Wolfgang Puck's flagship restaurant in Beverly Hills is credited with launching California cuisine as a culinary movement. The bright, elegant space attracts Hollywood's A-list and serves sophisticated seasonal California cuisine with theatrical presentation.
Spago Beverly Hills on Canon Drive is the flagship restaurant of Wolfgang Puck and one of the foundational institutions of California cuisine. When Puck opened the original Spago on Sunset Strip in 1982, he helped define a new American culinary movement: seasonal ingredients, open kitchens, designer pizzas topped with smoked salmon and caviar, and a relaxed theatrical glamour that replaced French dining's formality. The Beverly Hills relocation in 1997 gave the restaurant its current home — a bright, airy space with private garden terrace, marble floors, and natural light — that doubles as one of Hollywood's most consistent celebrity dining rooms. The menu today celebrates Puck's Austrian heritage alongside California's exceptional produce: Wiener Schnitzel sits alongside smoked salmon pizza on the iconic tasting menu; seasonal tasting courses rotate around what Northern California farms and Southern California markets produce at their peak. The kitchen team under executive chef Tetsu Yahagi maintains remarkable consistency for a restaurant of this fame and age. The wine list is substantial and particularly strong in Austrian producers and California varietals. Lunch at Spago is a significantly better value than dinner and offers much of the same menu in a lighter atmosphere. The Sunday brunch draws a devoted regular crowd. Reservations are available via the restaurant's website and OpenTable; weekend evenings require advance planning but the restaurant is more accessible than many of its contemporaries.
Location
176 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Highlights
- Wolfgang Puck's flagship Beverly Hills restaurant — a foundational institution of California cuisine since 1982
- Iconic smoked salmon pizza, a signature that defined the California cuisine movement and remains on the menu today
- Bright, airy dining room with a private garden terrace on Canon Drive, consistently attracting Hollywood's A-list
- Austrian heritage dishes — Wiener Schnitzel and seasonal tasting courses — alongside California-produce-driven modern plates
- Lunch offers excellent value with the same celebrated kitchen at a fraction of the dinner price
Tips for visiting
- Lunch is a great value option. The patio is ideal for celebrity watching on weekends.
Accessibility
Spago Beverly Hills is on street level with accessible entry on Canon Drive. The dining room and garden terrace accommodate wheelchair users; guests with specific mobility requirements should inform the restaurant when reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Is Spago Beverly Hills still owned by Wolfgang Puck?
Yes. Wolfgang Puck remains the owner and public face of Spago Beverly Hills. Executive chef Tetsu Yahagi leads the day-to-day kitchen operations, maintaining the standards Puck established while evolving the menu seasonally.
What is the most famous dish at Spago?
The smoked salmon pizza — topped with crème fraîche, red onion, dill, and Osetra caviar — is the restaurant's most iconic creation and remains on the menu. It is widely credited with launching the gourmet pizza movement in America.
Is lunch a better value than dinner?
Yes. Lunch offers much of the same seasonal California menu at considerably lower prices and in a lighter, less crowded atmosphere. It is an excellent option for experiencing the kitchen without the full cost of a weekend dinner reservation.
How do I make a reservation?
Reservations are available through the restaurant's website and OpenTable. Weekend evenings require two to three weeks of lead time; weekday lunch and early dinner seatings are generally easier to secure.