Beauty and Essex Brings Posh East Coast Glamour to Hollywood

Fiona Chandra

Hollywood just got another glamorous dining spot. Beauty & Essex from the TAO Group just opened their third US location in Los Angeles, in a stunning 10,000 square foot space in the heart of Hollywood. The LA location, which follows the New York City and Las Vegas opening, is situated on North Cahuenga Boulevard as part of the Dream Hotel complex alongside TAO and Luchini Pizzeria & Bar, from the same restaurant group.

With TAO Group’s brand of nightlife and restaurant venues, ambiance takes center stage. Upon entering Beauty & Essex, guests will be wowed by the showcase collection of musical instruments and jewelry. This display sets the stage for the lounges and restaurants. The grand dining room features a 20-foot oval skylight and opulent faux antique decorations designed by the Rockwell Group. There’s a 26-seat private dining room for guests wishing for a more intimate experience. The stairs surround an imposing chandelier. Upstairs, smaller tables and a lounge area accompany the bar and DJ. As the weather warms, it is time to make use of the plentiful outdoor seating available. There is a courtyard on the ground floor and a patio on the second level.  

The menu features bites from chef Chris Santos, known for introducing experiential communal dining with The Stanton Social in 2005, followed by the first Beauty & Essex in New York City’s East Village in 2010. The Los Angeles menu will have many of the same dishes as the other locations, such as tuna poke wonton tacos, tomato tartare, oven braised chicken meatball, and fun and inventive snacks including the grilled cheese tomato soup dumplings. The cocktail menu also retains some signature drinks from the other locations, including a mezcal Old Fashioned.

With the striking interior and Santos’ celebrity chef status (Chopped), expect this new Hollywood restaurant to attract and be filled with A-list clients for a while. Beauty and Essex is open for dinner from 5-11 p.m. on Sunday-Wednesday, and from 5 p.m.-12 a.m. on Thursday-Saturday.

Beauty and Essex LA opens March 28. Reservations can be made here.