Golden hour in Beverly Hills. It’s the time of day when the light softens, the air feels magical, and everything seems Instagram-ready. We had high hopes when we booked a table at the Maybourne Terrace, located in the stunning Maybourne Beverly Hills Hotel, right in the heart of the city’s iconic Golden Triangle. Golden Hour here means 50% off the entire menu!
We imagined cocktails in hand, delicious food, our kids playing happily on the grassy garden, and a family evening we’d remember fondly. But as the night unfolded, it didn’t go quite as we expected.
This review shares the honest truth about dining at Maybourne Terrace during golden hour—what delighted us, what disappointed us, and whether this spot belongs on your family dining list.
First Impressions: A Promising Start
Walking into the Maybourne Hotel is an experience in itself. Polished marble floors, fresh floral arrangements, and attentive staff create an immediate sense of luxury.
When we stepped onto the Terrace, the first thing we noticed was the view. Golden hour sunlight bounced across the Beverly Hills skyline, while the hotel’s gardens offered a rare sense of openness in the middle of the city. Families and couples filled the tables, while children ran around on the grass.
At first glance, it felt like exactly what we had been hoping for—a beautiful, relaxed, family-friendly dining environment with an upscale twist.
Atmosphere & Setting
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Design: Chic, modern, with Mediterranean influences.
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Ambiance: Upscale but approachable. You won’t feel out of place with kids, though the vibe leans more toward couples and groups of friends.
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Golden Hour Charm: This is the main draw. The lighting is gorgeous for photos, and the Terrace almost glows and can’t forget 50% off the entire menu!
💡 Parent Tip: If you want to make the most of the ambiance, and the golden hour menu prices, dine at 5:00–6:00 p.m.
The Menu: Elevated but Inconsistent
The Terrace menu reflects modern California cuisine with Mediterranean inspiration. It’s elegant, creative, and visually beautiful. But did it taste as good as it looked? Here’s what we tried.
What We Ordered
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Cocktails: Perfectly balanced and creative. The golden hour spritz was a highlight.
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Starters: Burrata with heirloom tomatoes and a wood-fired flatbread—both excellent.
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Kids’ Choices: There is a kids’ menu, we asked for a simple pasta with butter and chicken tenters. Staff was flexible and helpful. They had a cute “whale ice cream” dessert that the kids really liked.
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Entrées: This is where things faltered. The fish was slightly overcooked, and while the presentation was impressive, flavors didn’t wow us.
The Verdict on Food
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Starters & Drinks: 👍 Delicious and worth the hype.
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Main Courses: 👎 Underwhelming for the price ($30–$50 each).
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Kids’ Meals: 👍 Staff accommodated, but limited options.
Service: Polite but Uneven
Our server was kind, attentive, and tried hard to make the evening pleasant. However:
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Dishes came out at different times, which is especially tough with kids.
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The pacing felt off—starters arrived quickly, then we waited too long for mains.
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Drinks were excellent, but refills (water, especially for the kids) lagged.
👉 Service wasn’t bad, but for a high-end Beverly Hills restaurant, we expected more polish.
Pricing & Value
Dining at Maybourne Terrace isn’t cheap:
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Starters: $18–$24
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Entrées: $30–$50
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Cocktails: $18+
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Family of Four: Around $180–$220 before tip
Was it worth it? For the views and golden hour atmosphere, yes. For the food alone, probably not.
Family Perspective: Hits & Misses
What Our Kids Loved
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Running on the grassy area while we sipped cocktails.
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The butter pasta (simple, but reliable).
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Watching the city view from the Terrace.
What Parents Appreciated
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Gorgeous setting and ambiance.
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Fantastic cocktails and burrata starter.
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Space for kids to move without feeling judged.
What Didn’t Work
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Entrées not memorable enough to justify the cost.
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Service pace felt misaligned with family dining needs.
Golden Hour Expectations vs. Reality
We had pictured golden hour as the highlight of the night, and in some ways, it was—the setting is breathtaking. But we also expected the food and service to match that beauty and cost, and that’s where the evening fell short.
It wasn’t a disaster—just not the flawless, memorable family evening we envisioned.
Best Times to Visit
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Golden Hour (5:00–6:00 p.m.)
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Weeknights: Less crowded than weekends.
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Special Occasions: Best for birthdays, anniversaries, or when the atmosphere matters most.
Pro Tips for Parents
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Request outdoor seating for kids to have room to move.
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Don’t expect a kids’ menu—ask staff for simple dishes.
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Arrive early to avoid long waits between courses.
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Order starters and cocktails—the strongest part of the menu.
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Bring a sweater—it can get chilly on the Terrace after sunset.
Comparison to Other LA Spots
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Benihana Encino: More entertaining for kids (hibachi chefs), less upscale.
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Katsuya Brentwood: Trendy sushi with surprising kid-friendliness.
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Terranea’s Nelson’s: Scenic coastal dining with more consistent food.
FAQs
Is Maybourne Terrace kid-friendly?
Yes—surprisingly so. Kids can play on the grass, and staff will accommodate them.
Is the food worth the price?
Mixed. Starters and cocktails are excellent, but mains can be underwhelming.
What’s the best time to go?
Golden hour (5:00–6:00 p.m.) for the light and atmosphere and their special pricing.
How much should a family expect to spend?
About $200+ for four, depending on drinks and entrées.
Would we go back?
Yes—for drinks, starters, and golden hour vibes. Probably not for a full dinner with the regular menu prices.
Final Verdict: A Beautiful Letdown
The Maybourne Terrace is a stunning setting for golden hour in Beverly Hills. The drinks and starters lived up to expectations, and the outdoor space made it family-friendly in a way we didn’t anticipate.
But the uneven service, and underwhelming entrées left us wishing the evening matched the magic of the setting.
👉 Our verdict: Maybe find another restaurant in Beverly Hills to go to. There are so many!
