Espelette offers a generous drink menu at the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. (photo courtesy of Vanessa Tierney Photography)

Espelette, the newest fine-dining restaurant in Beverly Hills, located at the iconic Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills opened on May 12 featuring coastal Mediterranean flavors accented by European influences. Created by acclaimed chef Steve Benjamin, who also serves as the five-star hotel’s culinary director, Espelette is named after the Espelette pepper. Cultivated in Southwest France, the pepper is delicately infused to complement the simplicity of fresh ingredients and enhance the complexity of flavors, scents and spices to stimulate the palate with each dish.

“We are thrilled to unveil Espelette, a vision that has been a long time in the making,” Benjamin said. “Inspired by my travels and work in restaurants around the Mediterranean, these dishes were meticulously curated to bring a global perspective to the table. The farm-to-table menu is an exploration of different regions, cultures and ingredients, transporting tastebuds a world away while in the comfort of Beverly Hills.”

Drawing inspiration from neighboring regions to the South of France including Italy, Spain and Greece, the artfully crafted menu is an exquisite ode to the European coast. Made to share, the seasonally driven menu features locally sourced ingredients, highlighting contemporary California flavors and classic techniques for a tableside experience meant to inspire conviviality.

Signature menu highlights include caviar scrambled eggs with bordier butter, chives, Espelette, and Crème Fraiche, salmon tartar, brussels sprouts and kale salad with an avocado yuzu-kosho vinaigrette, and a specialty wood grilled section with options ranging from John Dory fish (imported from the Mediterranean), Branzino, chicken and Wagyu options.

The craft cocktail program playfully invokes the spirit of the Mediterranean, drawing on flavors, aromas and nodes meant to transport one’s senses to the European Coast while highlighting local ingredients offering a refreshing taste. The extensive wine list highlights Spanish and French selections from the Biscay Bay coastal regions.

Espelette is located on the lobby level at Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills and will open daily for breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. and for dinner Tuesday through Saturday evenings from 5:30 to 10 p.m.

Perfect for guests and locals alike, Espelette complements Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills’ other culinary offerings including The Rooftop by JG from acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten featuring seasonal California cuisine with robust new offerings.

The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills located at 9850 Wilshire Blvd. For information, visit waldorfastoriabeverlyhills.com.

Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is located at 9850 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills, California. For more information or to make a reservation at the award-winning property, please visit Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills or call (310) 860-6666.