After 35 years of serving as Beverly Hills’ most European-inspired dining destination, 208 Rodeo will close its doors in March 2026. The closure comes following a landlord dispute, marking the end of an era for one of Rodeo Drive’s most iconic terraces.
For decades, 208 Rodeo offered something rare in Los Angeles: a taste of European café culture perched above the cobblestone steps of Via Rodeo. Guests could sip espresso whilst watching luxury shoppers glide between Prada and Chanel, creating an atmosphere that felt more Rome or Paris than California. The restaurant became synonymous with people-watching, premium cuisine, and that quintessential Beverly Hills glamour.
If you’re mourning the loss of your favourite 90210 terrace, you’re not alone. But Beverly Hills offers several stunning alternatives that capture that same sophisticated vibe. Here’s where to go next.
Why 208 Rodeo Became a Beverly Hills Institution
Located at the top of Via Rodeo’s distinctive stepped street, 208 Rodeo occupied a unique position. The cobblestone walkway below created an illusion of strolling through a European plaza—a rarity in car-centric Los Angeles.
The restaurant’s menu reflected its upscale surroundings. Wagyu beef, black caviar, and meticulously prepared Italian-inspired dishes drew celebrities, locals, and tourists seeking a taste of luxury. The establishment also earned recognition for serving some of the finest coffee on Rodeo Drive, a detail that mattered to regulars who made it their morning ritual.
Beyond the food, 208 Rodeo excelled at creating moments. Whether you were celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying lunch after a shopping spree, the terrace provided the perfect backdrop. The combination of excellent service, premium cuisine, and unbeatable views made it irreplaceable.
Top 4 Beverly Hills Terrace Alternatives
Whilst nothing can truly replace 208 Rodeo, several terraces in Beverly Hills offer similar atmospheres for outdoor dining, people-watching, and capturing that perfect Instagram moment.
The Terrace at The Maybourne Beverly Hills
If you loved 208 Rodeo’s European aesthetic, The Terrace at The Maybourne might be your ideal alternative. White umbrellas shade marble tables whilst cascading fountains create a serene backdrop. The setting evokes an Italian piazza, complete with the sophistication you’d expect from a five-star hotel.
The menu features Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with Californian touches. Fresh seafood, handmade pastas, and seasonal vegetables dominate the offerings. The wine list is extensive, featuring bottles from Napa, Europe, and beyond.
What makes The Terrace special is its sense of occasion. Every detail—from the crisp white tablecloths to the attentive service—creates an experience rather than just a meal. It’s perfect for business lunches, celebrations, or leisurely weekend brunches.
Il Pastaio
For prime people-watching, Il Pastaio remains unmatched. Located on Canon Drive, this Italian restaurant attracts a steady stream of celebrities, locals, and visitors. The outdoor patio buzzes with energy, especially during lunch hours when the fashion crowd takes a break from nearby boutiques.
The menu leans heavily into traditional Italian preparations. Fresh pasta arrives perfectly al dente, pizzas emerge from wood-fired ovens with blistered crusts, and the wine selection focuses on Italian regions. The portions are generous, and the flavours are authentic.
Il Pastaio’s atmosphere is lively rather than hushed. Conversations overlap, glasses clink, and the occasional paparazzi camera flashes from across the street. If you enjoyed 208 Rodeo’s social energy, you’ll feel at home here.
Il Cielo
Sometimes you want romance over spectacle. Il Cielo delivers with its enchanting garden setting, often described as one of Beverly Hills’ best-kept secrets. String lights twinkle overhead whilst greenery creates intimate pockets throughout the dining area.
The northern Italian menu emphasises seasonal ingredients and classic preparations. Handmade ravioli, grilled branzino, and decadent risottos feature prominently. The wine cellar holds an impressive collection, and the sommelier is knowledgeable without being pretentious.
Il Cielo works beautifully for date nights, anniversaries, or any occasion requiring a touch of magic. The garden’s natural canopy provides shade during the day and transforms into a fairy-tale setting after sunset.
The Roof Garden at The Peninsula
If you prefer exclusivity to street-level buzz, The Roof Garden at The Peninsula offers a completely different vibe. Located on the fifth floor, this poolside retreat feels like a private club. Cabanas surround the pool, and the terrace provides sweeping views of the surrounding hills.
The menu is lighter than traditional hotel dining—think California-fresh salads, grilled fish, and creative cocktails. The afternoon tea service has become particularly popular, offering scones, finger sandwiches, and pastries in an elegant setting.
The Roof Garden attracts guests seeking respite from Rodeo Drive’s crowds. It’s ideal for a relaxing lunch after shopping or a sunset cocktail before dinner elsewhere. The atmosphere is refined but never stuffy, striking that delicate Beverly Hills balance.
Making Luxury More Accessible
Beverly Hills dining doesn’t always require a film star budget. Groupon regularly features deals for premium restaurants in the 90210 area. Tasting menus, themed dinners, and special promotions often appear at significant discounts. Set up alerts for your favourite establishments to catch these offers when they launch.
Many terraces also offer happy hour specials or prix fixe lunch menus that provide better value than dinner service. Visiting during off-peak hours—late afternoon on weekdays, for instance—can result in a more intimate experience with the same stunning views.
Capturing the Perfect Terrace Photo
As a photographer, I’ve learned that timing makes all the difference when shooting outdoor dining spaces. The golden hour—roughly an hour before sunset—bathes everything in warm, flattering light. Harsh midday sun creates unflattering shadows, whilst evening shots can appear too dark without professional equipment.
Position yourself so the light source is behind you or to the side, illuminating your subject rather than creating backlit silhouettes. Most Beverly Hills terraces are designed with aesthetics in mind, so take advantage of architectural details, flower arrangements, and table settings.
For food photography, natural light remains your best friend. Avoid using flash, which can flatten textures and colours. Instead, move your plate slightly if needed to catch better light. Remember that simpler compositions often photograph better than cluttered tables.
Beverly Hills Keeps Evolving
The closure of 208 Rodeo reminds us that even iconic establishments must adapt to changing circumstances. Landlord disputes, rising costs, and shifting consumer preferences continuously reshape the dining landscape.
Yet Beverly Hills has always reinvented itself whilst maintaining its essential character. New restaurants open with fresh concepts, established favourites refine their offerings, and the pursuit of the perfect outdoor dining experience continues.
If you haven’t visited 208 Rodeo recently, consider making a final pilgrimage before March 2026. Toast to 35 years of memories, exceptional service, and countless perfect afternoons spent watching life unfold along Rodeo Drive.
Which Beverly Hills terrace will you try next? Share your favourite 90210 outdoor dining spot, and make sure to visit 208 Rodeo one last time before it closes for good.
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208 Rodeo Closing: Best Beverly Hills Terrace Alternatives
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