblestone steps require attention
Best For
Better for: European breakfast with a view - no other Rodeo Drive spot combines terrace dining with morning hours
Skip if: You want quick casual breakfast or large portions - this is about the experience and ambiance over hearty American-style meals
208 Rodeo
8.2
Perched atop Via Rodeo's cobblestone street since 1991, this elegant bistro combines French-inspired cuisine with California sensibilities. The romantic setting and Rodeo Drive location make it a prime spot for power lunches and intimate dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Onion Soup, Steak Frites, Nicoise Salad
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Prime Rodeo Drive location with European bistro charm
Who should go: Shoppers, tourists, business diners
When to visit: Lunch after Rodeo Drive shopping
What to order: French onion soup, steak frites, wine
Insider tip: Request the patio for prime people-watching
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $20 with validation, 2-hour street parking available but competitive after noon
Dress code: Smart casual to business - no shorts or flip-flops, most diners in designer casual
Noise level: Moderate buzz - intimate conversation friendly, livelier during lunch rush
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, book 2-3 days ahead
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min peak hours (12-2pm), walk-ins usually seated immediately after 2:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 thoughtful options beyond salads, chef accommodates requests
Vegan options: Limited - 2 entrees can be modified, advance notice recommended
Gluten-free options: Yes - marked menu items, knowledgeable staff, dedicated fryer
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - romantic lighting, intimate booth seating, and sophisticated atmosphere without being stuffy. The patio offers a more casual vibe if you prefer less intensity.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating usually available for walk-ins. For dining room, best chances are weekday lunch after 2pm or early dinner before 6pm. Weekend walk-ins should expect 30+ minute waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for well-behaved older children (10+). No kids menu, but kitchen will do simple pasta or grilled chicken. Lunch more accommodating than dinner service.
Best For
Better for: Superior people-watching and see-and-be-seen atmosphere compared to other French spots. Wine list outclasses most Beverly Hills bistros. Location convenience if shopping Rodeo.
Skip if: Want cutting-edge French cuisine (try Republique), need budget-friendly (try Zinqué), or seeking authentic Parisian bistro without the scene (try Petit Trois).
208 Rodeo
8.0
Vibes:
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Brunch Bliss Spots
Business Lunch Power Players
Perched atop Via Rodeo's cobblestone steps since 1991, this California-Asian fusion bistro overlooks the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. The patio offers prime Rodeo Drive people-watching while enjoying sesame shrimp and truffle mac and cheese.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sesame Shrimp, Kobe Burger, Asian Chicken Salad
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Prime Rodeo Drive patio overlooking Beverly Wilshire
Who should go: Tourists and power shoppers needing fuel
When to visit: Weekend brunch for best people watching
What to order: Asian salad, grilled cheese, French toast
Insider tip: Free 2-hour parking before 6pm in garage
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free 2-hour parking in Via Rodeo garage before 6pm, valet $15 after 6pm, street parking nearly impossible on weekends
Dress code: Beverly Hills casual - designer jeans and nice top minimum, shoppers in luxury brands fit right in
Noise level: Moderate outdoor buzz - conversations easy but lively street sounds add atmosphere
Weekend wait: 30-45 min walk-in, reservations recommended for patio seating
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min during power lunch hours (12-2pm), immediate seating otherwise
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - Asian salads, veggie sandwiches, and fusion sides available
Vegan options: Limited - can modify salads and sides, ask server for off-menu options
Gluten-free options: Some options - salads and grilled proteins, but cross-contamination likely in kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for daytime dates - the patio energy is social without being too loud, and people-watching provides natural conversation starters. Skip for serious dinner dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches usually yes with short wait. Weekend brunch is packed by 11am - arrive at opening or expect 30+ minute waits. Call ahead for patio preference.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids - high chairs available, kids love watching the Rodeo Drive scene. French toast and grilled cheese are hits. Not ideal for toddler meltdowns given the upscale crowd.
Best For
Better for: The unbeatable Rodeo Drive patio experience - better people-watching than The Ivy, more accessible than rooftop spots, perfect shopping break location
Skip if: You want cutting-edge cuisine or intimate ambiance - this is about location and scene over culinary innovation. Choose Spago or Mastro's for special occasions.